Island of Anholt Becomes Fourth International Dark Sky Park in Denmark
Anholt, Denmark
The Danish island of Anholt, located in the Kattegat Strait between Denmark and Sweden, has been officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This designation recognizes Anholt’s exceptional commitment to preserving the island’s naturally dark skies through education, community collaboration, and responsible lighting practices.
The certification follows years of grassroots advocacy to raise awareness about the impacts of light pollution and the importance of natural nighttime darkness. Anholt now joins three other certified Dark Sky Places in Denmark and stands as a showcase for how small communities can lead the way in environmental protection.
“We’re so pleased, and proud, to have worked to get Denmark yet another place where people can re-orient themselves as inhabitants in this infinite universe and re-acquaint themselves with the darkness,” said Anne Dixgaard, Chairwoman of Dark Sky Anholt. “Anholt is ready to re-enchant visitors. May Anholt become a showcase for beautiful, dark-friendly lighting, and an inspiration for others fighting light pollution.”
Spanning just 22.37 square kilometers, Anholt is known for its remote location, rare flora, and striking natural landscapes. Easily recognizable from the air thanks to its distinctive “dove” shape, the island is made up of a western ridge rising to 48 meters above sea level, where the village, harbor, and summer cottages are located. The eastern 85% of the island is a protected nature preserve known as “The Desert,” a striking expanse of dunes, moraine mounds, and juniper-covered hills.
This preserved area is home to a rich array of plant, insect, bird, and bat species. Anholt is also a vital stopover point for migratory birds and sea mammals, with up to 1,000 seals—primarily harbor seals—residing near the eastern tip.
The island’s history is equally rich, with archaeological finds from the Early Stone Age through the Viking Age, revealing millennia of human use as a hunting ground and waystation. More than 300 shipwrecks have been documented around the island, and Anholt’s first rescue facility was established in 1878. Today, the harbor remains an active, modern rescue station and a favorite destination for sailors who are drawn by the island’s tranquility and breathtaking starry skies.
One of the most significant assets of Anholt’s application was the total absence of lighting in the protected Desert area, paired with extensive efforts to reduce light pollution elsewhere. The Municipality of Norddjurs replaced all public lighting with Dark Sky-compliant fixtures, and local residents and property owners have actively participated in the effort by registering their outdoor lighting and eliminating unnecessary fixtures altogether.
“Dark Sky Anholt sends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the project and joined our walks and outings under open skies,” said Dixgaard. “We’re proud to contribute to more night-sky darkness becoming protected—for the benefit of Anholt’s rich biodiversity, and the divinely dark sleep of both residents and guests.”
Dan Oakley, a representative from DarkSky International, guided the application to completion. “The commitment shown by the local community was inspiring,” said Oakley. “Their engagement with private companies and public institutions to reduce light pollution demonstrates what’s possible when people work together to protect the night.”
Following certification, Dark Sky Anholt and the Municipality of Norddjurs will continue working with islanders and visitors to achieve three key goals: to protect biodiversity by maintaining low light levels and preserving the natural rhythms of the island’s flora and fauna—particularly in the harbor and built areas; to promote public awareness by hosting dark sky events, installing educational signage, and encouraging responsible lighting practices; and to strengthen astrotourism by drawing visitors to Anholt during the darker months, helping support the island’s year-round population of 123 residents.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program:
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. International Dark Sky Park Anholt now joins more than 240 certified Places that have demonstrated strong community support for protecting the night sky. Learn more: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places
About DarkSky International:
The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Contacts:
Municipality of Norddjurs
Jesper Stubsgaard Holst
+45 2261 7824
[email protected] | [email protected]
Dark Sky Anholt (mainland)
Anne Dixgaard, Chairwoman
+45 4010 0322
[email protected]
Dark Sky Anholt (island-based)
Morten Abildstrøm, Vice-Chair
+45 2128 9879
[email protected]
DarkSky International
Amber Harrison, Dark Sky Places Program Manager
+1 (520) 347-6363
[email protected]
