Life in Tønder, Jutland, in 1920
In 1920, Tønder, a quaint town nestled in the southernmost part of Denmark, was a place where tradition and modernity began to intertwine. Located just a few kilometers from the German border, Tønder had recently become part of Denmark following the Schleswig Plebiscite of 1920, which redrew the borders between Denmark and Germany after World War I. This historic event brought a sense of renewal and national pride to the town, as its predominantly Danish population celebrated their reunification with the Danish kingdom.
A Town Steeped in History
Tønder was a town with deep historical roots, its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses telling stories of centuries past. The Tønder Church, with its towering spire, dominated the skyline, serving as both a spiritual and cultural center for the community. The town’s proximity to the marshlands of Vidå River and the Wadden Sea shaped its identity, with many residents engaged in agriculture, fishing, and lace-making—a craft for which Tønder was internationally renowned.
The Lace-Making Tradition
In 1920, Tønder’s lace-making industry, though no longer at its peak, remained a vital part of the town’s cultural heritage. Women gathered in small workshops or their homes, meticulously crafting intricate lace patterns by hand. This tradition, passed down through generations, was a source of pride and a symbol of Tønder’s artistic legacy. The town’s lace was highly sought after, and its delicate designs were exported to markets across Europe.
Daily Life and Community
Life in Tønder was slow-paced and community-oriented. The town square bustled with activity on market days, where farmers from the surrounding countryside sold their produce, and artisans displayed their crafts. Horse-drawn carriages still clattered along the streets, though the occasional automobile could be seen, hinting at the encroaching modernity of the 20th century.
Families in Tønder lived modestly, with many relying on agriculture or small trades for their livelihoods. The town’s close-knit community fostered a strong sense of belonging, and social life revolved around the church, local festivals, and gatherings at the town’s cozy inns and taverns. Traditional Danish folk music and dance were cherished, and events like Sankt Hans Aften (Midsummer’s Eve) brought the community together in celebration.
The Impact of the 1920 Plebiscite
The year 1920 was a turning point for Tønder. The Schleswig Plebiscite, which allowed residents to vote on whether they wished to belong to Denmark or Germany, resulted in Tønder and much of North Schleswig rejoining Denmark. This decision was met with joy and relief by the majority Danish population, who had long identified with Danish culture and language. The transition brought a renewed sense of national identity, though it also required adjustments as the town integrated into the Danish administrative and economic systems.
A Glimpse into the Future
While Tønder in 1920 was still deeply rooted in its traditions, signs of change were on the horizon. The influence of industrialization and modernization was beginning to seep into daily life, and the town’s younger generation looked toward the future with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Yet, amidst these changes, Tønder remained a place where history, culture, and community thrived, offering a glimpse into a way of life that balanced the old and the new.
Overview of Tønder Amt
Tønder Amt, a former administrative county in southwestern Jutland until the 2007 municipal reform, occupies a unique place in Danish history and geography. Once part of the Duchy of Schleswig, its fate was sealed by the 1920 plebiscite, when northern Schleswig voted to rejoin Denmark after decades under German rule following the Second Schleswig War of 1864. This region, now largely within Tønder Municipality, blends its storied past with a vibrant present, marked by the thriving tourism industry along its West Coast and Wadden Sea, and the quiet evolution of Tønder town into a modern yet quaint hub.
The 1920 Plebiscite and Historical Context
The defining moment for Tønder Amt came in 1920, when the Treaty of Versailles mandated plebiscites to determine the Danish-German border. In Zone 1, which included Tønder, 76.5% of voters chose Denmark on February 10, 1920, reflecting a strong Danish identity despite years of Prussian and German governance. This peaceful reclamation reshaped the region, restoring it to Denmark after 56 years and leaving a legacy of bilingualism and cultural fusion. The area’s proximity to Germany—its southern edge abutting the border—had long fostered trade, migration, and tension, with Tønder serving as a key town in this contested territory since medieval times.
Tourism and the West Coast Wadden Sea
The West Coast of the former Tønder Amt, stretching along the North Sea, is a cornerstone of its modern identity, driven by the Wadden Sea’s global appeal. This tidal landscape, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Germany and the Netherlands, draws over a million visitors annually with its shifting sands, rich birdlife, and seal colonies. Islands like Rømø, connected by a causeway, amplify the tourism boom, offering wide beaches, kite-surfing, and amber-hunting along the shore. The Wadden Sea National Park, encompassing this coast, provides guided mudflat walks—known as “sort sol” (black sun) outings—where flocks of starlings create mesmerizing aerial displays at dusk. Small resorts and summer cottages dot the area, sustaining a seasonal economy that complements the region’s agricultural roots. This natural spectacle, paired with its accessibility from Tønder, makes the West Coast a vital draw.
Modern Tønder Town
Tønder town, once the administrative seat of Tønder Amt, has evolved from its historical role into a modern gem with a population of around 7,500. Known for its lace-making tradition, which peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries, Tønder today balances heritage with contemporary life. The old town’s narrow streets, lined with gabled houses, host the annual Tønder Festival, a renowned folk music event drawing international crowds since 1975. The Tønder Museum, housed in a former water tower, showcases local history, while the Zeppelin and Garrison Museum nods to the town’s brief stint as a German airship base during World War I. Modern amenities—shops, cafes, and a small industrial zone—support a stable economy, bolstered by cross-border trade with Germany just 5 kilometers away. Tønder’s quiet charm lies in its ability to preserve its past while embracing a modest, forward-looking present.
Top 3 Points of Interest in the Tønder Amt
- Rømø Island
Accessible by a 9-kilometer causeway from the mainland, Rømø boasts Denmark’s widest beach—up to 4 kilometers at low tide—perfect for driving, kite-flying, or exploring wartime bunkers. Its Kommandørgård museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century maritime life. - Tønder Old Town and Kristkirke
The town’s historic core, with its lace-making heritage and well-preserved architecture, centers around the 16th-century Kristkirke. Climb its tower for views stretching to the marshes, or visit the nearby museum to see intricate lacework displays. - Møgeltønder Village
A short drive from Tønder, this idyllic village features cobbled streets, thatched cottages, and Schackenborg Castle, a former royal residence. Its serene beauty and royal ties make it a hidden gem in the region.