Nordfyns between Coast, Island Nature and History

At Enebærodde, a 12-kilometre hiking and cycling route leads through a protected landscape between the Kattegat and Odense Fjord, as well as through heathland, forest and beach; it offers views of the sea, the lighthouse and a diverse birdlife.

Coast and Nature

Near Grindløse lies the relatively well-preserved Grindløse Ås, a striking landform in the otherwise flat North Funen plain. It has been designated as protected nature since 1943. Gyldensteen Strand is also dedicated to nature conservation: the site is home to Funen’s largest nature restoration project. Wide, level paths lead to two bird towers; the paths and towers are also accessible by wheelchair, and from the towers it is possible to observe white-tailed eagles and seals.

Flyvesandet Strand has Funen’s only true sand dunes, a child-friendly Blue Flag beach and views of Samsø. Swimming, walks in the forest and nature experiences are possible at the beach. Flyvesandet cannot be reached directly by bus or another form of public transport, but it can be reached easily by bicycle via smaller roads and Flyvesandsvej.

Æbelø is a protected island in the Kattegat near Bogense, with sensitive, untouched nature and wild animals. Vigelsø is the largest island in Odense Fjord and lies directly opposite Klintebjerg; today, it is a nature reserve with good paths and a diverse birdlife.

A path of around three kilometres runs around Langesø near Morud through landscapes shaped by the Ice Age, past enormous fir trees and with views of the castle. Around Langesø, it is also possible to go for walks, take mountain bike tours and go horse riding. Hofmansgave Park is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset and contains many rare trees and plants.

Paths and Routes

The Nordfyns Kyststi is a coastal hiking trail along beaches, dykes and paths close to the coast. Its described sections lie between Skåstrup and Bogense, and between Flyvesandet and Enebærodde. In Bogense, the Kløverstierne comprise four routes ranging from 2.3 to 14.7 kilometres in length, which can be used on foot or by bicycle.

For longer cycling tours, the Gyldensteen Routes and the Dallund Routes lead through different landscapes and historic surroundings. The Gyldensteen Routes is 35 kilometres long and runs along the old irrigation canal at Gyldensteen Strand and by Gyldensteen Slot. The Dallund Routes measures 33 kilometres, passes through largely flat terrain with little traffic, and passes a castle, an old church and rune stones.

The Marguerite Route runs for 72 kilometres across North Funen through deep forests, open landscapes and historic sights; it can be experienced by car or bicycle. For route planning, the VisitNordfyn Welcome Centre in Bogense provides maps of hiking trails on North Funen and throughout Funen.

History and Local Life

Bogense was founded during the 13th century. The old streets and houses, Bybækken and Torvet form one of Denmark’s best-preserved and most beautiful historic merchant-town environments. Torvemarked in Bogense is held every Thursday throughout the year, offering fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers, vintage goods and handicrafts.

At Enebærodde stand a lighthouse built in 1861 and the remains of fortifications constructed during the English Wars from 1807 to 1814. Frelserens Hospital in Otterup was inaugurated on 11 October 1722 and built between 1720 and 1722 to house eight people in need from the nearby parishes.

Using authentic rooms in the town’s second-oldest building, Otterup Museum presents former everyday life as well as stories about people and crafts. Bogense is also home to a local copy of Manneken Pis from 1934, which is associated with stories about a foundling and a collection of many costumes. Kappendrup Kirke is not a Christian place of worship, but a large Stone Age burial monument.

Regional production is also part of the tangible impressions of North Funen: farm shops and local producers offer, among other things, honey, cherries, beef and chicken products; visitors can see where the food is produced. Near Morud, Ditlevsdal Bison Farm offers guided bison safaris among around 300 animals and is Europe’s largest bison farm. The restaurant at Ditlevsdal Bison Farm serves bison steak and bison burgers.

The immediate local area of Nordfyns includes Bederslev, Bogense, Bårdesø, Skamby, Gyngstrup, Hasmark, Jørgensø, Otterup, Morud, Skåstrup, Søndersø, Tåstrup, Askeby and Veflinge.

For the broader travel overview: Funen.