Island Life

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Askø covers a land area of almost 3 km².

It is quite flat and is only some 3 meters above sea level. Large parts of the island were flooded in the past during storms but now dikes reduce the risk of future flooding.

A 700 meter single lane dam connects Askø with an even smaller island, 'Lilleø'.

At its peak, the population was 150-200 people but by now only some 50 people have a registered residence on the island.

Some 300 summer houses boosts the population significantly during the summer months.

Apart from private boating, the only access to Askø is by ferry from the small village of Bandholm on the island of Lolland.

The Bandholm-Askø ferry can carry some 10 cars and an undisclosed number of passengers. The ferry is quite modern.

There are some 8-9 daily departures in each direction and the price is reasonable.

The crew is very friendly and will allow your youngsters up on the bridge. The captain will be happy to explain the purpose of all the navigational instruments.

The ride is a mere 30 minutes and will pass close by several islets with migrating birds.

The local school was closed a while back due to an insufficient number of pupils.

But this enabled the locals to used the former school premises as a small hotel. there are only some four rooms so you better make a reservation during the peak season.

Renting a summer house is obviously another, attractive alternative.

Askø boasts an interesting museum and an old church. The most populat passtime is strolling and biking in the beautiful nature.

A local, general store makes sure that you can buy your daily needs. They will be happy to oblige special requests.

In the old days, the island housed many fishermen, but today they have all left.

Instead, there are four farmers and 5-6 fruit growers, between Askø and Lilleø.

Recently, also grapes are grown on the islands and soon one will be able to buy the locally made 'Askø wine'.

There is no industry.

There are innumerous small islands like Askø around Zealand and neighboring Funen.

Some islands are accessible by bridges or dams, but most can be reached by ferry.

Each island has its own flavor and will have something to offer anyone with an interest in nature, angling or bird watching.

 

Sources:
Askø home page
Wikepedia
Own photos taken June 2008
Display program inspired by Matteo Bicocchi and BT

No other similar photo albums are available

Living on an island you cannot just take the car home.

Going home will invariably include a trip on a small, cozy ferry.

In this case, we are taking the Bandholm-Askø ferry

Patience paid off -here comes the mighty ferry.

Being part of a relatively small community, the passengers naturally assist with the pier tasks.

The weather was not exactly inviting for picnicks and it was outside the main season, so there were few passengers.

Island waters attract wildlife. In this case, swans and seagulls have taken over a small island retreat.

Seagulls skimp the water crests.

Even on a relatively small ferry like this one, the bridge boasts completely modern navigational equipment.

The ferry actually sails from port to port on autopilot.

Arriving at Askø. Time for the captain to take control and dock the ferry manually.

The ferry has docked and the passengers disembarked.

Time to enjoy the tranquility.

One of the benefits of living on a small island is that your children can run around almost unsupervised.

The clean air and sparsely populated area offers good opportunities for a quiet stroll.

Picture perfect sunsets are almost guaranteed every day.

Land prices are very reasonable compared to the highly popular summer house areas.

Askø is connected to the small island of Lilleø (litterally 'small island') with a 700 meter long dam.

How about a nice, spacious house with your own boat dock and swans?

Askø has about 50 residents, not counting those in the around 300 summer houses.

Fishing has long been replaced by farming and fruit growing at the many orchards.

Bird watchers can have a field day at the islands.

With a last look back from the departing ferry we say goodbye to island life for now.