Location
Denmark
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to August
About Houstrup Strand
Houstrup Strand, also spelled Hovstrup, is a North Sea beach in Varde Municipality, just north of Henne Strand on the west coast of Jutland. Danske Naturister lists it as an official nude beach, a status that rests on a recommendation from the Blaabjerg tourist office. From the car park, a sign points south to the 'fribadestrand', and nude bathing starts about 200 m along. The beach is wide sand backed by high dunes, which give good shelter from the prevailing west wind. Regulars describe an informal layout. The first stretch is used mainly by families. It is followed by a quieter area for couples and then by an area used by single visitors. There are no facilities on the nude section. Guests from the naturist campsite Lyngboparken in Henne use Houstrup or Børsmose Strand, further north, as their local beach. The beach is not well signposted from the main road, so it is easy to miss.
Getting there
From Varde or Oksbøl, drive towards Henne Strand. Shortly before Henne, turn right and follow the minor road to Hovstrup and Houstrup Strand, which ends at a car park by the dunes. From the car park, follow the sign south towards the fribadestrand. A path behind the dunes runs about 500 m to the main nude area, and nudity begins after roughly 200 m. The route is on sand, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Opinions on the Danske Naturister guide are split. Several couples and women report men watching from the dunes, unwelcome remarks and, in 2025, suspected phone filming in the couples' area, and some of them have switched to Børsmose. Other long-time visitors, including an older couple who come every year, say they have never been bothered and that people respect a clear no. Regulars advise staying near the waterline rather than in the dunes.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Denmark has no specific naturism law. Since a 1976 Justice Ministry decision, nude bathing on beaches is not in itself considered indecent, and police treat it as generally permitted unless it offends or harasses others (Ordensbekendtgørelsen §3(2)). Danske Naturister lists Houstrup as an official nude beach, with the designation based on a Blaabjerg tourist office recommendation. There is a recurring problem with men lurking in the dunes.
Naturism at Houstrup Strand sits under Denmark's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Denmark public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 55.7683, 8.1784
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Denmark
Frequently asked questions
Is Houstrup an official nude beach?
Danske Naturister lists it as official, based on a recommendation from the Blaabjerg tourist office. Nude bathing is also broadly tolerated on Danish beaches generally.
Where does the nude section start?
Take the path south from the car park towards the fribadestrand. Nudity starts about 200 m along, and the main area is around 500 m from the car park.
Is it suitable for families?
The first stretch is used mainly by families. Some visitors report men lurking in the dunes further along, so families tend to stay near the start and close to the water.
Are there facilities?
No. There is a car park, but no toilets or kiosks on the nude section.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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