Lighthouse Rubjerg Knude

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse is one of the most interesting sights of Northern Jutland and Denmark. It is interesting primarily because the lighthouse disappears.


That's how it looked a few decades ago.


And here is the situation in 2018.


Hard to believe that the sand could destroy 4 buildings that stood near the lighthouse. A huge dune has formed around and continue to grow.


The lighthouse was built in 1899. At that time there was very little sand and it did not pose a particular threat. But from 1910 to 1920 the wind began to carry the sand more and more. Trees and shrubs were planted around the lighthouse for protection. But in the 1950s it became clear that it was a big mistake, since vegetation made the dune even larger.


In 1968 the dune grew so much that it blocked the light of the lighthouse and it was closed. A museum dedicated to the struggle of man with the sand was opened on site in 1980. Ironically, the museum lost the fight and was closed in 2002. And in 2009 all the houses disappeared under a layer of sand.


In 2015 the Danish government and the non-profit organization Realdania Foundation cleared the area, built a parking lot and made some repairs inside the lighthouse. So now it may seem that the situation is rather stable. But this is not true, as according to scientists the sea is approaching the lighthouse at a speed of 5 meters per year. When it gets close enough access to the dune will be closed until the lighthouse falls completely.

From the parking lot to the dune there is a path 1.5 km long. Look around and find the hares in the bushes.


There is a very strong wind near the lighthouse, which constantly brings sand. If you have glasses that completely cover your eyes, take them. And try to protect the large photographic equipment.


We planned to see the lighthouse both at sunset and in the morning, so we spent the night in the nearest Hotel Kirkedal (booking.com). If you travel by car be sure to stay there. Good place to spend the night before the ferry to Norway. The hotel has a fridge, the nearest supermarket located here N 57 28.317 E 9 47.844.

Getting there: parking N 57 27.079 E 9 47.703, then 1.5 km on foot. The nearest bus stop is Det blå hjørne (Strandvejen / Lønstrup), then 3.3 km on foot. Find here schedule of public transport.