Here are 20 fantastic reasons why you should visit Fyn and the islands in Denmark
Between Jutland and Zealand, in the heart of Denmark, lies the fairytale island of Fyn – explore its beautiful nature, the old harbour towns and the epicenter of culture, the city of Odense. Take a look upon our list of 20 reasons why you should not miss out on a holiday stay on Fyn:
Good news: you can have a bit of everything. On Fyn and the Islands, sandy beaches, vibrant Odense, charming market towns and island adventures are all within easy reach. Distances are short, and getting around is simple, leaving more time for the good stuff. Go from city streets to the seaside in the same day, or add an island or two along the way. The hardest part? Deciding what to save for next time.
1. The Countless Numbers of Beaches
Relax, listen to the sound of waves and enjoy the scenery. On Fyn, the coastline is over 1000 kilometres long and regardless of where you are, a beach will never be longer than a half hour drives away. Many of the beaches have fine sand and shallow water and are as such especially well-suited for kids – find your favorite!
2. Odense
Odense blends fairy-tale history with a vibrant modern city atmosphere. As the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen, the city invites you into his world while also offering lively cultural experiences, cosy cafés, historic streets and creative neighbourhoods. Green parks and the Odense River weave nature right through the city, and most experiences are within easy walking distance. It’s the perfect urban contrast to Fyn’s coast, countryside and islands.
This is where you click to uncover the city behind the fairy tales
5. The 123 Castles and Manor Houses
With 123 castles and manor houses across Fyn and the Islands, you’re never far from a little grandeur. The star of the show is Egeskov Castle – one of Europe’s best-preserved Renaissance water castles, surrounded by beautiful gardens and enough experiences to fill an entire day. Explore the castle, get lost in the maze, discover vintage cars and aircraft, or let the kids loose in the playgrounds.
But castle life on Fyn comes in many forms. Stay at Broløkke Manor on Langeland for spa and indulgence, explore nature with the family at Skovsgaard, or experience international contemporary art at Valdemars Slot on Tåsinge.
6. The storyteller H.C. Andersen
Everyone knows the tale of the little mermaid, don’t they? The well-known tale and many other famous stories were written by the famous author and poet Hans Christian Andersen.
Born and raised on Fyn, several museums and even a festival week are dedicated to the world-famous writer.
If you're in Odense, you should not miss H.C. Andersen's House – an architectural gem rising like sculptural columns among the old streets and historic houses of the city. Inside, the museum brings Andersen’s stories, imagination and world to life, inviting you to step beyond the man himself and into the fairy tales he created.
7. Plenty to explore for curious young minds
Travelling as a family? Then it helps to have a few crowd-pleasers up your sleeve – and Fyn and the Islands have plenty. Start at Odense ZOO, a cosy and highly acclaimed zoo where you can meet tigers, chimpanzees, red pandas, manatees, penguins and many more animals from around the world.
And there’s more for curious young minds to discover: meet seals and porpoises at Fjord&Bælt, get close to reptiles at Terrariet, spot wild horses on Langeland and deer at Hindsgavl Dyrehave, or head out on a bison safari at Ditlevsdal. Skovsgaard brings families closer to nature, while Naturama opens up the animal world in a fun and fascinating way.
8. Art and culture unique to Fyn and the Islands
Across the islands, museums, artist homes, galleries and cultural landmarks add another layer to the places you are already exploring – making art and culture part of the journey, rather than a separate stop along the way.
Discover the story of the South Fyn Archipelago at Øhavsmuseet, visit museums dedicated to some of Fyn’s best-known cultural figures, including Carl Nielsen and Johannes Larsen, or see Denmark’s only Viking ship grave at Ladby. Around the islands, local history, art and landscapes come together in experiences you simply will not find anywhere else.
10. Plenty of ways to explore on foot - whether you’re hiking or just wandering
Coastlines, forests, rolling hills, islands and historic towns all come within walking distance on Fyn and the Islands. Follow the Archipelago Trail along the coast overlooking the South Fyn Archipelago, or take the Lillebælt Trail through Naturepark Lillebælt.
If you prefer something shorter, there are countless local stretches and loops to choose from too – circle the Enebærodde peninsula, follow the coast on Ærø or head into the hills and forests around Svanninge Bakker. From short walks to full-day hikes and multi-day trails, there is almost always a route that fits.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, the southern Fyn offers no less than 75 kilometres of marvelous riding routes along the coastline and through the gorgeous landscape. True horse lovers should pay the island of Langeland a visit, where more than 60 Wild horses live in a nature reserve that can be entered under the given rules.
A lot of water equals a lot of water sport activities! Take a diving excursion to the sunken wreck of an Ærøsund ferry boat in the southern sea of Fyn or enjoy the view above the surface while paddling in one of the popular sea kayaks. Otherwise, Fyn is a hotspot for fishing sea trouts e.g. on the peninsula Helnæs, which has Denmark’s only Fishing-Lodge.
13. Climb across a real Bridge or in a High Ropes Adventure Park
The Bridgewalking in Middelfart guarantees you an adrenalin rush - test your climbing abilities while crossing the old steel bridge over Lillebælt. Alternatively, the high ropes adventure Park, Gorilla Park, offers spectacular courses among the forest trees in between heights of one to 18 metres.
14. Golf with View
A passion for the sport of Golf is a given here on Fyn. In close geographical proximity, you have the possibility to test your golfing skills on the 13 different golf courses - a view of the sea is almost always warranted. Good luck with your game!
Grab your hiking boots and enjoy „“The Archipelago Trail”“, also called Øhavsstien by the Danes, which is a 220 kilometres long path that stretches through the Southern Fyn landscape and across the islands Langeland and Ærø.
For those who rather like to combine an outing with something tasty, we recommend the culinary routes. Visit the local producers of chocolate, wineries, breweries or distilleries - – with tastings, of course.
17. Gourmet restaurants and the Danish „Kro“s
Fyn is a real goldmine for gourmets. Taste the divine meals, prepared from local products, of the gourmet restaurants, or experience the cozy atmosphere in one of the typical Danish inns, also called „Kro“.
Throughout the year, various kinds of local products such as vegetables, fruits, jam, honey, beer, wine schnaps, flowers and many more are being sold in farm shops, harvest markets and food festivals.
On Fyn, there is always some kind of event going on, because the locals – the “Fynboer” – place great value in cultural celebrations and events. For example, the music festival Tinderbox, where artist such as Lana del Rey, The Chainsmokers and Macklemore will perform this year. Furthermore, the international film festival OFF, the medieval market Danehof in Nyborg or the Magic Days of Odense, where the city is turned into a place of magic for one whole week.
Slumbering like a prince or princess in a castle or like Tarzan the king of the Jungle in the tree tops – on Fyn you will find the perfect place to sleep. Whether in a hotel like the awarded Stella Maris in Svendborg, a holiday house at the harbor of Bagenkop or at a campsite by the beach – there is something for every taste.
