Denmark by bike, the islands of Funen and Ærø

Denmark by bike and the island of Funen - loop from Odense

This cycling holiday on the island of Funen takes you to Denmark’s third largest island. Lush flora and fauna, unspoiled beaches, forests, flowers and orchards have earned Funen the nickname “the garden of Denmark”. Odense, the birthplace of probably Denmark’s most famous poet, Hans Christian Andersen, is the starting point for this holiday and exudes a somewhat fairytale atmosphere.

The route continues towards the south of the island. Around Fåborg, the terrain becomes more hilly, but don’t worry, the highest point of the “Funen Alps” reaches a maximum of 128 metres. Continue to the lively and picturesque harbour town of Svendborg. Another highlight of this cycling holiday in Denmark is the trip to the island of Ærø located in the middle of the Danish South Sea. Along the coast you cycle to the port towns of Nyborg and Kerteminde, then return to Odense with memories full of romantic castles, spacious manors, charming coastal villages, thatched farms, megalithic tombs from the Stone Age and fascinating evidence of the Viking Age. Denmark by bike is an exciting experience!

Highlights of this cycling holiday in Denmark:

• Odense, a city with a unique atmosphere
• The "Funian Alps" and its hills with unspoiled nature
• The island of Ærø, natural and revitalizing
• Viking culture
• The cities of Fåborg, Svendborg, Ærøskøbing and Nyborg

Day 1: arrival in Odense

Odense is a thousand-year-old city and the 4th largest city in Denmark by population. It is also known for being the birthplace of the famous local poet Hans Christian Andersen. Tributes to him are scattered throughout the city. The impressive St. Knud's Cathedral reflects the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages and is among the most imposing Gothic-style buildings in Denmark.

Day 2: from Odense to Fåborg (50 km)

Follow the Odense Å river to leave the city and reach Brobyværk. After this village, you enter the "Funen Alps". If the route has been flat up to this point, it takes a little hilly from now on. It is in the heart of a nature reserve that you cycle and discover magnificent, slightly undulating landscapes until reaching Fåborg, located on the coast.

Day 3: from Fåborg to Svendborg or Troense (35-40 km)

Today you cycle along the coast to Svendborg, a picturesque port city. You absolutely must visit Anne Hvides Gård (Anne Hvides' house) which is the oldest building in the city. In the evening you can opt for a walk along the port. The Sejlskibsbroen (sailing bridge) offers a remarkable spectacle with its authentic wooden sailboats, each more beautiful than the last.

Day 4: excursion to the island of Ærø (35 - 60 km)

Embark on the sea shuttle to reach the island of Ærø (included). You will disembark in Ærøskøbing, the oldest town on the island. You are then free to cycle around the entire island or choose shorter circuits. Not to be missed: the picturesque village of Marstal, the cliffs of Voderup, the Skjoldnæs lighthouse or the colorful bathing huts on the various beaches. Return by boat to the island of Funen (included).

Day 5: from Svendborg to Nyborg (55 km)

On the way, you have the opportunity to take a swimming break at one of the many beaches that line the route. In Nyborg, you will find the oldest royal castle in Denmark (which served as the King's residence for centuries) and a beautiful panorama of the sea and the Storebælt (Great Belt Bridge). This 62 km bridge is of major importance as it connects the island of Funen to the island of Zealand, where the Danish capital, Copenhagen, is located.

Day 6: Nyborg to Odense (50 km)

The cycle path first takes you to Kerteminde. There you can visit the Fjord & Bælt marine research centre. Discover the fascinating marine ecosystem and get up close to porpoises and seals. It is also possible to visit the Ladby Viking Museum where you can approach the remains of the Ladbyskibet, the only burial ship of the time. Your tour of the island of Funen ends in Odense. If you want to discover the city from a different perspective, take a guided tour on the Odense Å.

Day 7: Odense

End of the stay after breakfast. Possibility of additional night(s).

General information:

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 and 4* hotels (local standard)
• Child rate: contact us

Dates 2025:

Departures every day from 04/27 to 09/28

• Low season:
  • from 04/27 to 05/03
  • from 09/21 to 09/28
• Mid season:
  • from 05/04 to 05/16
  • from 09/07 to 09/20
• High season:
  • from 05/17 to 05/23
  • from 06/09 to 07/04
  • from 08/17 to 09/06
• Very high season:
  • from 05/24 to 06/08
  • from 07/05 to 08/16

Included:

• 6 nights
• 6 breakfasts
• Round trip by bike between Svendborg and Ærøskøbing
• Luggage transfer from hotels to hotels
• Travel diary with description of cycle routes with maps (1 per room)
• Telephone assistance

Not included:

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Tourist tax (to be paid on site)
• Anything not specified in "included"

Options:

• Rental of VTC or Electrically Assisted Bicycle
• Additional night(s) in Odense
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance

Level:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

Flat, very smooth roads and paths without traffic, cycle paths.

A little difference in altitude on day 2.

Climate:

Mild, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• 35 to 60 km of hiking per day, or about 3 to 6 hours of cycling.
• Partly marked route, map reading recommended.

Bibliography:

Denmark cycling guides and maps: cartovelo.fr

Additional nights:

An additional night is offered at the beginning and end of your stay.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet.
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: not included

The Bike:

• Rental bike: 27/30 speed VTC or Electrically Assisted Bike. It is to be collected from your hotel. At the end of the tour, you must leave the rented bike at the hotel and notify reception.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your bike.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for punctures for which we do not intervene).

Luggage:

Luggage transfer at each change of accommodation. Max 20kg per bag.

Travel diary:

The road book with the description of the itineraries is given to you by post and by email before your departure. Our partner on site will give you the vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as labels for the luggage.

Transport:

• By plane: Copenhagen or Billund airports
• By train:
  • from Copenhagen, allow approximately 1h30
  • from Billund, allow approximately 1h

Cancellation insurance:

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To find out more about insurance, click here.