World Heritage Centre Rømø

Historically, Tønnisgård stood prominently within the open meadow landscape — precisely at the meeting point between the valuable tidal marshes and salt meadows of the Wadden Sea to the east, and the dune heath and wetlands to the west. Over time, plantation forests were introduced, and today the commander’s farm is framed by distinct woodland edges, with long views towards the Wadden Sea and the horizon.
The overarching landscape strategy therefore draws directly on the site’s history and existing spatial qualities. The open meadow is rearticulated and defined through a cohesive meadow vegetation — a graduated tapestry of plant communities transitioning from salt meadow and marsh to dune heath and wetlands.

The World Heritage Centre is positioned within the open meadow, ensuring that visitors immediately experience its unique landscape setting and close relationship with nature upon arrival. Future planting will be site-specific and reinforce Rømø’s characteristic open landscapes. Biodiversity is strengthened through the use of native species and an adapted management regime, potentially including grazing animals. An existing shelterbelt will be removed (with selected oak trees retained) to optimise the ecological corridor from salt meadow to dune heath.
Rainwater from thatched roofs and paved surfaces is conveyed visibly across the terrain to shallow depressions, where it infiltrates into the sandy soil — mirroring the site’s natural hydrology. Rainwater is treated as a resource that contributes to biodiversity by supporting moist microhabitats with high species variation. Subtle depressions and gentle terrain elevations create differentiated moisture conditions — from dry slopes to wet basins — thereby establishing varied habitats for plant and animal life.

The tidal dynamics of the Wadden Sea form the project’s central narrative — a story of cosmic connection. The ever-changing tides link the immediate and sensory experience of place to the larger cosmological system, shaped by the moon’s gravitational influence on water levels and living conditions. This phenomenon is staged in Tidevandspladsen, designed as a dynamic and sensory tidal landscape. The square supports outdoor interpretation and becomes a daily attraction as water slowly flows in and out, echoing the rhythm of ebb and flow.
During dry periods, the surface can be used for activities. When water is present, the square transforms into a playful landscape of islands and stepping stones within a shallow reflective water layer.

In addition, the project includes a Cultural Garden with fruit trees, berry shrubs, and herb beds, as well as a Shelter Area for overnight stays in nature.

The project is supported by A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation for General Purposes and Tønder Municipality