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DENMARK | Funen, Denmark Travel Guide
Friday, April 19, 2024
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Svendborg and the Archipelago
Anne Hvides Gaard in Svendborg, Denmark (cc)
Photo: Kåre Thor Olsen
Svendborg and the Archipelago
Svendborg on the south coast of Funen is often referred to as the gateway to the archipelago. It’s the second-biggest city on Funen but, with 45,000 people, it’s only about one quarter the size of Odense. This picturesque town has always been an important port since it was founded in the 13th century and even today the harbor plays a significant role as the starting point for visitors to the popular islands to the south. The city itself is also worth stopping in for a few hours. Anne Hvides House in the town center is one of the oldest and best kept houses and has been made into a popular museum.
Sightseeing on the Archipelago
Start your journey in Svendborg and make your way up the coast to Faaborg, which is 32 km (19 miles) west of Svendborg. The area around Faaborg is sometimes referred to as “the Alps of Funen,” which is a gross exaggeration but the terrain does get considerably hillier and you’ll get some incredible views of all the little islands scattered around in the sea below.
Island of Ærø
From Faaborg, take the ferry over to Ærø (60 minutes) and the village of Søby, one of the three ferry ports on Ærø. There you are not far from the main town on the island, Ærøkøbing, which can also be reached by ferry from Svendborg. Ærø is a fairly small island and only inhabited by about 8,000 people, but archaeological findings in burial grounds and elsewhere on the island tell us that people have lived on Ærø since prehistoric times. The tranquil and charming little town of Ærøkøbing is quite old as well, dating back to the 13th century. Walking around in the narrow cobbled streets among the colorful houses is a pleasant experience. The entire island of Ærø is flat and, although it’s about the same distance across the island as it is from Svendborg to Faaborg, you will find this stretch to be a lot easier if you’re going by bike.
From Ærøkøbing, continue east to Marstal, the biggest city on the island as well as the link to Langeland, the biggest island in South Funen. Marstal has a maritime museum worth visiting before you take the boat across to Rudkøbing on Langeland, which is about the same distance as from Faaborg to Søby.
Langeland
Langeland, which means long land, is five times as long as it is wide (at the widest point) and gets invaded by tourists in the summer. Most come here for the sandy beaches but, like the other islands, it is also good for biking. While exploring the island, don’t forget to stop by downtown Rudkøbing, Langeland’s only city, before continuing on your journey. From Rudkøbing the bridge takes you over to the island of Tåsinge, where the famous Valdemar Castle stands, near the town of Troense. The castle was built by King Christian IV for his son Valdemar, shown at right, and is now privately owned by the descendants of Niels Juhl, a famous admiral who was given the castle in thanks for his victory in the 1677 Battle of Køge against Sweden. Valdemar Castle is open to the public and features the Castle and Manor House Museum as well as an interesting toy museum.
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