højer

Højer is a small town in southwestern Denmark, located in the Region of Southern Denmark within Tønder Municipality. It lies near the North Sea coast and the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, close to the Danish-German border. The town sits along the Højer Canal, a waterway that historically shaped local land use through drainage and embankment works and today serves as a conduit to the surrounding marshlands.

A notable feature of the area is Højer Sluse, a canal lock that regulates water flow between inland waters and the sea. Adjacent to the lock is a visitor center and facilities that provide information about the Wadden Sea ecosystem, coastal management, and the seasonal movements of birds and other wildlife.

Geography and environment in the Højer area are characterized by flat, low-lying terrain with farms, dikes, and extensive tidal flats. The region is part of the broader Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its biodiversity, wetlands, and dynamic coastline.

History of Højer traces back to medieval times when it functioned as a rural market village. The name is Danish and is commonly linked to historical topographic features such as hills or mounds, though precise etymology varies by source. Over the centuries, water management and agriculture have remained central to life in the area.

Economy today centers on agriculture, small-scale services, and nature-oriented tourism. The town maintains local amenities, including a church and shops, and serves as a base for visitors exploring the Wadden Sea region and southern Jutland.