Island of Anholt

About

The small island of Anholt (22.37 sq km) is located in the Kattegat Strait, halfway between the Danish and Swedish mainlands. Most of the island, along with a sizeable marine area to the north, is a designated nature preserve. Anholt features dune landscapes, hills, wide white-sand beaches, and a stunning variety of flora and fauna, including several rare species.

The Dark Sky Anholt association (DSA) has been gathering sky-quality data since 2019, with a second measuring station installed in 2023. In addition to scientific data, several years of astrophotography further document the island’s excellent dark sky quality.

In collaboration with local islanders, DSA and the Municipality of Norddjurs reached a key milestone by replacing all public streetlights in the island’s only village—combining aesthetic appeal with dark-sky specifications. Anholt Harbor holds a special “safe harbor” designation, which requires certain lighting for safety. However, constructive dialogue has led to reduced light pollution in the harbor area, with further reductions planned.

DSA’s outreach efforts include a variety of dark sky events and educational activities for children and young people. These efforts extend beyond the island community to reach residents on the mainland, including primary and secondary schools. Some schools organize field trips to Anholt for introductory astronomy lessons and night-sky observation.

Making it possible for Danes to visit another International Dark Sky Park—Denmark’s fourth—is truly meaningful. In this fast-paced era of digital distractions and stressful lifestyles, natural areas like Dark Sky Park Anholt offer a rare opportunity for reflection and immersion.

Most visitors travel to Anholt by ferry from Grenaa in Jutland—a journey of approximately three hours—and typically stay at least one night, as a round-trip in a single day is not feasible. Several accommodation options are available, but reservations are essential, especially in summer. The island also has a small grass airstrip offering seasonal flight service to and from Copenhagen.

Artificial lighting is limited to the eastern part of the island, including the harbor, summer cottages, and village. For the best dark sky experiences, DSA recommends the protected, low-lying western portion of the island, known as the Desert, which features several walking trails.

The privately owned protected area—comprising the majority of the island—is generally open to the public. However, if a large group intends to visit a protected area at night, advance notice must be provided to the nature protection authority via the Municipality of Norddjurs.

Area

22.37 Sq. Km

Designated

2025

Category

International Dark Sky Park

Address

Anholt Island, Norddjurs Municipality,
Kattegat, Denmark
Google Maps

Contact

Dark Sky Anholt association (mainland-based), 
Anne Dixgaard, Chairwoman, 
+45 4010 0322 

Dark Sky Anholt association (Anholt-based), 
Morten Abildstrøm, Vice-Chair, 
+45 2128 9879,

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports