You could spend a lifetime trying to visit all the islands of the Funen archipelago and still missed a few. Only 19 are inhabited permanently, and even the largest hold no more than a few thousand people. Here we visit the three most beautiful islands in Central Denmark.
You can take daytrips aboard wooden sailing ships or longer cruises through the archipelago. This is also an angler’s paradise.
The most beautiful island of all
From Fåborg, it is a short tip to the most beautiful island of all, Ærø. Hire a bike for the short ride from Søby to Æreskøbing, the main town of cobbled streets and brightly colored houses, and on the old naval port of Marstal. Cycling is easy, and the roads wind past fertile fields, thatched farm houses medieval churches and windmills.
From Fåborg, ferries also run to the smaller islands of Avernakø and Ly, both have good inns.
The Island of Täsinge
Svendborg is the ferry port for the southern islands. The first island, reached by a narrow bridge, is Täsinge, with some 6,000 inhabitants. Valdemars Slot is one of Denmark’s oldest private owned castles, with a wonderful view over Svendborgsund. It was built in 1640 by King Kristian IV for one of his sons, Prince Valdemar Kristian. Most interesting is the castle church, with an excellent restaurant beneath.
Beyond the Tea Pavillion, mirrored in its own lake, is a tiny swimming beach beside Lunkebugten Bay. The loveliest village on Täsinge is Troense.
Watching the slim masts of the sailing boats gather in the harbor against a darkening sea is one of the most satisfying pleasures of a Funen summer.
Related: Along The Danish West Coat of Funen
The Island of Langeland
Literally, Langeland translates to “Long Land”. The island is connected to Täsinge by a bridge. H. C. Ørsted, the discoverer of electromagnetism, was born in the main town of Rudkøbing.
North at Tranekær lies TICKON, a peaceful wooded sculpture park. To the south is fascinating Langelands Fort, a Cold War listening station with cannons, bunkers, planes and a U.-boat. To the south, Ristinge and Bagenkop both have excellent bathing beaches.
To The Three Most Beautiful Islands in Cenal Denmark, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): From Marstal
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