Østerby: Earthwork, Pirate Legend and Marshland

Østerby brings local history together with a landscape whose development can be observed. Borrebjerg, a medieval earthwork, lies on the marsh plain; a legend tells of a pirate fortress at this site. North of Østerby, the Østerhedefredningen draws attention to the formation of the marshland along the Wadden Sea. The Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88 is also among the town’s cultural attractions. These connections offer different ways to shape your stay—from historical context and stories to observing nature.

Borrebjerg: Earthwork and Legend

Borrebjerg is a medieval earthwork on the marsh plain near Østerby. The term “earthwork” draws attention to a structure made of earth; “medieval” places it in time, while its location connects it to the landscape. This site thus brings together a specific historical context and the character of the marsh plain. Borrebjerg lies on private land grazed by livestock. Please confirm access before visiting.

According to legend, a pirate fortress once stood on Borrebjerg. From there, pirates attacked ships bound for Ribe. This tradition gives the site a different perspective from its classification as a medieval earthwork: the legend tells of a fortress and attacks, but should not be taken as a verified account of events. If you are travelling with children, you can use this distinction as a conversation starter: What is the historical classification, and what belongs to the legend? This makes clear that the pirate story is a legend.

Museum and Different Historical Periods

In 2023, the Rømø Redningsmuseum RRB-88 in Østerby got its own museum. A medieval earthwork and a museum with a more recent historical connection can therefore be found side by side. The two cultural attractions differ not only in that one is associated with a legend: Borrebjerg is dated to the Middle Ages, while the Rømø Redningsmuseum’s own museum was added in 2023. If you are planning a museum visit, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Marshland North of Østerby

The Østerhedefredningen lies north of Østerby, bordering the Wadden Sea. Here, you can observe how the marshland forms. The development of the landscape is itself a subject for nature observation. This offers a different perspective from Borrebjerg: there, the focus is on a single earthwork, its historical context and the stories associated with it; in the Østerhedefredningen, the focus is on a process that shapes the marshland. Those wishing to combine nature and local history during the same stay will find two distinct areas of interest here.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

When choosing a holiday rental in Østerby, it helps to consider which of these perspectives you would like to focus on: local history and storytelling traditions, or observing the formation of the marshland.

Discover more destinations: Emmerlev, Tønder, Sønderby, Toftlund, Sønder Sejerslev, Agerskov, Rudbøl, Højer

View the broader travel guide: Tønder Municipality.