Pool houses on Funen and the Islands

Summer house on Funen surrounded by idyllic nature

The nature on Funen is truly special and just as fine as the island itself. Among the island’s many beauty spots you will find hilly landscapes, green forests and white coasts, where you can cycle or take long walks. If you look carefully, you can find fruit bushes all around Funen, where you can pick yourself a little snack. A perfect and very wholesome way to recharge your batteries before continuing along your journey!

Renting a holiday home on Funen is a great option if you have children in tow. The beaches on Funen are very child friendly, as they have shallow and calm waters plus they are wide, which makes them great for building sand castles or playing beach games. The water conditions are also good if you are fond of canoeing or kayaking or if you would like to give either sport a go. The South Funen Archipelago in particular is ideal for longer kayak trips, as you can hop between the many gorgeous islands.

Experiences in nature for all the family

The Svanninge Hills (Svanninge Bakker) are known to some as the Alps of Funen, and they were a regular motif of the Funen Painters, who were active towards the end of the 19th century. The area is located in the south west of Funen, just a little to the north of Faaborg, and is home to hills, waterholes and wide expanses with gorgeous viewing points. If you are lucky, you may just spot one of the cute little hazel dormice who call this hilly landscape their home. The Svanninge Hills are 126 metres above sea level and can be experienced on foot along one of the many marked trails. The routes cover a total of 35 kilometres but are divided into smaller stretches, which you can adapt to your group no matter whether you are looking for a challenging hike or simply a shorter stroll with a picnic. If you feel like falling asleep surrounded by green nature and a starry sky twinkling above, it is possible to spend the night in the Svanninge Hills.

A visit to the Svanninge Hills pairs beautifully with a quick trip to the nearby town of Faaborg. This charming market town is almost 800 years old and has quaint little streets and alleys, which have retained their idyllic atmosphere. From Faaborg Harbour it is possible to sail to the little island of Avernakø, where the rare fire-bellied toad can be found. This toad lives by the six protected waterholes on the island and is easily recognised by its distinctive croak, which sounds like a bell playing a little melody. Visitors can spend the night on the island’s campsite, and every summer, a three-day music festival is held on the island by the name of Avernax.

If you are unsure what to do on your holiday to Funen, then there is an easy answer. If you like walking or hiking, then the Archipelago Trail (Øhavsstien) will no doubt be of interest. This 220 km trail starts in the east of the island, takes you down and across South Funen and then finishes in the west. Don’t be put off by the fact the trail is over 200 km long. You can certainly choose to just walk a part of it, just making it a daytrip, if some members of your party have shorter legs than others. Pack a hearty lunch and a soft drink and head out onto the trail which is marked by a little hiking man. Remember to bring your binoculars so you can check out the rich bird and wildlife along the trail when you stop to catch your breath.

Child-friendly beaches on Funen

The Funen coastline is teeming with pleasant beaches that both children and adults can enjoy. There are many wide sandy beaches on the island, which are good for building sand castles, playing ball or paddling in the calm, shallow waters. Other beaches have deeper waters, more waves and are surrounded by interesting nature, which you can explore if you feel like a break from sunbathing when staying at a holiday home on Funen.

One of the most popular beaches on Funen is Christiansminde, which is located in the south of the island by Svendborg. The beach has a nice view of Svendborg, and the waters are pleasant and calm. Vintage ferry M/S Helge can be found at the jetty. Close to the beach you will find a mini-golf course, playground and a kiosk, which sells soft serve, other ice creams, food and drinks. The beach is perfect for families with children who want to enjoy a day by the water mixed with some activities.

When staying in a holiday home on Funen near Nyborg, you will be close to Fyns Badestrand, which was constructed at the same time as the West Bridge was being built over the Great Belt. The large beach is wide and the water is perfect for swimming and has a fine and sandy bottom. The water from the Great Belt ensures that the water around Fyns Badestrand is always clear and pleasant for swimming. If you have small children with you, do be aware that the water becomes deep enough to swim relatively quickly. Lifeguards are present on the beach from 10:00 to 18:00 in the summer months. The beach is accessible and also has toilets, a volleyball court, a playground, a kiosk and picnic tables with benches. You will have no trouble spending a whole day here!

Hasmark Strand on North Funen is a real beach paradise. The water here is shallow, so this is a good choice for families with kids. Plus there is also a nature playground for hours of fun. Facilities on offer include a large climbing frame, petanque court, fire pit, toilets and changing rooms with outdoor showers. If you would like to barbecue, you are more than welcome to bring along your own barbecue or a disposable barbecue to cook on. The tables by the beach have a steal plate, which you can set the barbecue on. Besides being child-friendly and family-friendly, Hasmark Strand is also an accessible beach. Getting to and from the beach is easy, and you can also borrow one of the two beach wheelchairs from Hasmark Strand Camping, which are provided by the local municipality.

There are many beautiful beaches on the island of Langeland, which is south of Funen. One of these is Ristinge Strand, which is the most popular beach on Langeland. Enjoy a good book while the kids build sand castles or try to jump over the waves. Barbecuing is permitted on the beach, so if you bring along a barbecue, you can enjoy your evening meal as you watch the sunset over the Funen Archipelago. One thing which makes Ristinge Strand very special is the 30-metre-tall dunes which run along the coast, plus the sand is very good for fossil hunting. Be patient as you look through the sand by the water’s edge, and you may just find a treasure or two to take home with you as a nice souvenir.

Lots of cultural experiences on Funen

Funen is a popular holiday destination for holiday home guests, with something to offer for every taste. The island is the perfect setting for a joint holiday, either with family or friends, because it is easy to reach Funen no matter where in Denmark you are travelling from. It is precisely because of Funen’s central location between the east and the west of Denmark that makes it the perfect meeting spot.

The island itself abounds with castles, manor homes, half-timbered houses and charming towns, which are buzzing with life, markets and festivals in the summer time. Funen is swirling with culture. Most towns in Funen have art workshops, with experiences that include candlemaking, ceramics and galleries where you can purchase the numerous works of art. If you prefer spending time in the big city, the largest city on the island, Odense, is easy to reach from all over and a real sea of experiences.

A special event, which takes place in Odense is the annual Champagne Festival. The event is held in Det Røde Pakhus on the waterfront at the restaurant Alfred og Kamila, and each year, exhibitors from all over Denmark come to present sparkling drinks from Northern France. Nine different companies had their own individual stands in 2019, where visitors could try more glasses of champagne beyond the ten selected for the festival. You also have the option to purchase a delicious platter to go with the drinks, so as to fill your tummy with something other than bubbles and to compliment the flavours that are in focus. When the event comes to an end at 22:00, there will be an after party for those who want to keep the fun going and maybe enjoy an extra glass or two with their friends, partner or the other guests. Read more about the festival here.

The Funen Cattle Show (Det Fynske Dyrskue) is held every year in Odense. This is an opportunity for all the family to learn a little more about Danish agriculture. The grounds each year welcome more than 750 horses, sheep, goats and cattle, which compete for best in show. The site offers a wealth of activities for both adults and children. Watch a cow being milked or a sheep being sheered.

Do any of your kids dream of becoming a farmer when they grow up? Children have the opportunity to have a go at being mini farmers on all days of the show. If you are more interested in the mechanical aspects of agriculture, then the show has something for you to. On site you will find the machine park, where the biggest and best agricultural machines, drones and robots in Europe are put on display alongside a few veteran tractors. Kids can get involved in the tractor pull and have a look inside the control cabin. There is a lot going on at the Cattle Show, and you will need some food and drink to keep you going all through the day. Try some delicious slow food, take away or good old-fashioned Danish classics from the street-food stalls at the show, and enjoy it as you take in the nice atmosphere around you.

If you love music festivals, Funen won’t disappoint. Listen to some of your favourite music at one of the many festivals which take place on the island. Heartland is a chilled festival aimed at the older generations. It attracts artists who have been around for a long time, rather than modern pop music. Heartland runs for three days and is held in idyllic surroundings at Egeskov Castle. Tinderbox is a popular three-day festival, which is held just outside the centre of Odense. Musicians play across two stages – a red stage and a blue stage – with both families and young people among the target demographic. In addition, electronic music is played on the Magicbox stage long into the night, for those who want the party to continue into the early hours. Another music experience on Funen is Rock Under the Bridge (Rock Under Broen). This is a one-day event, which is held near Middelfart under the New Little Belt Bridge – hence the name! Big names have always played this event, so it almost always sells out fast. Bring along your friends, family and a comfy blanket, and enjoy an unforgettable day of great music on your holiday home vacation in Funen this year.

Fairy-tale fun in Funen

No name is associated with Funen more than H. C. Andersen. That famous Danish fairy-tale writer who can put a smile on all our faces and bring a tear to our eyes. His fairy tales and stories are very special and a source of great inspiration in many people. At the Tinderbox Cultural Centre (Fyrtøjet), H. C. Andersen’s wondrous world is brought to life for children, with a focus on storytelling, play, theatre and visual art. The house is built around workshops, readings, theatre improvisations and other activities, which will help to awaken the children’s interest in self-expression, storytelling and in relation to art.

One of the activities you can get involved in is the Fairy Tale School. This is an introduction to the world of theatre for children. Techniques and methods from the real world of theatre are taught with a focus on how we can use our bodies and our voices for expression. Together, children and teachers will tell stories, challenge each other and find some self-belief in their own abilities. The course ends with a small performance which gives kids the chance to show both themselves and their parents the results of the work done.

Another exciting activity is the Tinderbox visual art school. The school covers 10 lessons and is suitable for children from class 0 to 8. The school is led by visual artist and MSc in Art History Keiko Yada Karsbæk, who introduces the tools used within visual art and how students can experiment with these. Topics such as colours, contrasts and compositions are taught as well as art forms such as painting, drawing, sculptures and collages. The teaching helps participants to develop their abilities to understand and to create art. It is important to note that there is a limit of max five children per adult visitor to the Children’s Cultural House. The accompanying adult must purchase a ticket.

Other fun activities within the same vein include the free puppet theatre at the Møntergården cultural history museum. The puppet theatre show is free, however you do need to book a ticket in advance. Two shows are put on over the summer: The Emperor’s New Clothes and Blockhead Hans.

You can also take part in guided walks around Odense every other Wednesday over the course of the summer. This too requires a ticket to be ordered in advance. Children go free, while adults have to pay.

Flea markets and food markets on Funen

There are many different markets around Funen, and they are all pretty easy to get to. If you like going on the hunt among old antiques – or junk as some people might call it – then we have gathered a few interesting markets. At the old co-operative dairy farm Guldbjerg, close to Bogense, you can go hunting for treasures at the Bogense Flea Market (Bogense Kræmmermarked) Each week between 500 and 1000 new items are added to the many stands, which can be found both outdoors and indoors. You can find everything here from clothing to fishing tackle, and when you feel like you need to rest your legs, you can take a well-deserved break at the market’s café, which sells soft drinks, hot dogs and cakes.

If you would rather visit a flea market in the big city, then you should check out the flea market at Odense Harbour. Odense is home to the largest outdoor flea market in Denmark, which is held every Sunday from the end of March until the beginning of October. If you like a flea market with a theme, then check out the Danehof middle-ages-themed flea market and festival. Every year on the first weekend in July, the city of Nyborg is transported back to dark middle ages when the Danehof is celebrated. The market takes place in the historic part of Nyborg between Nyborg Castle and Nyborg Church. The atmosphere is really special, and the area is buzzing with life as people haggle over prices. There is plenty to see and experience in terms of culture, entertainment and gastronomy.

There are lots of weekly markets held in town squares across Funen. These are often good places to pick up something tasty to bring home for dinner. There is nothing better than preparing crispy vegetables and delicious meat that you have selected yourself from a sea of colours, fruits and delicious produce. In Nyborg there is a Market Day (Torvedag) every Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00, where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, flowers and various homemade products. Markets are held all year round in Odense on Saturdays and Thursday afternoons, where you can buy everything from fresh fish to fruits and vegetables.

Another option is to check out the markets in some of the smaller towns around Funen. A market is held in Middelfart every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 from May to September, in Ringe every Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, in Svendborg every Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00 and in Faaborg every Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00 and 08:00 to 14:00 respectively. Here you will find many delicious ingredients and local foods, which can satisfy your hunger for great food as well as great experiences in nice surroundings.

Christmas markets on Funen

There are lots of great markets around Funen at Christmas, too. Cosy and wholesome Christmas markets begin to pop up from around the beginning of November at the many market towns, manor estates and castles around the island. Mulled wine and traditional Danish baked treats are served up for your enjoyment as you contemplate the many pretty lights and decorations, listen to heavenly music and perhaps even say hello to Santa, who visits the many markets in turn. Read more about them here.

Popular sights and attractions on Funen

If you are looking for cultural experiences, then Funen is the holiday destination for you. Renting a holiday home gives you a great way to enjoy many of the cultural treasures that Funen has to offer from your base on the island. With so many sights you may find it tough knowing where to start. How about by visiting one of the 123 castles and stately homes on Funen? The most famous are Egeskov Castle and Valdemar’s Castle.

Egeskov Castle is a 460-year-old water castle and the best preserved of its kind in Europe. It is described as a water castle because the surrounding waters go all the way up to the outer walls. The name Egeskov means Oak Woods, and the castle got this name because, according to legend, it took an entire oak forest to build the timber foundation so that the castle could be built in the middle of the lake.

Valdemar’s Castle was finished in 1644, and today, when you visit the building you will be given a leaflet telling you all about the castle’s history and the decoration of its rooms. The castle used to be owned by Danish noblewoman and TV personality Caroline Fleming together with her sister. The garden which surrounds the castle is a beautiful landscape park with big trees and wide lawns. The garden also has a water basin and a view out over the lake, which together with the forests, create a nice setting for the castle.

Another exciting attraction you can try is bridge walking over the Old Little Belt Bridge. This is an experience that will put your nerves to the test, but the reward is worth it when you see that view over Southern Jutland and Funen from 60 metres over the surface of the water.

Another option is to visit the Funen Village (Den Fynske Landsby). Here you will feel transported 200 years back in time as you walk around the half-timbered houses which make up this open-air museum. The buildings are precise reconstructions from the 19th century, and they come to life over the summer. Employees display crafts, ways of life and traditions which characterised life in the countryside in the 19th century.

Another option is to visit the zoological museum and nature theatre Naturama, which is located in Svendborg. The museum features modern and interactive exhibitions and will introduce you to the animals which have lived in Denmark over the millennia and which today live side by side with us. If you have somebody in your group who thinks visiting a museum sounds like anything but a holiday experience, take them along anyway. At Naturama they will find a museum unlike any other. They will have an opportunity to use all their senses in competition with the many animals of nature, they can take a guided tour of the museum and visit Naturama’s utterly unique universe of sounds.

A day trip to Odense

If you are going to Funen for your holiday, then you can take a day trip to Odense. Here you will find plenty of life, charming streets and great shopping. The city is easy to reach from all over Funen, as it is located right in the heart of the island – and it is home to a great many sights and attractions.

Odense is the hometown of H. C. Andersen, and visitors to the city can swing by his childhood home. It was in this house that the great poet and storyteller was allegedly born. A museum has therefore been set up in honour of the man who gave the world the Little Mermaid, the Ugly Duckling and the Emperor’s New Clothes. The home is decorated exactly as you would have expected it to be in the days when H. C. Andersen was born there. The exhibitions tell the story of H. C. Andersen’s life and all that he achieved, but also his great loneliness, his longing to travel and about how difficult life can be.

If you are interested in exotic animals and travelling in a large group, then why not go and meet the animals at Odense Zoo? Here you will find plenty of space to frolic about, burn off some energy and maybe even enjoy an ice cream in the shade while you watch the animals. Odense Zoo is home to more than 130 different species and 2000 individual animals just waiting to make your acquaintance.

Another idea is to visit the Danish Railway Museum (Jernbanemuseum), which is located close to the main train station in Odense. At this museum not only will you have the chance to marvel at some large locomotives, but you can also hear interesting stories about the history of the railway in Denmark, the dreams of its passengers and the royal family’s travel by train.

Holiday home breaks on Langeland

The South Funen archipelago is one of the most beautiful in Denmark, and amidst its waves, you will find the island on Langeland, which is easily reached from your holiday home on Funen no matter where on the island you’re staying. Langeland is a wonderful place to visit for the whole family. The island is teeming with gorgeous nature and great options for an active holiday, whether on your bike or with your hiking boots laced up. There are also many great options for angling on Langeland. The island is packed with small and charming resort towns and market towns, which are full of life especially in the summer. For example, visit the old market town of Rudkøbing, where you can walk along cobblestone streets and marvel at the original houses.

Langeland is also home to a great many sights that are worth visiting. For example, visit the Langelands Fort where you can learn more about the Cold War. The Langelands Fort was once a manned fort which monitored the Baltic Sea between 1953 and 1989, and the Cold War Museum now displays both submarines and minesweepers from that landmark historical epoch. Or see the wild horses which live free from intervention from us humans. They came to Langeland in 2006, and you will have the opportunity to experience them up close. The horses go about their business in a large fenced-off area and live without human intervention. April and May are the best times to visit if you want to see foals, however there is free access all year round.

Holiday home areas on Funen

On Funen the distances are short between scenic summer house areas and exciting towns brimming with culture and interesting sights. There are many different areas where you can holiday and they are all small, charming and close to the water’s edge. We offer holiday home rentals in Skråstrup Strand, Bagenkop, Faaborg, Tårup Strand and Lohals.