While Copenhagen and Aarhus draw visitors to the east and west of Denmark, the island of Funen sits right between, like the country’s green heart. Denmark’s second-largest island is a beautiful place to explore. Experience the historic harbors on the Danish island of Funen.
Nyborg is the first Funen town on the eastern coast, and was first mentioned in 1193 in the history of Denmark. Nyborg Castle, which still exists today, was built to defend the country from the Wends of north Germany and was the meeting place for the monarchy and clergy during the Middle Ages.
The first Constitution of Denmark was written on Nyborg Castle by Eric V in 1282. However, in 1722, much of Nyborg Castle was demolished to provide building materials for Odense Castle. Part of the original ramparts and moat remains, and the castle has a fine interior of great echoing, empty rooms.
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Driving north from Nyborg, you arrive at the small fishing village Kerteminde. The town was first mentioned in writing as a town in 1350, but there has been a settlement there since the Viking Age. In fact, Denmark’s only Viking ship burial, the Ladby Ship, can be found just outside of Kerteminde, where it is also possible to gain an engaging overview of the Viking era in Funen at the Viking Museum at Ladby.
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Kerteminde is Funen’s foremost fishing village, with old half-timbered houses and a reputation for its stoneware and pottery.
The Historic Harbors on the Danish Island of Funen, written by Tor Kjolberg