Tonder Travel Guide

Getting There

By Train -- The train depot lies on the west side of Tønder, less than a kilometer (1/2 mile) from Torvet (the market square) and reached by going along Vestergade. Monday to Friday, trains arrive every hour during the day from Ribe (trip time: 50 min.) and Esbjerg (trip time: 1 1/2 hr.). There's less frequent service on Saturday and Sunday.

By Car -- From Kolding, take Route 25 southwest to the junction with Route 11, which will carry you for the final lap to the turnoff for Tønder, reached along Route 419 heading west.

Visitor Information

The Tønder Turistbureau, Torvet 1 (tel. 74-72-12-20; www.visittonder.dk), is open June 15 to August Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to noon. Otherwise, hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to noon.

Getting Around

By Bicycle -- Tønder Campingplads, Holmevej 2A (tel. 74-72-18-49), rents bikes and, mid-May to mid-August, water bikes from 60DKK ($10/£5.40) a day. Bicycling maps are available at the tourist office.

Special Events

Beginning rather modestly in 1975, the Tønder Festivalen, Vestergade 80 (tel. 74-72-46-10), held every year August 25 to 29, has turned into an international musical event. The Tønder Festival, covering a wide range of music styles, presents musicians from all over the world playing blues, bluegrass, Cajun, zydeco, jazz, gospel, and traditional Irish, Scottish, English, and American folk music. Names as well as unknowns play their instruments in the streets, squares, pubs, and on seven official stages. More than 25,000 visitors flock to Tønder annually for this event. Tickets cost 110DKK to 220DKK ($19-$37/£9.90-£20).