Around the island of Fünen

The tour of Fünen is more or less the standard sailing trip one makes in Denmark accounting for very busy waterways. Summer after summer there are over 200,000 boats in the harbours of Denmark's second largest baltic island crammed with people staying overnight.

Diversified sailing destination
Those who have laboured away rounding the island on the usual 1 to 2 week gentle trip moor on the island as if they have reached some distant land. That's what makes an island trip so special - you never have to retrace your steps, it's always full steam ahead. Whoever sails over to Fünen and does the rather cosy trip around the island stopping along the way can already say to have logged up over 200 miles. The journey is one that takes you through some of the most diversified sailing areas of Europe.

Tip for the trip
Old hands sail around the island clockwise. To the north you sail through the open Kattegat and skippers are usually happy when the prevailing often strong west winds blow instead of having to tack. The trip therefore usually starts at the southerly entrance to the Lille (little) Belt.

The Little Belt
In this part of the Baltic Sea between Jutland und Fünen, where there are many places to anchor up and a myriad of islands and harbours, sailors can easily pass their whole holiday. The most popular places are Aerösund Marina, Assens Marina and the new Marina at Middelfart. For those simply wanting to drop anchor there are loads of places marked on the charts. Three examples are: Agernäs in the Helnäs Bugt, the Gamborg Fjord as well as the exit of the Kolding Fjord. These peaceful places to anchor are well off the trodden Round-Fünen-Route.

Bogense in the north
After sailing through the very pretty northerly exit of the Little Belt most travellers set sail for the small town of Bogense in the north of Fünen and they usually stay a couple of days there because of the wonderful white beaches a stone's throw from the jetty.

The island harbour of Endelave
If you are looking for an alternative you only have to sail a couple of hours further to reach the little island of Endelave, an island almost totally untouched by tourism. The island harbour is just 25 miles from the exit of the Little Belt. Just by the fishing harbour there is a quaint Danish Kro (hotel) as well as places to rent bikes. Only 5 lanes were built in this lush green landscape which is almost totally traffic free.

Samsø
A trip around Fünen would not be complete without a trip to the neighbouring island of Samsø. In Ballen harbour there is a continuous party atmosphere. If you are after a quieter place to stay, choose Kolby Kas on the west side of the island. Headed south from Samsø, according to your sailing priorities and weather, head for Kerteminde or 12 miles further south to Nyborg as your next destination.

The natural harbour at Korshavn
Those who know about this sailing area will always make a point to stop at Korshavn, the natural harbour at the north eastern tip of Fünen. You should make every effort to fill up the coolers onboard before heading here because there are no places to buy anything either at the T-shaped bridge of the "Odense sailing club" or in the cross shaped 3 meter deep bight area. Further to the south you have to cross the bridge over the Large Belt. Yachts with a 16 meter mast should head to the west to gate 36. Larger ships should use the industrial shipping crossing at Korsör.

The island harbour of Agersø
It's only a few miles from here to Agersø. People usually head here for the beautiful white sandy beaches that can be reached in a matter of minutes on bike. A bit further on to the west there is the interesting area between Fünen and the island of Langeland. A stay at the most northerly port of Langeland, Lohals, is really worth it for no other reason than the beautiful walks at the northern end of the island.

Dageløkke
Not only the view to the Große Belt but the fairly-tale forests of the island provide the alternative attraction of Dageløkke a little further on the route. The little fishing harbour is a secret to be in the know about when it rains - there's an indoor swimming pool and a sauna there!

South Seas in Denmark
Sailing on to Svendborg sound with its many harbours and places to moor up is like saving the very best taste to the end. The sound, framed by Fünen to the north the island of Taasinge to the south, already belongs to the part of Denmark which is known among insiders as the Dänische Südsee - the "Danish South Seas". It is a water landscape dotted with sandbanks, islands and forested areas. It's easy to navigate because the navigable water is marked well by buoys.

Back to the Little Belt
The trip around Fünen ends where it began - back at the Little Belt. You should try to make a stop at the island of Alsen and its main town of Sonderburg. Walk around the marina at Sonderburg to the town centre and you get to see the classical old Denmark. The town centre shows off the best of the new, with its beer gardens, cafes and fine places to eat.

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