| Nakskov Fjord | |
|---|---|
  Nakskov Fjord | |
| Location | Lolland, Denmark |
| Coordinates | 54°50′N11°4′E / 54.833°N 11.067°E /54.833; 11.067 |
| Basin countries | Denmark |
| Max. length | 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) |
| Max. depth | 8.5 metres (28 ft) |
| Official name | Nakskov Fjord and Inner Fjord |
| Designated | 9 February 1977 |
| Reference no. | 162[1] |
Nakskov Fjord is aninlet in the west of the island ofLolland,Denmark. It is about 12 km (7.5 mi) long. There are about 10 small islands located in the fjord. The largest town in the area isNakskov. The area is a designatedbird sanctuary.
Naksov Fjord is situated at the western end ofLolland. Nakskov is the largest town in the area, along with the smaller towns ofLangø andTårs. The southern edge of the fjord is made by the 7.5 kilometer long curved strip of grassland calledAlbuen ("The Elbow") while the northern edge lies near the small town of Tårs. A ferry commutes between Tårs andSpodsbjerg. Along the fjord, just outside Nakskov, is situated the beautiful beach,Hestehovedet. The fjord is about 12 kilometers long. The depth is usually shallow, around 1–2 meters[2] but reaches a maximum of 8.5 meters at the port of Nakskov.[3]
There are around 10 islands in the fjord along with some smaller islets. The largest islands are namedEnehøje,Vejlø andSlotø.[4]
The inner fjord (indrefjord) is the part of the fjord that narrows and reaches Nakskov. It is located right next to the town center.[5] Along the inner fjord are walking tracks. The area is also good forfishing. Many bird species nest in the inner fjord area and are especially of interest forbird-watchers.[6]
Nakskov fjord is aNatura 2000 protected bird habitat since May, 1983. The total surface area of the protected habitat is 85 km2.[7] Many species of birds are found in the fjord and the inner fjord area includingmute swan,crested grebe,gadwall,shoveler,pochard,tufted duck and the beautifulbearded tit. During the migration season such species aslittle gull andblack tern can also be seen.[8] The fjord is also a protected habitat fordolphins andporpoises.[9]
The area is quite popular with tourists as well as with the local population.[10]
Two post-boats,Vesta andGaia, take the mail from Nakskov to the residents in these inhabited islands. Tourists can also go with these boats and enjoy the fjord and the islands.[11]
