Denmark: Wandering on Funen
Rolling hills, beautiful beaches and charming villages with – indeed – half-timbered houses. But still, everything is different here: let yourself be surprised in Funen, the second largest island in Denmark.
Funen is the second largest island in Denmark, nestled between its big brother Zealand and the Danish mainland. The island is surrounded by the salty seawater of the Great and Little Belt and is also called the Garden of Denmark: due to the rolling landscape, the orchards and the enormous amount of wild flowers you encounter everywhere.
Beautiful Daisy Route
The best way to discover Funen? Simply by car, along the Daisy Route, marked with brown signs with a picture of a daisy – this way you'll pass the most beautiful places and charming villages. The route also leads to the south of the island, where you can enjoy walking along beautiful bays and inlets of the sea. With an unobstructed view of the islands of the South Funen Archipelago – some are accessible via a bridge, others by ferries. If you have time, you can visit the island of Ærø: a fishing island with old harbor villages like Marstal and Ærøskøbing. The latter is definitely worth a visit, with its cobbled streets and fishermen's houses whose doors are colorfully painted.
Charming towns and villages
There are many more charming towns and villages on the island. Such as Kerteminde, a fishing village in the north of the island. This was the home of the famous painter couple Johannes and Alhed Larsen, whose works you can see in the museum named after them, near the house where they hosted many other painters. In Kerteminde, you also shouldn't miss Amanda: the statue of a local fishing girl – great for a selfie. On the east coast is Nyborg, where the ferry used to depart for Zealand. The large bridge over the Great Belt now makes that crossing unnecessary, but the town – and certainly the castle – is very nice to visit.
The city of Odense
The most important city on Funen, however, is Odense, in the interior. It is the birthplace of shoemaker's son Hans Christian Andersen, who has dozens of fairy tales to his name. There is a museum where you can learn more about the world-famous poet and writer. There is also a zoo and – not unimportantly – you can go great shopping there!
Great tips on Funen
Must do
Fairytale castle Egeskov in Odense! A special combination, because here you will also find museums with classic cars, fighter jets and helicopters!
With the kids
The Hans Christian Andersen museum of course (Odense). And 'Kiss a crab!': catching crabs under the guidance of a nature guide, in Middelfart.
Must taste
Smoked cheese, made from sour milk. That is Rygeost, a local specialty from the island of Funen. It is a soft cheese that you often find on rye bread with slices of radish and pickle.
Looking for a camper or caravan to explore Funen? Click here for the offer
