Femø (pronounced by the locals as fem-ø) is an island in
Smålandsfarvandet north of Lolland. The island is part of Lolland
Municipality.
Highest point: Issemosebjerg, 22 meters above
sea level.
With its hilly moraine landscape, Femø is the most
hilly of the islands in the Småland waters. With its willow fences
and winding roads, the island has many nature experiences. Several
of the island's public trails were renovated in 2013 and provide
rich opportunities for cycling and walking. The island is divided
into two by a very low-lying dammed area, the Basin, which is partly
below sea level. From the west side of the island you can see the
Great Belt Bridge pylons, 53 kilometers away. From the northern tip
you can see the old Storstrømsbro, 30 kilometers away. The island
has its own doctor, grocery store at the harbor, blacksmith, inn and
course center.
Femø has two towns: Nørreby and Sønderby. The
many old houses and a jumble of small paths are one of the island's
distinctive features. The two towns are star-exchanged, and the many
living arrow fences in the boundaries along the fields are
characteristic of Femø. In the past, fruit growing together with
agriculture was an important occupation on the island, but today
agriculture is by far the most important occupation. The main crops
are cereals, rapeseed, maize and sugar beet seeds. In addition,
there is some viticulture.
Femø is known for the annual
women's camp, which has been held on the island since 1971, and for
Femø Jazz Festival, which first ran off the stack in 1970 and is
held every year in early August. In addition, there is a cottage
area, called the subdivision, on the east side of the island.
At the harbor is the small grocery store Havnehøkeren.
There is a ferry connection to Femø from Kragenæs on Lolland. The
trip takes 50 minutes.
In addition, there is a runway for
small aircraft, next to Femø Kro.
The Port of Femø is
frequently used by yachtsmen during the summer.
Finds from the Stone Age and Bronze Age show that the island has
been inhabited since ancient times.
Before the church was
built, one had to sail to Fejø to go to church. In the 16th century,
Femø Church was built, and Femø became an independent parish in
1527. The island suffered from looting in connection with various
wars in the 17th century, and after a Swedish war in 1660, the Femø
residents had to get help from Nykøbing and Stubbekøbing to avoid
massive famine.
In 1901, the island had over 708 inhabitants.
By 2019, that number had dropped to 119. The island's school closed
in 1998.
After the renovation of the harbor (2005-2006), the
sailors will find toilet, washing and kitchen facilities in a newly
built building. The piers have been renewed and can last for many
years to come.