Looking for fairy-tale castles, coastal villages, and Danish countryside charm? Visit Funen! Known as Denmark’s “Garden Island,” Funen (Fyn) is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and a hub of history, culture, and nature. Explore Odense, cycle scenic routes, and discover castles, beaches, and gourmet treats in this laid-back island paradise.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Funen is from May through September. Summer offers mild weather, blooming gardens, open-air festivals, and prime cycling conditions. Spring and early fall are quieter with crisp air, colorful landscapes, and fewer crowds.

How to Get There

  • By Train: Direct trains run from Copenhagen and Aarhus to Odense, the largest city on Funen. The journey from Copenhagen takes around 1.5 hours.
  • By Car: Drive across the Great Belt Bridge from Zealand or take the Little Belt Bridge from Jutland. Funen is centrally located in Denmark’s road network.
  • By Air: Odense Airport offers limited flights; Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the nearest international hub with rail connections to Funen.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Odeon (Odense) – Modern hotel in the heart of Odense, close to attractions, shops, and restaurants.
  • Broholm Castle – Stay in a real castle with antique furnishings, gourmet dining, and romantic countryside views.
  • B&Bs and Farm Stays – Enjoy the island’s rural charm with cozy accommodations surrounded by fields and fjords.

Top Attractions

Shop Scandinavian Style and Gifts at Aebelo

Shop Scandinavian Style and Gifts at Aebelo

© Kira/stock.adobe.com

Aebelo is a deserted Danish island that is situated just off of Funen’s north coast. This beautiful island covers a natural area of about 2.09 kilometers-squared. The island only has two inhabitants during the summer months, and is uninhabited during the winter months. Kaj Dindler owned the island between the years of 1938 and 1943. The island offers outstanding scenery, pristine beaches, lush forests, and gorgeous plains – where visitors may see deer and muflons. Visitors should bring binoculars, as there are many opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing. Breeding owls have been seen, majestic sea eagles, and many other bird and animal species. The island also provides fantastic fishing locations all around its shores.

Aebelo Road, Aebelo Island, Funen, Denmark, Phone: +45-64-81-20-44

Savor Global Street Eats at Arkaden Food Market in Odense

Savor Global Street Eats at Arkaden Food Market in Odense

© Arkaden Food Market

The Arkaden Food Market is a must-visit food experience when visiting the small nation of Denmark. In years past, Arkaden “The Arcade” was a place filled with party-people of all ages; as of 2018, it has become a place filled with a variety of closely packed booths that offer gastronomic experiences from all over the world. With 22 stalls positioned side by side, visitors can enjoy food experiences from both near and far, one after the other. The market offers everything from the traditional Scandinavian meals to the hard-to-get foreign delicacies. Visitors will also have their choice of specialty beverage bars that offer freshly ground coffee, cocktails, wine, and craft beer.

68 Vestergade, Odense, Denmark, Phone: +45-31-76-73-52

Ferry Over to Island Charm and Nature Trails on Avernako

Ferry Over to Island Charm and Nature Trails on Avernako

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Avernako is a picturesque Danish island that is located just south of the island of Funen. It covers a surface area of approximately six-kilometers-squared, and has nearly 100 inhabitants. Originally the island of Avernako was two different islands, “Avernak” and “Korshavn.” In the year of 1937, the islands were linked by a man-made dam named “Drejet,” having to do with its peculiar shape. The best way for exploring the Avernako is either by bike or foot, giving visitors the best chance of taking in all of the island’s nature and beauty. The island features a number of sandy beaches for visitors to spend a relaxing day on; there also several excellent fishing locations to explore.

1 Hovedvejen, Faaborg, Denmark, Phone: +45-40-10-99-90

If you are traveling with kids:

Explore Locomotive Legends at the Danish Railway Museum

Explore Locomotive Legends at the Danish Railway Museum

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The Danish Railway Museum is Denmark’s national railway museum, located in the vibrant city of Odense. Established in 1975, the museum is situated within an old engine shed, near the city’s primary railway station. The museum is recognized as Scandinavia’s largest railway museum. There are several fascinating exhibitions that bring Denmark’s railway history to life with artifacts and staged scenes, like the 21 Tracks of Railway History, The Orange Rail-car Mover and the Olsen Gang, and H.C. Anderson and the Iron Horse. There are a few other exhibitions that are not to be missed, such as the Children’s Railway Station, Danish Railway Ferries, and Royal Trips.

24 Dannebrogsgade, Odense, Denmark, Phone: +45-66-13-66-30

Let the Kids Play Freely at Dinos Legeland Indoor Playground

Let the Kids Play Freely at Dinos Legeland Indoor Playground

© Dinos Legeland

Dinos Legeland is a fun and exciting amusement park for children, located on Norrebrogade in Fredericia, Denmark. Kids can take a trip back through time, long ago when dinosaurs ruled the world; they can check out the different replica species that have been set up all around the interior, including Velociraptors, a Brachiosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Spinosaurus, and Triceratops. Kids will have numerous recreational areas to choose from, like an area with several different slides, a large trampoline section, plastic ball shooters, bumper carts, a climbing area, and much more. Parents will have the opportunity grab a hot cup of coffee and jump on the wireless network in the café while the children play.

121 Norrebrogade, Fredericia, Denmark, Phone: +45-75-92-20-10

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Step Into History and Fairytales at Egeskov Castle

Step Into History and Fairytales at Egeskov Castle

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Egeskov Castle is a beautiful piece of architecture that is located in Kvaerndrup, on the southern part of Funen Island in Denmark. The castle represents one of Europe’s most well-preserved Renaissance water castles. There are numerous collections and exhibitions for visitors to explore once they’re inside the castle, such as The Falck Museum, the New PUCH Exhibition, Grocery Museum, Motorcycles, The Old Media, Veteran Museum, and Bikes over Time. The Fashion Exhibition gives visitors a glimpse into what the fashion trends were like during the 1850 to 1900 time period. Visitors will definitely want to take the opportunity to explore the grounds around the castle’s exterior, as they’re perfectly manicured, and feature a number of breathtakingly-beautiful gardens.

18 Egeskov Gade, Kvaerndrup, Denmark, Phone: +45-62-27-10-16

Admire Danish Art at the Faaborg Museum

Admire Danish Art at the Faaborg Museum

© Faaborg Museum

Faaborg Museum is a renowned art museum that is situated along Gronnegade in Faaborg, Denmark. The museum was closely connected with the influential artists’ colony that had emerged within the town in the late 1800s. Mads Rasmussen was the original founder of the museum, using his success from food-production factories to finance the curation of the collection. Visitors will see beautiful works of art by popular Funen painters like Fritz Syberg, Peter Hansen, and Johannes Larsen. There are several fun family activities around the museum for visitors to enjoy, including an Art Treasure Hunt, Art Kits for creating the next masterpiece, and Mazes to get lost in.

75 Gronnegade, Faaborg, Denmark, Phone: +45-62-61-06-45

Get Hands-On With Sea Life at Fjord&Baelt

Get Hands-On With Sea Life at Fjord&Baelt

© Fjord&Baelt

Fjord&Baelt is a museum that has combined its efforts to serve as both a research institution and tourist attraction in Kerteminde, Denmark. The center’s purpose is to, through school activities and services, research, and exhibitions, convey what life is like within the surrounding Danish waters. The main attraction is Freja, a harbor porpoise that’s been trained by the museum’s staff to participate in a variety of experiments for scientific and behavioral research. The museum features several exhibitions that cover different elements of marine life and history for visitors to explore. The underwater tunnel add another exciting element for visitors, giving them a unique underwater perspective without all of the hassle of diving gear (and cold water).

1 Margrethes Place, Kerteminde, Denmark, Phone: +45-65-32-42-00

Treasure Hunt and Stroll at the Odense Harbour Flea Market

Treasure Hunt and Stroll at the Odense Harbour Flea Market

© Myst/stock.adobe.com

The Flea Market on Odense Harbour is a must visit for anyone visiting Funen, Denmark for the first time. The market kicks off in the last portion of March, and lasts until almost the end of October. The harbor gets jam-packed with vendors trying to sell their secondhand artifacts and items, while patrons push through from one stall to the next, trying to find that perfect gift for a friend or family member. It is the largest outdoor flea market in the area, and visitors will find plenty of booths to look through for the six hours they are open.

1 Londongade, Odense, Denmark, Phone: +45-26-15-24-62

Walk in a Storyteller’s Footsteps at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Walk in a Storyteller’s Footsteps at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum

© JazzaInDigi/stock.adobe.com

Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a popular museum in Odense, Denmark that is dedicated to the famous author, Hans Christian Andersen. The museum is situated within the building that is thought to be his birthplace, a cozy yellow house at the corner of Bangs Boder and Hans Jensens in the city’s Old Town. The museum also features the works of Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen; old coins and medals; an archaeological collection; and historic photos taken of the city of Odense. Through exhibitions, visitors will have the opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse into the history, research, and conservation being done in the area.

45 Hans Jensens Straede, Odense, Denmark, Phone: +45-65-51-46-01

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Odense Zoo – Award-winning zoo featuring exotic animals, natural habitats, and fun for families.
  • Funen Village (Den Fynske Landsby) – Open-air museum recreating 19th-century rural life with half-timbered houses, costumed interpreters, and working farms.
  • Ærø Island (from Svendborg) – Take a ferry to this picturesque island known for cobbled streets, beaches, and charming seaside towns.

Where to Eat

  • Sortebro Kro (Odense) – Fine dining in a historic inn, offering classic Danish cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Restaurant Resumé (Svendborg) – Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative seasonal tasting menus.
  • Storms Pakhus (Odense) – Trendy street food market in a converted warehouse, with global eats, bars, and events.

If you are interested in local events:

  • H.C. Andersen Festival (August) – Week-long celebration of storytelling, performances, and art across Odense.
  • Heartland Festival (June) – A blend of music, talks, food, and art held at the scenic Egeskov Castle grounds.
  • Funen’s Medieval Festival (Summer) – Step back in time with knights, markets, and reenactments in Nyborg.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Funen’s Main Towns:

  • Kerteminde (30 min from Odense) – Quaint harbor town with sandy beaches, galleries, and the Fjord & Bælt marine center.
  • Svendborg (40 min) – Coastal town with ferry connections to Ærø, boutique shops, and a lively cultural scene.
  • Nyborg (30–40 min) – Visit Nyborg Castle and explore this historic town once home to Denmark’s first parliament.
  • Faaborg (45 min) – Wander the old town streets, hike Svanninge Hills, or ferry to island getaways like Lyø and Bjørnø.
  • Assens (40 min) – Explore old merchant homes, local museums, and the coastal harbor with views of the Little Belt Strait.

FAQ:

  • Where is Funen located?
    • Funen is an island in Denmark, known for its charming coastal towns and rich history.
  • What makes Funen special?
    • The island offers picture-book coastal towns, grand Renaissance castles, rolling woodlands, open fields, and traditional thatched farmhouses.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Funen?
    • Visitors can experience the island’s exquisite natural surroundings through:
      • Biking along scenic trails.
      • Hiking through rolling woodlands.
      • Kayaking in the island’s waterways.
      • Boating along the picturesque coast.

Plan Your Trip


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