Cold Hawaii is the area in Thy National Park between Hanstholm in the north and Vorupør in the south, where one great spot follows the next. Klitmøller is the centre and origin of the "Cold Hawaii" myth - once coined by windsurfing legend Josh Stone, who came to Denmark for the first soulwave contest and was thrilled by the waves: "It's like Cold Hawaii!". Today, the nickname is ubiquitous and the area attracts more holidaymakers every year, but has largely retained its charm.
This is also due to the fact that the surfers set the tone: The most beautiful spot in the village is not a swanky tourist block, but the home of the local surf club. Fishing huts and surf shops instead of faceless rows of shops are located in the front row by the water. There are co-working spaces in the village, local fashion labels such as Klitmøller Rigwear and Klitmøller Collective and many small restaurants that preserve the charm from over-tourism.
Windsurfers, wingfoilers, surfers and kiters flock to Klitmøller when the forecast is good and the days are free, and you will always meet familiar faces on the beach and at the campsite. In addition to many holiday homes, Camping Nystrup on the south-western edge of the village is the meeting point for most water sports enthusiasts.
Surf spots in Klitmøller
Bunkers
A road leads from the Nystrup campsite to the car park at the spot, where there is a small toilet block. After a short trudge over the dunes, you can look out over the spot from the eponymous bunkers: Typical North Sea conditions in the centre with some choppy shore breaks, then a point break on a small headland a little to the north. The waves are somewhat organised there, and in good conditions this is often a less crowded alternative to the main spots in the bay. If there is a lot of wind, it can also get choppy. The best wind directions are SSW and NNE, which is the best way to get over the shore break.
When there is less wind, Bunkers is also an option for a freeride or surfing session from the campsite. Children can let off steam on the bunkers or boulder in the hollows in the concrete, and there is always a secluded spot at sunset.
Shell reef
The main spot of Klitmøller and birthplace of the "Cold Hawaii" myth. One of the few bays on Denmark's North Sea coast, underwater the limestone reef of the headland extends much further into the sea and is covered with sharp shells. This reef catches the largest waves from the open North Sea, organises them and provides fine sideshore conditions and great ramps for jumping in all southerly wind directions. In the bay itself, the waves are much more moderate - local fishermen have been taking advantage of this for centuries and can land their boats behind the reef relatively easily from the deep water with the winch. The water is very steep, often you can't stand up after just three steps - a bit of shorebreak is possible here. In addition, there is less wind cover in southerly directions, so the first and last few metres can be a little wobbly.
North-west and north also work well, but then the waves are less clean. The striking NASA building (not the one with the spaceships, but the local surf club "North Atlantic Surf Association") is located directly at the spot, there are toilets and a fine, mostly wind-protected spot for rigging up. There are also car parking spaces, but these can be in short supply, especially on good weekends. The beach is littered with stones from the limestone reef and is not for delicate feet. The more wind, the more violent the waves and the current at the headland, and if you fall in an unsuitable spot, you could end up in the washing machine. However, due to the wide bay, you will almost always wash up somewhere north of the village, and then just have to put up with the "walk of shame".
Point Perfect
A little further into the bay is a small pier made of stones and concrete, which organises the waves once again. Here, directly opposite the surf shop and surf school, surfers can be found at almost any time of year. This spot is relatively sheltered from the wind, especially when the wind blows from the south. Even if the good, somewhat more compact waves are tempting, windsurfers should only go there when it is very empty. The car park is also often full in the summer months, but there is much more fluctuation than towards the NASA house, so sooner or later you will find a space. Here, just a few steps away from the other spots, the snack bar and røgeri offer everything that Danish cuisine has to offer, from soft ice cream to hot dogs and smoked fish. In addition to the "Surf Pro" shop, there are other shops and schools a little further on in the village.
Tolderstien/Klitrosen
If it's too busy at the main spots, you can also drive a little further into the bay of Klitmøller. At Tolderstien, the mouth of the small river, or at the Klitrosen spot (Splittergab car park) there is significantly less surfer traffic. However, you shouldn't be afraid of shorebreak, especially when entering Klitrosen, which takes no prisoners! Tolderstien and Klitrosen are good alternatives for wave surfers with the right skills, especially when the wind is blowing from the south-west to west-south-west, as you can expect some very powerful waves and some wind cover in the shore area when the swell is blowing.
Vandet Sø
If the conditions on the North Sea are too rough for you, you should check out Vandet Sø, about ten minutes by car from Klitmøller. You can surf on the south-eastern shore of the lake, where there is also a car park. The entrance is shallow and sandy, and there is a large standing area that makes life easier for less experienced water sports enthusiasts. Further out, depending on the wind strength, there is flat water and even small chop.
Wind directions from south-west to west to north-west are possible. During the summer months, there are also lots of windsurfing kids on the water here, but the area is also ideal for freestyling and racing. Just be aware that Vandet Sø is closed to water sports enthusiasts from the end of October to the end of March.
We will also be showing the other spots in the region soon!
District info Klitmøller
Wind and weather
When the spring and autumn lows pass over northern Europe, Klitte comes to life. In southerly and westerly directions it gets really good, the more wind the better - within the limits of personal ability. With westerly to west-north-westerly winds, the caravan moves on to Hanstholm, around 15 minutes away. If the wind is strong enough, the waves on the reef can reach heights that even the experts will respect. North or north-easterly winds also work well in the bay with winds from the right, only easterly winds come from offshore.
Neoprene
As everywhere in Denmark, a thick 6/4 hoodie is a must in the winter months, while a 4 or 5 is fine in summer and autumn. Short sleeves and legs are more suitable for the occasional summer storm. The entrances are rocky almost everywhere, so shoes should not be missing.
Living
Camping Nystrup is the meeting place for the surfing scene, and you can pitch your campervan or a small tent on the surfing meadow for a reasonable budget. There are also small huts and "living barrels". The facilities are perfect and a new toilet block has just been built. Food trucks come by regularly and the shop sells fresh bread, pizza, snacks and - tip for a sundowner - freshly tapped Thisted beer!
You will also find holiday homes from all the major providers in the town, as well as smaller accommodation such as bed & breakfasts or the Viking Surf House. Tip: The Stormfarmen Cold Hawaii just outside offers great accommodation for surfers and space for larger groups!
Surf school & shop
Surf Pro is located directly at the spot in Klitmøller and is a well-stocked place to replenish or expand your equipment store. Surfboards, SUPs and all kinds of other water sports equipment are also available for hire here. A few steps further on, Cold Hawaii Surf Camp is another school with a shop focussing on surfers.
Alternative programme
On the rare days when you can't get out on the water in Klitmøller - or are "surfed out" - you can drive to the nearby town of Thisted or explore one of the mountain bike trails around the village. The bunker museum in Hanstholm is also worth a visit. If you have only ever practised one sport, you can also try your hand at surfing, SUPing or wingsurfing here. There is a great (and free) exhibition about Thy National Park in Vorupør!
Food tips: Excellent pancakes at "Kesse's Hus", delicious fish at "Klitmøller Røgeri" or a quick hot dog at "Inside" right next to the surf shop!
