Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality: Nature, Geopark and Culture

Shaped by the Ice Age, the landscape of Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality encompasses forests and cultural attractions, revealing many different facets. The mainland area is part of the Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. Since 2024, it has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark and is one of the world's largest flooded Ice Age landscapes.

Landscape between Geopark and forest

Svanninge Bakker combines open spaces and viewpoints with species-rich dry grasslands, forest and ponds. An old observatory, or viewing tower, houses an exhibition on the region's natural and cultural history. Visitors wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find more than 35 kilometres of marked hiking trails and six marked themed routes.

Arreskov Sø also brings landscape and nature conservation together: at 317 hectares, it is the largest lake on Funen. The lake and its surroundings are protected under Natura 2000 because of the many rare animal and plant species found there. In Sollerup Skov, old beech trees alternate with marshy alder forest and younger coniferous and deciduous plantations. A marked trail through the forest leads to a birdwatching tower on the lake's western shore.

Hiking trails and outdoor activities

The Øhavsstien runs from the village of Faldsled in the west, via Svanninge Bakker and Svanninge Bjerge, with a detour through Sundbakkerne, to Faaborg and on to Fjællebroen Marina. The Faaborg section is a four-kilometre stage heading north from Faaborg. Carl Nielsen's Camino is on a different scale: the audio walking trail runs for 120 kilometres from Odense to Faaborg and is divided into twelve stages. It ends in Faaborg, overlooking the South Funen Archipelago, and is available free of charge through the Useeum app. Check app access before setting out.

For another way to get around, there is an MTB circular route of more than eight kilometres through the natural landscape of Svanninge Bakker. The Naturstien Ringe-Korinth follows a former railway line between Ringe and Korinth. It can be used for running and walking, cycling, inline skating or horse riding. The routes therefore differ not only in their layout, but also in the activities they are intended for.

Troldeland, one of Denmark's largest natural playgrounds, is located at Gåsebjerg Sand, south of Svanninge Bjerge. Remains of an early medieval fortification have also been preserved in Sollerup Enge. The landscape also offers points of interest for anyone interested in both nature and traces of history.

Culture and history

Egeskov Slot is open to visitors during the day, offering an opportunity to explore its history; it also serves as a private residence and museum. Egeskov Mølle, a historic windmill with guided tours and activities, and Grubbe Mølle, with an old watermill and a Dutch-style windmill, offer a different perspective on the history of mills. Kaleko Mølle is a historic watermill with origins in the 17th century; its thatched buildings serve as a museum.

Several museums explore regional culture in different ways. Øhavsmuseet presents the cultural heritage of South Funen and the region's history through an immersive exhibition about life in Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. Faaborg Museum is a total work of art combining painting, sculpture, architecture and furniture design; its permanent exhibition includes works by the Funen Painters and sculptures. Faaborg Miniby displays a model of the town at a scale of 1:10, showing what it looked like in 1890.

In Faaborg, Klokketårnet is a landmark in the heart of the town. Since 1932, Den Gamle Gaard has served as the town museum, presenting the cultural history of Faaborg and the surrounding area. In Ringe, the cultural history museum Ringe Museum explores regional history through exhibitions and activities. Gærup Skolemuseum, meanwhile, tells the story of the development of Denmark's first schools. The Carl Nielsen's Childhood Home Museum explores the composer's childhood and the working and musical life in his childhood home.

Individual historic sites also have their own character: Brahetrolleborg Kirke dates from around 1250 and was originally a monastery church. It is open to visitors daily from 8 am to 4 pm; check that visits are possible before travelling. Skjerninghøj is a burial mound dating from around 3000 BC, with a well-preserved megalithic burial chamber. Slender visitors can crawl inside; a flashlight is recommended, and access may depend on conditions at the site.

Faaborg and the water

Ferries run from Faaborg Havn to Avernakø, Lyø and Bjørnø. The journey to Avernakø takes 35 minutes, and the journey to Lyø takes 45 minutes. Checking the timetable before your trip will help with planning. A 12.5-kilometre kayaking route is also described, starting at Faaborg Havn and going around Bjørnø.

Faaborg Havnebad is open all year round. Facilities include bathing areas for small children, with a shallow-water pool, as well as an outdoor shower, toilets and a sauna. Alongside hiking and cultural attractions, Faaborg therefore also offers practical ways to enjoy the water.

Discover more destinations: Broby, Årslev, Vester Hæsinge, Tommerup, Svanninge, Korinth, Horne, Faaborg, Fjællebroen, Faldsled, Dyreborg, Bøjden, Østerby, Gislev, Ølsted, Millinge, Falden, Kværndrup, Ringe, Nørre Lyndelse.

For the main travel overview: Funen.