Kongsmark: Island Railway History and Nature

Kongsmark offers two distinctive perspectives on Rømø: the unusual history of the Rømø Railway and a natural area with pine trees and walking trails. There is also a listed building and the location beside the Natura 2000 area of the Wadden Sea. If you are looking for a holiday home, these different themes can help you decide whether Kongsmark suits the interests of your travel group.

The Rømø Railway: a railway pulled by horses

The historic Rømø Railway was a 3.81-kilometre tourist railway between the ferry pier in Kongsmark and the seaside hotel in Lakolk. It began at Kongsmark Færgebro and ran across Rømø to the large dune areas on the west coast. The fact that horses pulled the railway reflects the conditions there: the sand beneath the tracks could not support the weight of a locomotive.

Kongsmark Færgebro station was also located at the ferry landing in Kongsmark. The railway line and the ferry belong to different parts of the town’s history, but both show the role that connections played for Kongsmark. Because of the ferry connection to Ballum, the town was Rømø’s main settlement until 1948. You should distinguish this historical context from today’s transport services.

Another historical site is Kongsmark gamle Skole. The building is listed and covered by a registered preservation declaration. Together with the Rømø Railway, it offers another way to explore the town’s history: here, a preserved building; there, a former railway connection with an unusual form of traction. Those interested in culture and the past will find more than just one historical point of interest.

Pine trees, walking trails and the Wadden Sea

The Kongsmark holiday-home area lies in the eastern part of Rømø, about four kilometres south of the causeway. It is situated in a natural area with pine trees, criss-crossed by several walking trails. This gives you a specific point of reference when choosing a location if you enjoy spending time outdoors. The trails and the railway history offer different experiences: nature and activity on one hand, and the development of earlier transport connections on the other.

Kongsmark also borders Natura 2000 area No. 89, the Wadden Sea. This area includes habitat area H78 and bird protection area F57. A protection decision from 2017 gives the total area of the relevant land as approximately 20 hectares. Parcels 460 and 464 are in a protected area and are registered as protected heathland under Section 3 of the Danish Nature Protection Act. For specific plans, it is advisable to check current registers.

Guidance for choosing your holiday home

Transport connections may also factor into your plans. Bus route 285 runs between Skærbæk on the mainland and Havneby on Rømø; most buses stop in Kongsmark. Check the current timetable before travelling, as routes and service frequencies may change.

Bicycles can be rented from Rømø Cykler in Kongsmark. If you would like to get around by bike, check the current rental details in advance. Together with the walking trails, this gives you different ways to explore the area; which one suits your trip depends on whether you plan to travel mainly on foot, by bike or by bus.

To decide between Kongsmark and another holiday destination on Rømø, you can weigh up your group’s interests: the pine trees and walking trails appeal to travellers who want to include nature and outdoor activities; the Rømø Railway and the old school give the town a clear historical connection. A holiday home in Kongsmark can serve as a base for a stay whose focus you choose yourself.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rømø Kirkeby, Rømø, Toftum, Havneby, Bolilmark, Lakolk.

Back to the main travel overview: Rømø.