Funen & Southern Danish Islands

Odense (180,000 inhabitants) is Denmark's third-largest city and the home of the most famous Dane of all time: Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875). The author of "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Snow Queen" was born here and grew up in the picturesque old town. In recent years, Odense has transformed from a sleepy provincial town into a dynamic cultural city — the new H.C. Andersen Museum is the centerpiece of this transformation.

Sights in Odense

• H.C. Andersens Hus (2021) — The futuristic museum by Kengo Kuma (the architect of the Tokyo Olympic Stadium) is an immersive experience that tells Andersen's life and fairy tale world in a completely new way. Underground gardens, interactive installations, light and sound worlds — not a dusty literature museum, but a work of art where you physically enter Andersen's imagination. An architectural highlight even for non-Andersen fans. Admission: 175 DKK.
• H.C. Andersens Barndomshjem (Childhood Home) — The small yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where Andersen spent his childhood. Tiny rooms, original furniture, and the touching story of a boy from the poorest conditions who became a world-famous poet. Admission: included in the H.C. Andersens Hus ticket.
• Brandts — Cultural Center — In a former textile factory: the Brandts 13 art museum, the media museum, and changing exhibitions. Plus cafés, restaurants, and boutiques in the Brandts district.
• Sankt Knuds Kirke (Cathedral) — Odense's Gothic cathedral (13th century) with the shrine of Saint Knud (Knut IV) and an ornate crypt. Admission: free.
• Odense Zoo — One of the best zoos in Scandinavia, award-winning for its animal-friendly enclosures. Particularly noteworthy are the Oceanium and the African savannah. Admission: 230 DKK.

Odense's Old Town

The Old Town around Overgade and Nedergade enchants with cobblestones, half-timbered houses, and charming courtyards. Every summer, Odense becomes the H.C. Andersen Festival — street theater, parades, and fairy tale performances transform the city into a living fairy tale world. The restaurants along the Odense Å river offer lovely terraces in the summer.

Funen is nicknamed the "Castle Island" — nowhere in Denmark are there more manors in close proximity. The absolute highlight is Egeskov Castle.

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov (1554) is one of the best-preserved Renaissance water castles in Europe. The fairy-tale castle stands on oak piles (Egeskov = "oak forest") in a lake and is surrounded by one of the most spectacular gardens in Europe: boxwood mazes, rose gardens, a fuchsia garden, and a huge treetop walkway. Additionally, there are vintage car museums, a playground, and a farm — perfect for families. Admission: 250 DKK (garden + museum), garden only: 200 DKK. Opening time: April–October.

Other Castles on Funen

• Valdemars Castle — On the island of Tåsinge south of Svendborg. Baroque castle by the water with a private beach, tea house, and castle museum. A romantic place often used for weddings.
• Broholm Castle — Historic manor near Gudme, now used as a boutique hotel. Near Gudme lies the largest gold treasure find of the Danish Iron Age.
• Hindsgavl Castle — Near Middelfart, at the narrow point of the Little Belt. Now a conference center with a beautiful park, where you can spot porpoises if you're lucky.

Funen's Gardens

Funen is Denmark's most fertile island: mild temperatures, fertile soils, and a centuries-old gardening tradition. In summer, the gardens of the manors bloom in full splendor. The Fynske Landsby (Funen Open-Air Museum) near Odense showcases traditional farms and gardens from the 18th–19th centuries. The farm shops (gårdbutikker) along the country roads sell fresh strawberries, apples, honey, and handmade cheese — Slow Food in its purest form.

Svendborg is Funen's maritime heart — a charming port city, gateway to the Southern Danish Archipelago (Det Sydfynske Øhav), and home to a growing food scene. From here, you can reach some of Denmark's most beautiful and tranquil islands by ferry and bridge.

Discovering Svendborg

The port city (27,000 inhabitants) surprises with a density of good restaurants that is hard to match. Around the harbor and the old town: the Natural History Museum, the lively Torvet market (Wednesday and Saturday), and Svendborg Havn with historic wooden ships. In summer: Svendborg Classic Regatta — one of the largest sailing ship festivals in Northern Europe.

The Islands

• Ærø — The pearl of the southern Danish archipelago. Ærøskøbing with its colorful houses and cobblestones is considered one of the best-preserved small towns in Europe. Also: the port of Marstal with the maritime museum, idyllic beaches, and a brewery (Rise Bryggeri). Ærø is car-free and best explored by bike. Ferry from Svendborg (75 min.).
• Tåsinge — Connected to Svendborg by bridge. The maritime Valdemars Castle, the charming village of Troense, and the tragic love story of Elvira Madigan attract visitors.
• Langeland — The "long island" southeast of Svendborg: Tranekær Castle, wild horses in the nature reserve, excellent for birdwatching and fishing. In winter: sea eagle watching.

The southern Danish archipelago is Denmark in slow motion: No rush, no crowds, just sea, wind, bicycles, and a tranquility rarely found in Europe. Especially Ærø is a magical place where time seems to have stood still.

Funen is Denmark's best cycling island — and that means something in a country with 12,000 km of bike paths. The combination of gentle hills (never too steep, but never boring), well-marked bike paths, picturesque villages, and proximity to the sea makes Funen a cycling paradise.

The Best Cycling Routes

• Østersøruten (Baltic Sea Route, No. 8) — Part of the national cycling network. The Funen section leads from Nyborg via Kerteminde, Odense, and Svendborg to Faaborg — about 220 km through Funen's most beautiful landscapes. Flat to slightly hilly, well signposted.
• Castle Route — A round tour from Odense to the main castles: Egeskov, Broholm, Hesselagergård, and back. About 80 km, one to two days.
• Ærø Round Tour — The entire island of Ærø by bike: from Ærøskøbing via Marstal to Søby and back. About 60 km, one day is enough. Hardly any car traffic, beautiful coastal sections.
• Svendborg–Faaborg Coastal Path — Along the south coast with views of the island world: beaches, farm shops, the Faaborg Museum, and charming fishing villages. About 30 km, half a day.

Practical Tips

Renting bikes on Funen: In Odense, Svendborg, and Faaborg there are numerous rentals (75–150 DKK/day, e-bikes 200–300 DKK/day). Most hotels and guesthouses offer rental bikes. Luggage transport between accommodations can be booked with tour operators — perfect for multi-day tours without luggage on the bike.

Funen has been recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the best cycling regions in Europe — and rightly so. The island is large enough for a week of bike touring and small enough that you're never far from a good restaurant, a beach, or a charming village.