Nyord

Nyord is a small island connected to Mon by a bridge since 1968, and before that it was isolated enough that its village was left largely alone: a compact settlement of low houses in a ring, with a shared common outside it that was farmed collectively into the twentieth century, one of the last places in Denmark where that system survived. The church, built in 1846, is octagonal, plain and whitewashed, with a wooden interior. The islanders were pilots for centuries, guiding ships through the sound, and the pilot lookout still stands. Around the village, the salt meadows and shallows of Ulvshale and Nyord are internationally important for breeding and migrating waders and wildfowl, with hides and marked paths.

History

The islanders traditionally lived self-sufficiently from farming, fishing and piloting. Nyord belonged to the crown until 1769, when crown lands were sold off and the islanders bought their own island for 3903 rigsdaler. The waters around it are treacherous enough that piloting gave a living, and between 1748 and 1879 it was enshrined in law as both the right and the duty of the islanders; after 1879 the pilots were employed by the state, which built pilots' houses and a lookout, and piloting ended in 1966. A narrow bridge from Møn, built in 1968, replaced the post boat that had served since 1902, alongside which cattle and horses had to swim. The village keeps its original layout of thatched cottages and farmhouses, with a church, a museum and a small harbour, and the marshland crossed by the bridge is one of Denmark's most important habitats for geese, ducks and waders (Wikipedia, Nyord).

Highlights

• An unaltered village - low houses in a ring around a shared common.
• The octagonal church - whitewashed and plain, from 1846.
• The pilot lookout - the tower used to watch for ships needing guidance.
• Salt meadow bird reserve - internationally important for waders and wildfowl.

When to go

April to October, with spring and autumn best for birds. Half a day. The village is tiny and walkable in half an hour, so the meadows and hides fill the rest. Summer weekends bring day visitors from Mon.

Before you go

It is very small and there is little to do beyond walking and birdwatching. The village is residential and cars are discouraged; park at the edge and walk. Facilities amount to one cafe with limited season. Mosquitoes on the meadows in summer.

Nearby

Mon and Stege are across the bridge; Mons Klint lies east.