If you like history and an unspoilt natural setting in the gentle south Fyn landscape, you will enjoy the river valley of Vejstrup Ådal, a unique area north of Svendborg along the road to Nyborg. This was where biologist Emil Rostrup gathered most of his plants before he
wrote his book “Den grønne Flora” (“green flora”). Rostrup taught at the teachers’ training college in Skårup, and even today Vejstrup Ådal is definitely worth a visit.

If you park at the scout hut by the river and put on sensible footwear, this makes a lovely walk along the river Vejstrup Å towards the east. The river valley was probably formed during the last Ice Age, when a geological phenomenon known as the Great Belt glacier caused the meltwater to run west, carving out the landscape to give it its present-day appearance.

Fyn County has managed to create signposted ramblers’ paths, so you can walk here without damaging the countryside. The river valley is easiest to find if you walk from the village of Vejstrup south towards the river Vejstrup Å. A hundred metres after crossing the river, turn left and follow the new nature trail. There are ropes to swing on, but otherwise the main challenges for children are the steep inclines and trees – a real nature playground.

The largest playground in Fyn – and Denmark, for that matter – is now open at Gåsebjergsand in Svanninge Bakker. The nature playground covers four hectares and is divided into areas to suit children at play of all ages.

The main attraction is Troldeland (Land of Trolls) with more than 25 different items of play equipment intended for ages 7–12. Close to the playground are a camp site, a vantage point and a toboggan run. Alfeland (Land of Fairies) is for ages 3–6, while Huleland (Land of Dens) has materials and space to build things, rummage around and improvise with nature’s own materials.

There is a bus service to the site (the 960 and 961 buses to Faaborg pass this way), and of course there is plenty of parking, with toilet facilities available for when all the fruit juice finally wants to come out after a long play session!

The nature playground was established in a former gravel pit by the Danish Forest and Nature Agency as a joint venture between Naturturisme I/S and Friluftsrådet (outdoor recreation council). Use of the facilities and playing at the site is entirely at your own risk.

Nature Playground Gåsebjergsand, Rallebæksgyden, DK-5600 Faaborg is situated 1–2 km from Svanninge Bakker. Coming from Odense, Rallebæksgyden is on the left-hand side.

Gåsebjergsand

A great place for a day out. The whole family came along: grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts and children ranging from my little cousin who’s 1 to my big cousin who’s 16. There are challenges for everyone here: a playground for little children, the Land of Dens, an adventure playground and tables and benches under cover. We brought a picnic basket, Kubb and pétanque. Everybody had a terrific day. Quite simply, this is the ideal place for a family outing.

Dorte / www.sjovforborn.dk

A beautiful nature playground at the edge of the forest close to Morud Friluftsbad (open-air swimming baths), north Fyn. Here you will find a labyrinth, a “don’t touch the ground” course, camp fire cabin, nature swing and lots of other fun for the children.

There is plenty of space for the children around the camp fire cabin – they can shelter here if it rains. There’s enough room for the whole family and the children’s playmates to gather round with their packed lunches or twistbread stakes.

The brook in the nature playground is big yet safe enough for the children to lie on their tummies and look at the water and the little creatures in the water. The children can pump water out; it then runs back into the brook via a canal system.

There is also a labyrinth that leads into secret dens where the children can play undisturbed. The labyrinth is also a sensory experience garden with various flowers and berries, so there are things to see, smell and taste.

The idea is for the nature playground to serve as a way of introducing children to the woods. Here they can learn something about woodlands – trees, birds and animals – and the elements.

A pleasant playground in green surroundings in west Odense. The playground has KOMPAN swings and rocking animals, climbing walls and a climbing castle, a little slide for tiny tots, a big slide and a big swing stand. A real plus about this playground is that there are several bench-and-table sets where you can sit and enjoy your packed lunch.

Roesskovsvej 113, DK-5200 Odense V.

Situated in northeast Odense, this is a green area of 3.85 hectares with plenty of space for having lots of fun.

Here you will find “Tusindben” (“the centipede”), Odense’s biggest nature playground for ages 0 to 15. The playground is divided into sections for the different age groups and offers challenges for children of all ages. Some examples are swing ropes, a ropeway and an exciting castle where you keep prisoners. There are sheep and goats that can be talked to, stroked and given titbits, and there are also lots of cosy places for eating your packed lunch (even if it rains).

Kildegårdsvej 50, DK-5240 Odense NØ.

City bus no.’s 12, 31–32 and 71 go right to the door.

It is always open and children can play in the children’s village free of charge.

Get off the bus by the church on Vollsmose Allé.

A delightful nature playground with swing stand, ropeway, climbing net, watercourse complete with bridges, court for ball games, beautifully carved animals, running watercourses, hills and scrubland.

In winter, when there is a hard frost, it also offers a skating rink. Approximate age group: 1–12 years. The playground is on the corner of Møllergade and Dronningemaen in Svendborg, and there are toilets nearby, as well as the opportunity to eat at tables and benches in the playground.

 

A gigantic, delightful playground with unconventional play equipment to stimulate the senses and challenge motor skills.

Children can have lots of fun on balancing beams and different climbing equipment. There are opportunities to see and experience different animals such as rabbits, goats, ducks and chickens.

The playground is connected with Strandvænget, an institution for the disabled. You are welcome to use the facilities while respecting the residents.

The park offers plenty of facilities for eating your packed lunch and, what’s more, it is flanked by a lovely child-friendly beach on one side and beautiful woodlands on the other.

Strandvænget 1, DK-5800 Nyborg, open every day, free admission.

Sansehaven (sensory garden), Nyborg

A lovely day. Picnic basket, rug, good moods and happy people... we finished up at Strandvænget and it’s breathtakingly beautiful and delightful! Everyone – children and adults alike – joined in with climbing and testing their balance and we all had a good laugh. Highly recommended.

Dyrhave / www.sjovforborn.dk