By bike and boat in Denmark: South Seas in the North
100 manors and more: Danish cultural sites!
One of the fascinating islands you may visit on this trip by bike and boat is Funen. It is the third largest island in Denmark and is sometimes referred to as the ‘land of 100 manors’. One of the beautiful castles on the island is Egeskov Castle. This fairytale-like structure was built in a lake and is said to stand on around 2,000 oak trunks. Egeskov Castle now houses a vintage car museum, among other things. In addition to the castle, the park, which was honoured with the European Garden Award in 2012, is also worth a visit. Another charming castle on Funen is Nyborg Castle. It was built in 1170 and is considered one of the oldest castles in Denmark.
The settlements on Funen are also worth a visit. The largest is the city of Odense, which is home to almost 180,000 inhabitants. One of the most important sights here is the church of St Knuds. It is one of the most important church buildings in Denmark. Odense Castle and the city's museum landscape are also worth a visit. Odense is the birthplace of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Two museums in Odense are dedicated to him. This is another good reason to visit the city when travelling by bike and boat in Denmark.
Tranekær Castle is one of the sights on Langeland. It is not entirely certain when it was built. However, various sources mention the 13th century. Today, the imposing castle is used for agriculture and forestry and some claim that it is the oldest secular building in Denmark that is still inhabited. Fancy another record? The city of Tromsø, situated on a peninsula, can also be the destination of your bike and boat trip. Tromsø Cathedral, the northernmost cathedral in the world, is located here.
What does hygge mean?
The term ‘hygge’ has been heard more often in recent years when talking about Denmark. It refers to a typical Danish attitude to life, which you can also experience on your combined cycling and sailing holiday in Denmark. Hygge originally referred to the Danish way of life in winter, when it gets dark early. This is when many Danes get together. They sit around the table together, enjoying good food and drink, being together and the warm, cosy light in the house.
But hygge is not limited to winter. You can experience this attitude to life in spring, autumn and even summer. Hygge is conviviality. Cosiness. The pleasure of enjoyment. You can experience this in the cafés, pubs and restaurants of Odense, in the Latino quarter of the city, in the old town and at the harbour.
An interesting place in Odense to get to know the Danish way of life is Storms Pakhus, which offers an interesting mix of different fast food. There are several bars and over twenty food stalls in the former warehouse at the harbour. Sometimes cookery courses are held.
But it's not just in the big city of Odense that you can experience what hygge means. You can also experience it in small towns such as Søby on the island of Ærø. The town has less than 500 inhabitants, but has a charming marina, a pub and a café, among other things. Søby is also one of the possible destinations you can visit when travelling by bike and boat in Denmark.
Long sandy beaches, natural landscapes and beautiful coastlines
Denmark is regarded as a holiday destination with a fascinating everyday culture, a country with beautiful natural landscapes and beautiful coastlines. Denmark is often characterised by the sea. Nevertheless, many people tend not to have it on their radar as a destination for a beautiful beach holiday. That is a pity. These people are missing out. There are places in the country that are perfect for walks along the beach and - in the warmer months - for a nice swim. Many such places can be found on the island of Langeland, for example.
Langeland's coastline is around 120 kilometres long and offers plenty of space for fun by the sea. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is the long, white sandy beach of Ristinge. Also beautiful: the two beaches Hesselbjerg and Spodsbjerg as well as the beach Stengade. The Danish poet Adam Oehlenschläger is said to have written the lyrics to the Danish national anthem here. Langeland is also beautiful away from the beaches: with wide fields, beautiful mixed forest, romantic settlements and harbours.
Those who love beautiful landscapes will love Langeland and Funen. Here, too, you can look forward to gently rolling hills, beautiful bays, waterways and small lakes, lush meadows and wide fields, sometimes separated by large hedges.
