A Danish campsite by a migrating sand dune!
The Meek Family
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We've reached the north of Denmark! Our campsite, Rabjerg Mile Camping (a member of the Elite Camping sites and in the Camping Cheque brochure) is in the most northern region of Denmark; it is a peninsular covered in woodland and edged in sand dunes and beaches.
The site entrance, marked with flagpoles, is the main hub for facilities: there is a reception, cafe that serves food and drinks in the evening and a shop selling a small selection of food and general camping items. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and of course speak excellent English.
On arrival you are presented with a card, which acts as a kind of credit card. It can be used to enter the site through the barrier but must also be swiped to use a shower, washing machine and entrance to the swimming pool. Once used a cost is added to your final bill. I'm not sure how much showers are since we used the ones at the swimming pool but the washing machines and driers cost 35K (approximately £4). Entrance to the swimming pool is free for those staying on the site.
There are two swimming pools in the main area: one outdoor pool and one indoor pool, both with slides. The indoor pool also has a very nice sauna and hot tub (which we took advantage of); these overlook the pool below and are a relaxing way to keep an eye on the kids while they swim. Other facilities nearby include a toilet block, TV room where wifi is free to use (although during our stay the whole site had free wifi) and a large playground. The equipment includes two giant jump pillows, a hamster wheel and a selection of climbing equipment all set in sand. Ella described the playground as "one of the best" campsite playgrounds that she's been on!
Whilst there are a few pitches near the main entrance area the road continues about 100m into the site, passing some attractive looking large chalets behind a row of trees to an area dedicated to pitches. This area is organised in a circular pattern (clearly visible on the site map) with a toilet block in the centre. Pitches are grouped in small sectioned off areas and many individual pitches, ours included was bordered by high bushes.
The nearby toilet block has a male and females toilets and showers as well a few family room and a toddler / baby washroom. This is also where the washing machines are housed. There is also a kitchen area with hobs, sinks, microwaves and ovens. Outdoors, there are some picnic benches and a small area to BBQ food. I love the cooking areas in the Danish campsites - they are usually a hub of activity as many people staying on the site use them and there is friendly sociable atmosphere in them.
The site Rabjerg Mile Camping gets its name from the nearby sand dune also called Rabjerg Mile. A quick google check informs you that this impressive sand dune, 1 km2 and a height of 40m above sea level is a unique and intriguing phenomenen. The 300 year old dune, which is inland, is gradually migrating north east at a rate of 18m a year! It is the largest in northern Europe and unlike other sand dunes in the area, which have been stabilised by planting, has been left to move, becoming a popular tourist attraction. Rabjerg Mile is a couple of miles from the site is within easy walking distance but there is a car park there for those in vehicles. We walked there the afternoon that we arrived. Unfortunately, it was overcast and raining so we probably didn't see it at its best but it was still quite breath-taking.
On our second full day in the area we drove north, to the most northern tip of Denmark in fact. After parking up along with many other tourists, we followed the steady pilgrimage up the beautiful sandy beach to the tip where you can actually stand in the water, one foot in the North Sea and the other in the Baltic! The meeting of these two seas is not surprising choppy and an exciting spectacle to witness. If visiting this part of Denmark, then we'd definitely recommend a visit here.
We then stopped off in Skagen, the most northern town, on our return back to site for some yummy Danish pastries (got to be done!) and ice-cream. Skagen has a relaxed welcoming feel and whilst there are many visitors there to admire the art work in the museums it does not feel overly touristy. It is a pretty town with streets lined with yellow painted cottages.
Our trip to through Denmark has been short with only two quick stop-overs but we will be back and are looking forward to exploring a couple more areas of Denmark. Just got Sweden and Norway to fit in first!
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