Svendborg & the Southern Danish Islands

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.