Practical information about Tunø

Tunø is located in the Kattegat, just off the east coast of Jutland, and can be reached by ferry from Hou Harbour, south of Odder. The crossing with the Tunø Ferry takes approximately one hour and is the only way to reach the island unless you are travelling by your own boat.

The ferry crossing between Hou and Tunø takes approximately 55 minutes. The journey time may vary slightly depending on the weather conditions.

No, Tunø is a car-free island, and private cars are therefore not permitted. This is part of the island’s unique charm and peaceful atmosphere. You can park your car in Hou and explore the island on foot or by bicycle instead.

The ferry to Tunø departs from Hou Harbour, located around 10 kilometres south of Odder. The harbour is easily accessible by car, bicycle and public transport.

You can read more about Hou on this page.

Please note: There are two harbours in Denmark called Hou Harbour. The other is located in North Jutland, so be sure to enter the correct destination in your GPS.

It is possible to buy your ticket on board the ferry, but we strongly recommend booking your ferry ticket in advance. During the summer holidays, on public holidays and at weekends, demand can be high and the ferry may reach full capacity.

Yes, you can bring your bicycle to Tunø. The island’s quiet roads and short distances make it an ideal place to explore on two wheels. When booking your ferry ticket, remember to add your bicycle to your reservation. There is a small additional charge for bringing a bicycle on board.

Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle at Tunø Harbour from Tunø Cykeludlejning.
 

There are public car parks at Hou Harbour where you can leave your car while visiting Tunø. Both short-term and long-term parking are available, and the ferry terminal is just a short walk away. At busy times, the car parks at Hou Harbour can fill up quickly, so we recommend checking the alternative parking options on this page.

Tunø has several places to eat, where you can enjoy everything from coffee and homemade cakes to lunch and dinner.

Mejeriet Tunø - open for both lunch and dinner
Røgeriet Tunø Havn - open for both lunch and dinner
Café Lille Ø - Tunø Købmandsgård - barista coffee, sandwiches, burgers and pizza
Stalden - Tunø Minigolf - light meals such as toasted sandwiches and French hot dogs
Tunø Det Gamle Posthus - nachos and tapas served in the garden of the island’s art gallery

Yes, Tunø has a village shop, Tunø Købmandsgård, where you can buy groceries and everyday essentials. The shop is a natural meeting place for both locals and visitors, offering everything you are likely to need during your stay.

Tunø is not an island with extensive shopping opportunities, and aside from the village shop, the options are limited. You can buy freshly harvested Tunø vegetables from the roadside stall in the village, while Tunø Det Gamle Posthus sells beer brewed by the owners at Stormgården. At Stalden Tunø Minigolf, you can also treat yourself to ice cream, sweets and other sweet treats.

Tunø is a seasonal destination, and if you visit during the summer months, you will have no trouble finding somewhere to eat on the island. If you visit during the winter season, however, restaurants and cafés may not be open. We therefore recommend checking opening times with the individual venues before you travel.

Tunø Købmandsgård is open all year round, where you can buy groceries and something to eat.

Yes, you can buy freshly baked breakfast bread at Tunø Købmandsgård. Every morning they bake bread rolls, croissants, white loaves and rye bread (bake-off/homemade bread). We recommend placing your order with the village shop in advance.

At Tunø Købmandsgård, you can buy a complete packed lunch in a cool bag to take with you as you explore the island’s beautiful countryside. The packed lunch includes a sandwich, fruit, a drink, and a fruit and nut bar.

Tunø offers a range of cosy accommodation options, including a seaside hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday homes and private rooms. Whether you are planning a weekend break or a longer holiday, you can enjoy the island’s unique atmosphere while staying close to nature, the beach and the village.

Mejeriet Tunø

Blåkærgård

Tunø Teltplads

Yes, you can rent a holiday home on Tunø, but the island is small, with only around 130 holiday homes, and many of them are privately owned and not available for rent. If you book well in advance, however, it is possible to find a holiday home on the island. You can browse available properties through Tunø Feriehusudlejning. 

Yes, Tunø has two small hotels, each with its own relaxed atmosphere.

Mejeriet Tunø is located close to the harbour and offers bright, modern seaside hotel rooms.

Blåkærgård is a former farmhouse converted into a hotel with comfortable double rooms.

Tunø is easy to experience on a day trip, but staying for one or two nights gives you the chance to enjoy the island at a more relaxed pace. You will have time to walk or cycle around the island, enjoy the beaches, visit the local cafés and restaurants, watch the sunset, and experience the island’s unique atmosphere after the last ferry of the day has taken the day visitors back to the mainland.

Yes, if you are planning to visit Tunø during the summer holidays, on public holidays or at weekends, it is a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. The island has a limited number of places to stay, and the most popular options are often fully booked quickly.

Yes, dogs are welcome at selected accommodation on Tunø.

At Mejeriet Tunø, you are welcome to bring your dog, provided it does not bark, whine or otherwise disturb other guests during your stay.

Dogs are also allowed in the cabins at Tunø Campsite.

Tunø has several beautiful beaches where you can swim, relax or simply enjoy the views across the Kattegat. Around the island’s coastline, you will find sandy beaches, pebble beaches and peaceful stretches of shore, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip or a relaxing walk by the sea.

One of the island’s best beaches is located just north of the marina, close to many of Tunø’s attractions and facilities. If you are looking for a quieter spot, head to the North Beach on the island’s northern coastline, where it is easy to find a peaceful place to relax in the sun.

You can read more about the island’s beaches on this page.

Tunø is known for its beautiful and varied coastal landscapes. Walk along the cliffs on the island’s southern and northern shores, take in the open fields and sweeping views across the Kattegat, or follow the footpaths around the island, where you will discover salt marshes, coastline and hidden natural gems. Thanks to the island’s compact size, it is easy to experience several different landscapes in a single day.

Sønderklint

On the island’s southern coast, you will find the 23-metre-high Sønderklint. From the grassy path along the top of the cliff, you can enjoy spectacular views across the Kattegat.

Nørreklint

On the western part of the northern coastline lies Nørreklint, a 17-metre-high cliff which, like Sønderklint, offers wonderful sea views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Stenkalven

Stenkalven, the westernmost point of Tunø, is home to some of the island’s most dramatic and rugged coastal scenery. This is where the currents of the Kattegat meet, creating powerful and unpredictable conditions. For this reason, swimming is not permitted at Stenkalven.

Revet

At the island’s easternmost point, Revet stretches out into the sea, offering panoramic views of the water in almost every direction. From here, you are also close to the neighbouring island of Samsø, with clear views of its distinctive rolling north-western coastline.

The forest (Mosen)

In the central part of Tunø’s northern side, you will find the island’s only forest, known locally as Mosen. Nestled in a hollow between the island’s two ridges, the forest is dominated by willow, birch and alder trees that thrive in the damp soil. Footpaths wind through the woodland, offering a very different nature experience from anywhere else on the island.

Yes, around 90% of Tunø is protected, including almost all of the island’s natural landscapes. The island is home to salt marshes, cliffs and coastal scenery of great importance to plants, birds and other wildlife. As a visitor, you are encouraged to respect the natural environment by keeping to the footpaths, taking your litter home with you, and following local signs and guidance.

Tunø is also part of Nature Park Svanegrund, Denmark’s largest nature park. The park encompasses Horsens Fjord and the East Jutland Archipelago and works to protect and promote the area’s unique natural and cultural heritage. A visit to Tunø is therefore also an opportunity to experience exceptional coastal landscapes, rich birdlife and fascinating natural surroundings.

As you explore Tunø, you are likely to spot roe deer, brown hares, pheasants and grey partridges, all of which are found on the island in healthy numbers.

Keep an eye out for the rare European green toad, which in Denmark is found only on Tunø and a handful of other islands.

Among bird species, Tunø is best known for its population of black guillemots, which nest in burrows in the cliffs at Nørreklint. In some years, as many as 70 breeding pairs have been recorded. To protect the birds during the breeding season, access below Nørreklint is prohibited from April until mid-July.

From Sønderklint, you also have a good chance of spotting harbour porpoises out at sea.

Tunø is a wonderful destination all year round, but most visitors come between spring and late summer. Spring brings blooming landscapes and abundant birdlife, summer is perfect for days at the beach, cycling and relaxing visits to the island’s cafés, while autumn offers peace and quiet, crystal-clear views and beautiful colours along the coastline.

Yes, dogs are welcome on Tunø. Please respect the island’s nature, wildlife, residents and other visitors, and always keep your dog on a lead. You can also bring your dog on the Tunø Ferry. Simply remember to book a ticket for your dog. There is a small additional charge.

Tunø is best known for its car-free island atmosphere, its charming village and its unique church with a lighthouse, the only one of its kind in Denmark. The island also offers beautiful coastal scenery, excellent beaches, local arts and crafts, and a peaceful pace of life that makes it a popular destination for day trips.

Although Tunø is a small island, there is plenty to see and do. Visit the historic church with its lighthouse, walk or cycle around the island, explore the dramatic cliffs, relax on the beaches and discover the work of the island’s local artisans. Along the way, you will experience the unique island atmosphere that makes Tunø so special.

You can find more things to see and do on Tunø on this page.

Tunø is a safe and family-friendly island to explore with children. They can swim at the island’s beaches, play at the harbour playground, catch crabs from the pier, explore the coastline or discover the village’s many charming little details.

Families can also enjoy a game of mini golf at Stalden Tunø Minigolf or take a pony trekking trip around the island.

Children can also explore Tunø on a free treasure hunt and earn a medal as a fun souvenir and lasting reminder of their visit.

Yes, Tunø has one waymarked hiking trail. The route follows the coastline all the way around the island. The circular walk is 8 kilometres long, and for much of the journey you will be walking along the top of the island’s high cliffs, enjoying beautiful sea views. The trail is mainly a natural footpath with grass, gravel and sand underfoot.

You can easily explore Tunø by bike using the island’s network of quiet roads and lanes. There is no dedicated cycling route or cycle paths, but because the island is car-free, it is a safe place to get around by bike – even for children. It is not possible to cycle along the coastline, so many visitors choose to cycle inland and combine it with a walk around the island’s coastal trail.

You can hire a bike from Tunø Bike Rental at the harbour.

Tunø Church is best known for its lighthouse, which also serves as the church tower. This unique combination of church and lighthouse is the only one of its kind in Denmark and has guided ships safely through the Kattegat since 1801. The church is both a historic landmark and one of Tunø’s most iconic buildings.

No, there is no public transport on the car-free island. The closest thing is a tractor taxi. These so-called "traxas" are operated by local farmers and can take you from one place to another on the island.
You can read more about the tractor taxis on this page.

Yes. Tunø Bike Rental is located at the harbour, just a short walk from the ferry landing. The self-service bike hire offers men's bikes, women's bikes, children's bikes, bikes with child seats, bike trailers, family bikes and mobility scooters.

You can hire a bike for one day, one week or two weeks.

Yes, there are several public toilets on Tunø, so you are never far from the nearest facilities.

The harbour
Tunø Hovedgade (in the village)
Tunø Teltplads (campsite)
Stenkalven (the island’s westernmost point)
The campsite by Tunø North Beach

Yes, Tunø is an ideal destination for a day trip. You will have time to explore the charming village, visit the church with its lighthouse, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and walk or cycle around the island. If you have more time, we recommend staying overnight, as this gives you the chance to experience Tunø’s peaceful atmosphere after the day visitors have left on the ferry. Tunø is best experienced at island pace, where there is no need to keep an eye on the clock.

Tunø is partly accessible for wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. The ferry to the island is accessible, and the main areas around the harbour and the village can generally be visited without major difficulties. The roads in the village and around the harbour are surfaced with asphalt, while the roads further out on the island are gravel. There are no pavements on the island, as there is no car traffic.

The circular route around the island follows grass paths, beaches and gravel tracks, making it difficult for people with limited mobility, wheelchair users and those with prams or pushchairs. However, it is easy to get around the village itself and enjoy everything it has to offer.