Back to my roots: I’m moving to the small car-free island of Tunø

I can’t believe I get to write these words. Minnie and I are moving to Tunø. The island that filled my childhood dreams!

For the past ten years, I’ve travelled far and wide, constantly moving from place to place. I’ve studied in Copenhagen and Aberdeen, spent two semesters in Greenland, worked for a few months on the Isle of Skye, conducted research for both of my theses in remote corners of the Faroe Islands, spent two years excavating on Lolland and another year excavating in Thy. Most of these moves were driven by my studies and career as an archaeologist. While I still love archaeology and don’t plan to leave it behind entirely, I now want to focus on other dreams that have become a priority for me.

The dream of finally settling down, leaving behind a life of constant travel. The dream of moving to a small island and becoming part of a close-knit community. The dream of being my own boss, shaping my own days, and stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the capitalist world. The dream of living with intention, attuned to the rhythm of the seasons.

I envision a life where I work hard during the half of the year when the sun rarely sets, then slow down when the days grow short – making space for hobbies, friends, family, long walks, and the occasional journey. I believe this lifestyle will be far healthier for me than the rigid 9-to-5 structure. I’m not built for routines or for a life shaped to fit an employer’s schedule. I need the freedom to choose my own path.

Back in early December, I came across a job posting for the little grocery store and café on Tunø. They were looking for someone to lease and run the shop. On a whim, I decided to apply. I spent the entire evening drafting my application and then brought up the idea to my family during our drive to Germany for our annual Christmas market trip. I expected them to think I was crazy – but instead, they were incredibly supportive. In fact, they were just as excited as I was, especially since the island is only a ferry ride away from where they live.

So, I sent in my application, and to my surprise and delight, I received an email just a few hours later – they wanted to meet with me! One meeting turned into two, then three, and before I knew it, the contract was signed. Just like that, I became the new grocer of Tunø!

Fast forward to January 31st, and the news was out. Suddenly, I was being contacted by journalists, and even had a cameraman travel all the way to Thisted to film me for the news. The overwhelming interest took me by surprise, as did the flood of congratulations from the people of Tunø, my acquaintances, and even complete strangers. My phone was constantly buzzing – it was surreal.

Now, two weeks later, my new reality is beginning to sink in. I just spent three days on the island, where the former lessee shared invaluable tips and tricks for running the store, and I started building a network. I met so many wonderful people, all of whom welcomed me with open arms.

Minnie and I took long walks, and she even found a new dog friend – whose human I’ll be sharing daycare duties with. This visit only deepened my excitement for the move. My mind is brimming with new ideas, and I can’t wait to bring them to life. I have big plans for the café space and a vision for the grocery store, incorporating a focus on quality goods and sustainability. There’s so much potential, and I’m eager to get started!

The store and café as it looks today. I’m looking forward to putting my own mark on the place.

I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life and see where the journey leads me. I can’t wait to have my own company and contribute something meaningful for the island. I’m also eager to have my own house, connected to the store, and fill it with the most beautiful second-hand furniture and ornaments I can find. I can’t wait for Minnie and me to make friends and find our place in the community.

I’m thrilled to watch Minnie enjoy the space and safety to run and be free. I can’t wait to find peace and truly make a home. And I’m so happy that I’ll be just a ferry ride away from my family.

Most of all, I can’t wait to finally settle down. I want to grow old on Tunø, and I hope that, years from now, I’ll still feel just as sure about this dream.

Before I move, I’ve got two more weeks of excavating skeletons in Thisted, and then a big trip in March to blow off some travel steam before I settle down. There’s also a mountain of things to get sorted before I make the move, but honestly, I’m excited for all of it. Younger me would be thrilled to know that I didn’t wait until I was retired to make the leap to Tunø – I took the plunge at just 29.

Some facts about Tunø

Tunø is a small island located in the Kattegat Sea in Denmark
It covers only 3,52 km²
There are only 71 permanent residents (soon to be 72!)
Tunø is connected by ferry to my hometown, Hov in East Jutland, and the journey takes approximately one hour
The island is car-free
Tunø’s highest point is Bjerget at 24 metres
Most of Tunø is protected
You can walk all the way around the island, covering a distance of eight kilometres
Tunø’s church tower also serves as a lighthouse – the only one of its kind in Denmark
The island has been inhabited since at least 2500 BC, and its only town dates back to the 12th century

Follow my journey on Instagram

I just created a new Instagram profile to document my journey to Tunø and life on the island. It will be in Danish, but I’ll still be updating my English profile @north.trotter as well!