Denmark by bike: The islands of Funen and Ærø

Pedal between land and sea in Denmark

Highlights

The island of Ærø, one of the prettiest in Denmark
Odense, the birthplace of novelist Hans Christian Andersen
The Danish archipelago and its myriad of islands and islets
The gently rolling landscapes of the Danish countryside
Egeskov Castle to discover the Danish Renaissance
The many cycling facilities

The story behind the trip

Valentin Chapalain, travel advisor at Abicyclette Voyages, has been passionate about Denmark and more broadly all the Scandinavian countries since he was 8 years old. Since 2010, he has undertaken many journeys among the Vikings and knows each region of the country perfectly:

  • Copenhagen, the capital,
  • the island of Funen, the garden of Denmark,
  • the Jutland peninsula and its splendid and varied coast…

With 9 trips to Denmark, including several by bike, he is very happy to introduce you to and guide you on his most beautiful discoveries. He shares his passion for this country with you.

The Danish islands by bike between sea, ports and countryside

Looping around Odense, you will discover the pretty and peaceful Danish islands of Funen and Ærø.

Made up of 443 islands, 76 of which are inhabited, Denmark is a country where the sea is never far away. Never more than 50 kilometers away to be exact! This trip to the land of the Vikings is an opportunity to discover two of the most beautiful islands in the country: the island of Funen (Fyn in Danish) nicknamed the garden of Denmark and Ærø, a small island with natural beaches and fairytale villages. In addition to the charming landscapes, the relatively short distances, the relief without major difficulty and the many cycling facilities make this trip accessible, exotic and relaxing.

The sea and the islands are omnipresent during your cycling trip in Denmark. Between the island of Funen, the third largest in the country and Ærø, the most beautiful island in the south of the country, you sail to discover the Danish archipelago. Along the route, unspoilt beaches lined with forests invite you to swim in the Baltic Sea. Despite the latitude, the water temperature remains pleasant, between 17 and 20°C in summer. Ideal for cooling off during a cycling stage. On the island Ærø, the seaside tracks are numerous and superb and offer you beautiful one-on-one with the Baltic Sea. Around Faaborg and Svendborg, a myriad of islands and islets provide an opportunity for timeless stops in the middle of the tides.

The city of Odense, the third Danish city in terms of population, is the place of departure and arrival of the trip. Odense is best known for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the most famous Danish novelist and storyteller, author of the Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and The Little Match Girl, among others. The cobbled streets of the picturesque neighborhood where Andersen was born in 1805 lend themselves to family walks.

Nestled on the coast of the island of Funen, Faaborg, Svendborg, Nyborg and Kerteminde are small, dynamic and pretty towns whose history is intimately linked to the sea. The atmosphere is relaxed “Danish style”. Facing the sea, you can enjoy an is (ice cream) or a pølse (hot dog sausage) and drink a cold øl (beer). Skal!

The peaceful, green and wooded countryside of the island of Funen is pleasant to cycle through. Denmark is a cycling country and the facilities reflect this. You most often cycle on dedicated tracks or on small roads. The interior of the island of Funen is dotted with mansions and castles such as those of Egeskov and Nyborg which are worth a visit. Although the relief is flat overall, to the north of Faaborg the rolling hills of Fynsker Alpen (Funen Alps) culminate at 128 meters and offer a surprising setting and beautiful panoramas over the constellation of islands and islets of the archipelago of Funen.

Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau EasyEasy
Day 1

ODENSE

Arrive on your own in Odense, the main city of the island of Funen and birthplace of the famous novelist Hans Christian Andersen. Retrieve your bikes and enjoy the evening in Odense.

Day 2

From ODENSE to FAABORG 55km Niveau Forme

Departing from Odense, the capital of the island of Funen, you cycle south through the peaceful Danish countryside. Halfway through, the village of Brobyværk is a pleasant stopover for lunch and to regain strength before taking on the Funen Alps. Far from reaching the Alpine summits, the highest point peaks at 128 meters, the Funen Alps offer a landscape of undulating hills with beautiful panoramas on the archipelago in the south of the island. You will undoubtedly see sailboats, a ferry or elegant wooden boats.

At the end of the stage you reach the pretty town of Faaborg which has small cobbled streets lined with colorful houses where it is pleasant to stroll and enjoy an ice cream or a hot dog.

Day 3

FAABORG

Free day in Faaborg. You have the option of visiting one of the small islands in the archipelago off Faaborg (Bjørnø, Lyø and Avernakø) by ferry. Each island has its own atmosphere and the people who live there live in close contact with the surrounding nature.

Day 4

From FAABORG to SVENDBORG, VIA L'ILE D'ÆRØ 25km Niveau Loisir

You are going to discover one of the most beautiful islands in Denmark: Ærø. You take the ferry from Faaborg to the small port of Søby on the island of Ærø. Take advantage of this cruise, lasting approximately one hour, to gaze at the small islands of the archipelago.

On the island of Ærø you cycle by the sea on small roads and cycle paths. The charming landscapes encourage contemplation. Ærøskøbing is stands out by its cute cobbled streets and colorful old houses. The opportunity to immortalize some beautiful memories with your camera!

If you have the time and the inclination, Bregninge Church and the cliffs of Voderup klint are remarkable places to discover on Ærø.

At the end of the day, you embark again with your bikes. A ferry takes you to Svendborg.

By another road

From FAABORG to SVENDBORG 38km Niveau Loisir

You cycle along the southern coast of the island of Funen between Faaborg and Svendborg. Bucolic, the course offers you coastal portions brightened up with small coves where it is nice to stop for a picnic and swim. Alternately you cycle through the middle of the woods and breathe in the pleasantly scented air of the forest.

Day 5

SVENDBORG, BOUCLE DE L'ILE DE TÅSINGE 35km Niveau Loisir

Departing from Svendborg, you go on a short excursion to Valdemar Castle on the island of Tåsinge. Then you discover the charms of this untamed island. Neighboring Tåsinge, the small island of Thurø also lends itself to a stroll and swimming.

Day 6

From SVENDBORG to NYBORG 45km Niveau Loisir

From Svendborg you take the northern route along the sea. Along the way you pass through small villages where you will see stalls offering honey, strawberries, potatoes or artisan creations. As you approach Nyborg, you see the Storebælt Bridge which connects the island of Funen to that of Seeland (Sjælland in Danish), on which Copenhagen is located.

In Nyborg, the town’s impressive medieval castle is worth a visit.

Day 7

From NYBORG to ODENSE 50km Niveau Loisir

From Nyborg you cycle north to the picturesque town of Kerteminde. Many beaches await you for a refreshing swim. You can also visit the Fjord&Bælt Oceanarium or simply enjoy an ice cream in the harbour.

On the way to Odense, you ride on small roads or tracks through bucolic landscapes, wooded and dotted with beautiful gardens.

Day 8

ODENSE

End of your stay after breakfast.

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.


Starting from 1180€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.


Quote on request | Contact us

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Application fee

 

  • The routes described on the following media:
    • Tracking app
    • Route maps
    • A descriptive road book

Price does not include

  • bike rental (see option)
  • Breakfast on day 1
  • Lunches
  • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
  • Drinks, tours and other personal expenses
  • The ferry from Faaborg to Ærø and from Ærø to Svendborg (around 25 euros per person)

A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Funen island:
  • Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
  • Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
  • A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
  • A personalized welcome in English by telephone at the beginning of your stay
  • Telephone assistance 7 days a week  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
  • Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
  • A tracking app with all your routes
  • A road book to find all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
And also:

We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


Touring bike

Supplied equipment per bike

-Helmet
-Tool Kit
-1 Rear Rack + Bag
-1 Handle Bar Bag
-Water Bottle
-Tubes
-Repair Kit

Vélo de Voyage Danish Biking

Ebike

Supplied equipment per bike

-Helmet
-Tool Kit
-1 Rear Rack + Bag
-1 Handle Bar Bag
-Water Bottle
-Substitution Tubes
-Tube Repair Kit

Vélo Electrique Danish Biking

Child Bike

vélo-enfant-danish-biking

Getting here

Departure city : ODENSE

Coming by car

  • at 13h from PARIS
  • at 9h from AMSTERDAM
  • at more than 16h from MILAN

Coming by train

  • Gare de Odense - 12h from Paris

Coming by plane

  • Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)

Arrival city : ODENSE

Coming by car

  • at 13h from PARIS
  • at 9h from AMSTERDAM
  • at more than 16h from MILAN

Coming by train

  • Gare de Odense - 12h from Paris

Coming by plane

  • Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)

*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

Recommended equipment

Bike

  • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
  • 18 to 30-speed transmission
  • 26- to 29-inch wheels
  • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
  • Disc brakes recommended
  • 2 bottle cages
  • Bell
  • Front and rear lighting

Clothing and equipment

  • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
  • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
  • Suitable cycling clothing:
    • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
    • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
    • Breathable windbreaker
  • Thermal or fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • 1 pair of sunglasses
  • 1 pair of cycling shoes
  • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
  • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
  • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
  • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
    • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
    • Padded bib (chamois)
    • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
    • Neck warmer and cap

Bike maintenance

  • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
  • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

Other

  • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
  • Street clothes
  • 1 pair of evening shoes
  • Fleece jacket for the evening
  • Toiletry bag
  • Telephone and charger

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