Hjørring Municipality plans to transform rocky beaches into sandy shores with ambitious coastal project

Tourists and locals heading to beaches like Lønstrup, Nørlev, or Harerenden currently face piles of stones or large granite blocks before reaching the water. Hjørring Municipality envisions transforming these areas into soft, wide sandy beaches reminiscent of two decades ago, before extensive coastal protection measures took effect. The municipality plans to add up to 10 million cubic meters of sand—equivalent to 4,000 Olympic swimming pools—aiming for a more inviting shoreline.

Søren Homann, the chair of the municipality’s technical and environmental committee, emphasizes the dream of a beautiful sandy beach allowing direct access to the water. However, the existing stones and granite are not there by mere coincidence; they serve to protect the coastline from erosion, which results in a significant annual loss of 400,000 cubic meters of sand.

Despite the ambitious plan, the financial details remain uncertain, with estimates suggesting the total cost could reach around 650 million kroner. Researchers caution that actual expenses may climb to one billion kroner. As the project progresses, Hjørring Municipality has not yet identified funding sources or sand extraction locations. They are calling for support from potential contributors like the state or the EU.

This initiative is deemed crucial for the local tourism sector, which heavily relies on visitors attracted to the region’s beaches. If successfully funded, the project aims not only to preserve but also to create expansive sandy beaches, enhancing coastal resilience against erosion. However, there is an environmental concern regarding the logistics of sourcing such massive quantities of sand responsibly. Hjørring hopes that their efforts can inspire similar initiatives across the country.