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Klitmøller

Today, Klitmøller is widely known for its particularly good surfing conditions. From the coast you can watch surfers ride the wild waves.

The Thy metropolis

Klitmøller is named after the water mills that once stood along the river. The mills processed grain which was shipped to Norway together with meat, butter, wool and cloth. From the 1500s/1600s to the early 1800s there was extensive shipping trade with Norway from Klitmøller and other locations along the west coast of Jutland. The cargo was shipped in so-called sand boats which were flat-bottomed wooden ships. The boats were built to sail right up to the beach and could be pulled onto the sand.

From Norway the sand boats could bring back timber and iron, which were in short supply in Thy, and more luxurious goods were also brought back to Thy. It is told that some of the residents of Klitmøller wore beautiful garments of silk and lace. There were fashionable bear-skin muffs, silk scarves and even wigs. At that time, these things were not exactly everyday goods in Thy, but because of the shipping trade, Klitmøller was a wealthy community, even more important than the market town of Thisted in terms of economy and trade.

Fishing

The shipping trade came to an end, primarily due to a natural disaster. In November 1825 the North Sea broke through the Agger isthmus and made it possible to sail from the North Sea into the Limfjord. As it was easier to call at a harbour in relatively calm waters than berthing on the fickle west coast, the shipping activity was moved to Thisted, and the trade from the west coast ebbed away.

As the shipping trade ended, fishing became increasingly important for the inhabitants of Klitmøller. Fishing boats were pulled up onto the beach east of Ørhage, and the catch was processed in the houses on the landing area. When the Port of Hanstholm was opened in 1967, most of the fishing activity moved there. However, many hobby fishermen still sail from Klitmøller. At the landing area, the characteristic tool sheds bear witness to the coastal fishing days, and on the beach you can go on board the old fishing cutter; 'Bellis'.

Surfing in Cold Hawaii

Today the beach and the landing area are mainly used by surfers. Good wind and current conditions mean the place has been named »Cold Hawaii«, and the town is visited by surfers from around the world. The atmosphere in Klitmøller is therefore a characteristic mixture of local residents and overseas visitors; just like in the heyday of the shipping trade.

New architecture has also left its mark on the landing area in Klitmøller, and the locals have sought to emphasise the area's unique potential for an active coastal life with funding from the Realdania organisation. In spring 2012, a promenade was established and the Hummerhus (Lobster House) was opened. The house has facilities for windsurfers and biologists, and the promenade, named »Foreningsvejen«, provides access for wheelchairs and prams, and connects the coast and town.

Klitmøller surrounded by nature

From Klitmøller, Hanstholm Nature Reserve stretches 10 km north. Note that there is unrestricted access to the part of the reserve located between the road Kystvejen and the sea.

South of Klitmøller is the military firing range, which has not been used by the Danish armed forces since 2014. This is a lovely natural area with plantations, dune heaths and dunes, and bicycle and hiking routes have been marked out.S