Located just a stone’s throw from Denmark’s border with Germany, Tønder is a former Hanseatic League town clustered with 17th and 18th-century buildings. It has long been a popular place for Europeans to elope with non-Europeans due to Denmark’s liberal marriage laws and it hosts an annual festival featuring traditional and modern folk music.
Things to do in Tønder
During World War I, the Germans established an important airship base in Tønder and this history is documented at the Zeppelin and Garrison Museum. While browsing the old photographs, military artefacts and documents on display, you can learn about the base’s bombing by English aircraft in 1918 and Tønder's role as a garrison town. Vintage army tanks and missiles are on display on the museum grounds.
Another museum not to miss is the Kunstmuseet i Tønder, which showcases northern European art from the early 1900s to the modern day. Changing exhibitions featuring Danish and Nordic artists regularly take place, while both well-known masters and emerging artists are highlighted. Occupying the museum’s water tower is an impressive display of South Jutland furniture by designer Hans J. Wegner.
In the nearby town of Møgeltønder is Schackenborg Castle, a whitewashed Baroque residence originally built by Hans Schack in the 17th century. In recent years, its south wing has been home to Prince Joachim of Denmark, while classical music concerts and events are held in its gorgeous grounds. During your visit, be sure to check if the royal flag is flying, indicating a royal visit.
Getting around Tønder
Tønder is around 45 minutes’ drive from Flensburg and just over an hour from Esbjerg Airport, which has regular flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Copenhagen Airport is 3.5 hours away. Trains connect to the Tønder railway station and buses travel throughout the town.