Blå Flag GB
Hov Tjørnen
Hov Tjørnen. Udsigt
Intro
A little further north, the blue flag flies during the summer period.
A little further north, the blue flag flies during the summer period.
Blue Flag is an eco-labelling programme administered by the Danish Outdoor Council, and the flag is awarded to beaches and harbours that meet the following criteria: water quality, environmental management, safety and services, information, and methods to effectively communicate this.
The flag is awarded one year at a time and must be approved by a Danish as well as an international jury.
In 2014, the following localities in Odder Municipality were awarded the Blue Flag: Hou Beach, Hølken Beach, Rude Beach, Saksild Beach, and the marinas at Hou and Tunø, respectively.
In 1945, the former owner of the farm Bjørnkær, a merchant by the name of Timm, transferred this plot of land to Gosmer–Halling Parish Council. The plot was scheduled an open space designated for bathing, camping and prolonged stays for the public, and is also known as Merchant Timm’s Scheduling.
The campsite was located among the oaks immediately opposite the blue flag. The site could house around 75 people, but faced closure when the ultramodern Hou Camping opened in 1968 on Spøttrup Beach.
On a small mound on the edge of the oak trees and opposite the blue flag stands – or more accurately – lies an old hawthorn.
The tree fell during the Christmas storm of 2012. So far, some of the tree fortunately seems to have survived.
It is actually the town’s oldest tree and specialists estimate it to be somewhere between 200 and 300 years old.
Before the oaks matured, the hawthorn towered alone and majestically by the deserted beach, and since it stood at the only high ground for miles, it served as a beacon for sailors for more than 100 years.
This tree has been a cherished destination for a day out for generations and used for imaginative children’s games or the first date – which earned it the name of the Thorn of Love.