Southern Fyn: A Tour Around Denmark’s Fairytale Island

Southern Fyn

Denmark's 3rd largest island (the island of Funen or Fyn) is often referred to as the Garden of Denmark. Renowned for its fruit, there might be something to talk about this wonderful island.

South of Funen lies the archipelago with small picturesque islands connected by ferries, offering both a break in the bike riding and also an experience of being off the beaten track where time and speed is not that important.

The tour also visits the island Aeroe (Ærø), where you'll take the ferry from Faaborg to Søby (Soeby), bike to Ærøskøbing (Aereskoebing), and take another ferry to Svendborg. An alternative to the ferries and the visit to Ærø is to bike directly from Faaborg to Svendborg – approximately the same distance, but saving the time and costs of the ferries.

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Highlights

• Odense, the capital of Funen and birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen
• Island of Ærø (Aeroe)
• Ærøskøbing (Aeroeskoebing), with its old houses, cobblestoned streets, and interesting history
• Svendborg, the maritime center of Funen
• Nyborg and its castle

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Odense
Arrive on your own to Odense and prepare for a relaxing and exciting tour. If you have booked a rental bike, you will find it at the hotel.
Overnight in Odense

Day 2: Odense – Faaborg (34 miles/55 km)
Odense is the capital of Funen – and also well known as the birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen. It is worth having a stroll around the city. From the urban environment out into rural landscape on minor roads, starting to experience the idyllic scenery of Denmark’s garden. A great place for lunch is the idyllic Brobyværk Kro (Brobyværk Inn) before you cycle into “The Alps of Fyn” – a rolling landscape from where you start overlooking the archipelago of Southern Fyn, where you might spot a local ferry or a beautiful old wooden ship sailing by.

Today ends in the old harbor town of Faaborg which offers small streets to stroll and old houses to create a very specific atmosphere.
Overnight in Faaborg.

Day 3: Faaborg
Today you can choose to enjoy the special atmosphere of seamanship there always is in harbor towns with a century-long tradition of sailing – or you can take a ferry to one of the isles in the archipelago outside Faaborg: Bjørnø, Lyø, and Avernakø. Each of these has got its own ambiance.
Look forward to another night in Faaborg – which by the way offers some really nice dining possibilities.

Day 4: Faaborg – Ærø (Aeroe) – Svendborg (16 miles/25 km)
Today it’s your turn to literally experience the archipelago: you start off with the ferry from Faaborg to the island of Ærø (Aeroe). The trip lasts one hour, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while arriving “the proper way” to a real island: by boat. Landing harbor on Ærø is Søby (Soeby). From here, you'll follow small roads to the fascinating town of Ærøskøbing (Aeroeskoebing). Old houses and cobblestoned streets await you – along with an interesting history. Remember your camera! From Ærøskøbing you take another ferry back to Funen and arrive at Svendborg, where you stay 2 nights.
Overnight in Svendborg

Day 5: Svendborg
Svendborg is the maritime center of Funen. Just next to the quay of the ferry from Ærø is “Træskibsbroen” (the wooden ship's bridge), where you can be lucky to see a very fine collection of old wooden ships. The city itself offers shopping, attractions, restaurants – and of course a variety of bars, as it is still a lively seaman’s town. You might also take a day trip into the surrounding area – and maybe visit the castle Egeskov, hosting a fine collection of old cars and airplanes.
Overnight in Svendborg

Day 6: Svendborg – Nyborg (28 miles/45 km)
From Svendborg and north the water on your right-hand changes its name to Storebælt (Great Belt). Often you see small stalls along the route selling local fruits and vegetables. Again you pass impressive old manor houses – and arriving in Nyborg you see the Storebæltsbroen (Great Belt Bridge) – not long ago the longest spanning bridge in the world. Nyborg is your goal for today – maybe you want to visit the impressive Nyborg Castle.
Overnight in Nyborg

Day 7: Nyborg – Odense (31 miles/50 km)
From Nyborg, you head north to the picturesque town Kerteminde. A good choice could be to visit the Fjord & Bælt-center (“Fiord and Belt Centre”) – or maybe have an ice cream at the harbor – before you head back for Odense, enjoying even more beautiful scenery, timbered houses, and lovely gardens on the way.
Overnight in Odense

Day 8: Departure
Time to travel home – or maybe to extend your holiday with a day or two extra in Odense – or maybe in Copenhagen.

Surface and terrain

The landscape is really welcoming and scenic with a good variation of flat distances and undulating landscapes. You'll cycle an average daily distance of 27 miles/43km.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

You will be accommodated in 3- and 4-star hotels with private en suite facilities. Your overnights will include breakfast each morning at the hotel.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
Nearest train station: Odense Central Station

You may reach Odense by direct train connection from the airport in Copenhagen (approximately 1.5-2 hour trip).

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels inclusive breakfast

• Rooms with shower or bathtub and WC

• Luggage transport between hotels

• Hotline service

• 1 x route description/road book and maps per room

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent on this tour include (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

• Hybrid touring bikes
• Electrically assisted bikes*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Bikes come equipped with the following at no additional cost:

• Pannier
• Tool kit (pump, hose, hand tool) - one kit per group
• Helmet

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmets are provided with the bike rental. We recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival for safety and hygiene purposes.

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

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