The Vesterhav Syd and Vesterhav Nord wind farms, located on the west coast of Denmark, have undergone a surprising transformation.
Initially the subject of controversy, These renewable energy projects have become a fascinating tourist attractionoffering a unique experience that combines sustainability and adventure.
The wind turbine installation in the North Sea, off Holmsland Klit and the municipality of Lemvig, initially faced strong opposition from holiday home owners and rental agencies. However, after its launch, public perception has begun to change.
A new tourist activity: Wind safaris
A/S Kott, a local Hvide Sande company, has taken this opportunity to offer boat tours that allow visitors to get an up-close look at the towering turbines. Fritz Kott, tour operatorHe says: “We have about a 45-minute boat ride there. People really want to get out and see the mills, and they think it’s fantastic.”
The tours, known as “wind safaris”have quickly gained popularity. Mogens Ringby, an enthusiastic participant, shares: “I wanted to go out and see the mills here on the sea, compared to those on land.”
Even the youngest are attracted by this unique experience. Meliah Gissing, 7, expresses his amazement: “They’re big and they make electricity, right?”
A proven and successful concept
Arne Rahbek, stakeholder relations manager at Vattenfall, the company responsible for the wind farms, says: “It’s not that it hasn’t been done before, because they do it in England in relation to some of our wind farms, with great success. So It’s a proven concept, you could say“.
Fritz Kott observed un gradual change in community attitude: “There are still some who are against it, but many have come out and said, well, they are there, so let’s try to take the positive out of it. There are not as many opponents as there have been.”
The Vesterhav Syd and Vesterhav Nord wind farms demonstrate how renewable energy projects can evolve from sources of controversy to innovative tourist attractions. This initiative not only generates clean energybut also educates and entertains, promoting greater acceptance of renewable energy among the public.
