Nakskov Fjord
{{Short description|Inlet on the island of Lolland, Denmark}}
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Nakskov Fjord
| other_name =
| image =
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| pushpin_map = Denmark Lolland
| location = Lolland, Denmark
| basin_countries = Denmark
| coords = {{coord|54|50|N|11|4|E|display =inline,title}}
| type =
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| length = {{convert|12|km}}
| width =
| area =
| depth =
| max-depth = {{convert|8.5|m}}
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| embedded = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Nakskov Fjord and Inner Fjord
| designation1_date = 9 February 1977
| designation1_number = 162{{cite web|title=Nakskov Fjord and Inner Fjord|website=Ramsar Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/162|access-date=25 April 2018}}
}}
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Nakskov Fjord on the western coast of Lolland.
}}
Nakskov Fjord is an inlet in the west of the island of Lolland, Denmark. It is about {{convert|12|km|abbr=on}} long. There are about 10 small islands located in the fjord. The largest town in the area is Nakskov. The area is a designated bird sanctuary.
Geography
Naksov Fjord is situated at the western end of Lolland. Nakskov is the largest town in the area, along with the smaller towns of Langø and Tårs. The southern edge of the fjord is made by the 7.5 kilometer long curved strip of grassland called Albuen ("The Elbow") while the northern edge lies near the small town of Tårs. A ferry commutes between Tårs and Spodsbjerg. 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{{Cite web |url=http://www.nakskovfjord.dk/index.php?mod=main&top=1&parent=0&id=1 |title=Nakskov Fjord beskrivelse |access-date=2014-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104153436/http://www.nakskovfjord.dk/index.php?mod=main&top=1&parent=0&id=1 |archive-date=2014-11-04 |url-status=dead }} but reaches a maximum of 8.5 meters at the port of Nakskov.{{cite web|url=https://www.danskehavnelods.dk/|title=Den danske Havnelods|website=Den danske Havnelods}}
=Islands=
There are around 10 islands in the fjord along with some smaller islets. The largest islands are named Enehøje, Vejlø and Slotø.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitlolland-falster.com/tourist/events/nakskov-fjord-gdk738584|title=Nakskov Fjord | VisitLolland-Falster|website=www.visitlolland-falster.com}}
Inner fjord
The inner fjord (indrefjord) is the part of the fjord that narrows and reaches Nakskov. It is located right next to the town center.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nakskovfjord.dk/index.php?mod=main&area=1&top=1&parent=7&id=40 |title=Indrefjorden |access-date=2014-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129124917/http://www.nakskovfjord.dk/index.php?mod=main&area=1&top=1&parent=7&id=40 |archive-date=2014-11-29 |url-status=dead }} Along the inner fjord are walking tracks. The area is also good for fishing. Many bird species nest in the inner fjord area and are especially of interest for bird-watchers.{{cite web|url=http://www.linander.dk/stig/fvfond_e.htm#nakskov|title=Fugleværnsfonden's Bird Sanctuaries|website=www.linander.dk}}
Nature
File:Swans in Nakskov Indrefjord.JPG
Nakskov fjord is a Natura 2000 protected bird habitat since May, 1983. The total surface area of the protected habitat is 85 km2.{{cite web|url=https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites/DK006X088|title=EUNIS -Site factsheet for Nakskov Fjord og Inderfjord|website=eunis.eea.europa.eu}} Many species of birds are found in the fjord and the inner fjord area including mute swan, crested grebe, gadwall, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck and the beautiful bearded tit. During the migration season such species as little gull and black tern can also be seen.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitlolland-falster.com/tourist/events/walking-tour-bird-life-nakskov-inner-fjord-5-km-gdk737117|title=Walking Tour: Bird life on Nakskov Inner fjord - 5 km | VisitLolland-Falster|website=www.visitlolland-falster.com}} The fjord is also a protected habitat for dolphins and porpoises.{{Google books |title=Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation and Planning |page=166 |id=QiEK_7D0e08C }}
Tourism
File:Gaia in Nakskov Fjord.JPG
The area is quite popular with tourists as well as with the local population.{{Cite web |url=http://www.visitlolland-falster.com/ln-int/lolland-falster/lolland-falster-frontpage |title=Lolland-Falster frontpage | Visitlolland-falster |access-date=2014-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129053139/http://www.visitlolland-falster.com/ln-int/lolland-falster/lolland-falster-frontpage |archive-date=2014-11-29 |url-status=dead }}
Two post-boats, Vesta and Gaia, 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitlolland-falster.com/tourist/events/post-boat-vesta-nakskov-fjord-gdk969359|title=The Post Boat "Vesta" in Nakskov Fjord | VisitLolland-Falster|website=www.visitlolland-falster.com}}