While Copenhagen and Aarhus beckon visitors to explore Denmark’s vibrant east and west coasts, the island of Fyn sits gracefully in between, often regarded as the country’s green heart. As Denmark’s second-largest island, Fyn boasts stunning landscapes and charming coastal towns. Though Odense stands out for its rich offerings, it’s the picturesque seaside towns that truly capture the essence of this enchanting region.
When the sun graces Funen with clear skies, nothing quite compares to a leisurely clockwise Tour of Funen, punctuated by stops in these delightful coastal havens. Below, we highlight seven of the most attractive towns that dot the shoreline of this beautiful island.
Candle Memory
For many locals, ice cream is synonymous with the charming town of Kerteminde. With a population under 1,000, this quaint community boasts a considerable reputation for its delectable frozen treats. Vaffelhuset, located at Trollegade 2D, is the town’s pièce de résistance when it comes to ice cream, attracting long queues on sweltering summer days.
A mere stroll from Vaffelhuset, the marina beckons as a favored stopover for numerous visiting sailboats. Kerteminde also invites you to bask on its sandy beach and dine at renowned local establishments like Rudolf Mathis and Tornøes Hotel, both conveniently close to the town center. Those looking to extend their stay will find comfortable, uncomplicated lodging at Tornøes Hotel.
During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Farvergården on Langegade, a former merchant’s house that seamlessly combines a cozy café with exhibitions on local history. To delve deeper into the region’s past, take time to visit the Johannes Larsen Museum, housed in the former home of the celebrated painter. The museum invites exploration for a modest admission fee of around DKK 90.
If you have a moment to spare, pay homage to ‘Amanda’—the town’s iconic sculpture, symbolizing strength for local women. For a delightful lunch, Lulu’s Café & Boutique serves up scrumptious sandwiches and salads. Families visiting should dive into the underwater world at Fjord&Bælt, where participants can learn about Denmark’s rich aquatic life (adult tickets around DKK 110, kids around DKK 55).
Nyborg
Heading south from Kerteminde along Funen’s eastern coast, we arrive in Nyborg, historically significant as Denmark’s first capital. Hard to imagine in today’s context, this charming town once served as a pivotal center of Danish politics during medieval times and is currently in talks for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The crown jewel of Nyborg is its castle, Nyborg Slot, which is presently undergoing significant renovations and is slated to reopen soon. Guarding the castle are the impressive ramparts known as Nyborg Vold, home to Denmark’s oldest open-air theater. The Nyborg Voldspil annual musical takes center stage from July to August, with tickets available starting from DKK 120.
In Nyborg’s central harbor, old fishing boats meld with contemporary seafront architecture. Just a stone’s throw from the city center, you’ll find Nyborg Destilleri, enticing visitors with its artisanal whisky, gin, and rum, alongside a café and restaurant for those preferring a non-alcoholic sip.
The town also boasts a lovely northeast-facing beach, where sunbathers can gaze in awe at the silhouette of the Grand Belt Bridge, which connects Funen to Zealand. Nearby, a luxe hotel offers stunning views of the bridge and a serene spa, while a budget-friendly campsite provides affordable accommodations for overnight stays.
How to Get Around on Funen
Your best bet for exploring Funen is by car. For those needing to rent a vehicle, numerous local providers can help you find the ideal deal. Prefer not to drive? Public transport will take you to all the towns mentioned here from Odense. Trains whisk you to Svendborg, Middelfart, and Nyborg, while Fynbus provides service to other cities on the island.
Fyn can also be accessed from either Zealand or Jutland via train or bus. The train journey from Copenhagen to Odense lasts approximately one and a half hours, while the bus ride takes about two hours.
Svendborg
As we journey further south, the vibrant city of Svendborg serves as a lively gateway to the South Funen Archipelago. From this bustling hub, bridges span out to smaller islands such as Thurø, Tåsinge, and Langeland, while ferries whisk adventurers to those not connected by road, like Ærø.
However, many find that the allure of Svendborg is enough to keep them entertained without venturing further. The city, as Funen’s second-most populous, is brimming with coastal charm and cultural delights.
Venture to the harbor where Kammerateriet, a versatile music and events venue, occupies the historic shipyard area. This revitalized locale features an urban beach and innovative facilities for relaxation and recreation.
Svendborg comes alive during major events such as the Culinary Sydfyn food festival at the end of June and the city’s film festival in late August, featuring a unique sail-in cinema. Museum enthusiasts will appreciate visits to The Danish Yachting Museum and Naturama to learn about contemporary natural history (adult tickets around DKK 110, while children enter free).
If you’re visiting between September and March, catch a thrilling basketball game featuring local favorites, the Svendborg Rabbits, who play in the top Danish league, with tickets priced at about DKK 80.
For those planning to stay overnight in Svendborg, Hotel Æro offers a charming atmosphere in a 19th-century building right by the harbor.
Faaborg
Perhaps the most tranquil atmosphere is found in the idyllic coastal town of Faaborg, with its cobbled streets and colorful facades. Located on Funen’s south coast and serving as a ferry hub to islands like Bjørnø, Lyø, and Ærø, Faaborg ranks among the island’s top destinations.
The city’s historic streets radiate from the central square, where the iconic yellow bell tower peeks out from behind red rooftops. Although the church was razed in 1536, the solitary tower remains the town’s most recognizable landmark.
A short stroll leads to the renovated waterfront, featuring an inviting swimming spot and trendy eateries like Det Hvide Pakhus, which showcases delightful local seafood.
If you seek a touch of urbanity, don’t miss Helios Theatre, a combined cinema and performance venue closely linked to Soze, a stellar coffeehouse and roastery nearby. For those with a little more time, hop aboard the vintage Sydfyenske Veteranjernbane railway for a nostalgic journey to Korinth and back. Round-trip tickets are priced around DKK 90, with half-price tickets available for children.
Assens
Assens exudes historic charm with its charming half-timbered houses, most of which line the bustling main street, Ladegårdsgade, leading down to the harbor.
This harbor area serves as a vibrant venue for cultural events throughout the summer, especially when the majestic wooden ships dock during the annual Fyn Rundt event each July.
Make sure to check out Tobaksgaarden, a former tobacco factory transformed into a cultural hub in 2004 that now hosts a cinema, café, concert venue, and a music school. A short jaunt takes you to Willemoesgården, the bright red birthplace of local naval hero Peter Willemoes, who tragically lost his life in battle at the tender age of 24 in 1808.
Feeling peckish? Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Café Plums Gård, set within a charming cobbled courtyard, before wandering to Vor Frue Kirke to admire its octagonal tower. And if you desire a taste of local brews, consider a guided tour at Bryggeriet Vestfyen, available on select days.
Medium Speed
It’s difficult to resist a smile when passing through the whimsically named Middelfart, especially after a visit to Assens.
Located on the west coast, just a brief bridge’s length from Jutland, Middelfart harmoniously mixes history with contemporary urban vitality. The revitalized waterfront evokes charm with wooden sailboats moored in the historic harbor while luxurious yachts populate the new marina. Adjacent to this locale is Kulturøen, which features a restaurant with a stunning view of the sea, a cinema, café, and library.
Between the two harbors, Café Razz stands out as a local favorite, offering panoramic views of the Little Belt suspension bridge, the backdrop for Denmark’s largest one-day festival, Rock Under the Bridge, held annually in early June. For the more adventurous souls, take a guided Bridge Walking tour over the older bridge linking Funen and Jutland (approximately DKK 279).
For a closer look at the Little Belt strait, embark on a local whale safari. Prefer a more leisurely experience? On dry land, explore the exquisite ceramic collections at CLAY, which offers free admission on Wednesdays after 5 pm.
Booksense
Despite being the smallest town on this list, Bogense boasts Funen’s largest marina, accommodating over 700 boats—a genuine hotspot for sailing enthusiasts. It serves as a cozy hub for Northern Funen, where the contrast between the historic core filled with quaint townhouses and the modernized harbor promenade is striking.
Wander through the scenic streets and treat yourself to coffee or lunch at either Lunds Hotel or Dampskibshuset. Be sure to seek out Bogense’s very own Manneken Pis sculpture, gifted to the town in 1934—a charming replica of the famous Brussels statue, often dressed for local festivities.
For the more adventurous, set sail on the well-maintained wooden ship M/S Castor (prices vary by trip) or lace up your walking boots to explore Æbelø, a protected area accessible by foot at low tide. If the weather takes a turn, the Nordfyns Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local history for an admission fee of just DKK 20.
All images (c) Brian Schæfer Dreyer unless otherwise noted.
Map of the Best Coastal Towns in Funen
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