Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality: Geopark, Trails and Culture

The mainland part of Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality belongs to the Geopark of the South Funen Archipelago. This geopark is one of the world’s largest flooded Ice Age landscapes and has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2024.

Nature and trails

Svanninge Bakker encompasses open areas with viewpoints, species-rich dry grasslands, woodland and ponds. An old observatory or viewing tower with an exhibition on the region’s natural and cultural history is located there. More than 35 kilometres of marked hiking trails and six marked themed routes run through Svanninge Bakker.

At 317 hectares, Lake Arreskov Sø 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 living there. Sollerup Skov comprises varied woodland areas with old beech trees, swampy alder woodland, and younger coniferous and deciduous plantations. A marked trail through Sollerup Skov leads to a birdwatching tower on the western shore of Lake Arreskov Sø.

The Archipelago Trail runs from the village of Faldsled in the west via Svanninge Bakker and Svanninge Bjerge, with a detour across the Sundbakkerne hills to Faaborg and onwards to Fjællebroen Marina. The Faaborg section of the trail includes a four-kilometre stage from the north to Faaborg.

The 120-kilometre Carl Nielsen’s Camino audio hiking trail runs from Odense to Faaborg and is divided into twelve stages. In Faaborg, the trail ends with a view of the South Funen Archipelago; it is available free of charge via the Useeum app.

Places in the municipality

Faaborg-Midtfyn Municipality includes the places of Bøjden, Dyreborg, Faldsled, Fjællebroen, Faaborg, Horne, Korinth, Svanninge, Tommerup, Vester Hæsinge, Årslev, Broby, Gislev, Ølsted, Østerby, Millinge, Falden, Kværndrup, Ringe and Nørre Lyndelse.

Culture and museums

Egeskov Castle is open to visitors during the day, allowing them to explore its history; at the same time, it serves as a residence and museum. Egeskov Mølle is a historic windmill offering guided tours and activities. Faaborg Miniby displays a 1:10 scale model of Faaborg as the town looked in 1890.

Øhavsmuseet presents the cultural heritage of South Funen and the history of the region. The museum includes an immersive exhibition about life in the Geopark region of the South Funen Archipelago. Ringe Museum is a regional cultural history museum with exhibitions and activities. Gærup School Museum presents the development of the first schools in Denmark.

Grubbe Mølle is home to an old watermill and a Dutch windmill. Kaleko Mølle is a historic watermill with roots in the 17th century; its thatched buildings later became a museum. The Clock Tower in Faaborg is a landmark in the heart of the town.

History and special places

Brahetrolleborg Church dates from around 1250 and was originally a monastery church. It is open to visitors every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Svanninge Church was built in 1838 and designed by Professor G. F. Hetsch.

Skjerninghøj is a burial mound dating from around 3000 BC with a well-preserved megalithic burial chamber. Slim visitors can crawl into the burial chamber; a torch is recommended. The remains of an early medieval fortification are located in Sollerup Enge.

Troldeland at Gåsebjerg Sand south of Svanninge Bjerge is one of Denmark’s largest natural playgrounds.

To the main travel overview: Funen.