Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in Denmark: Island Hopping in Funen and Ærø

Details
Itinerary
Options
Gallery

Back to All Tours

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in Denmark: Island Hopping in Funen and Ærø

• Enjoy a self-guided cycling holiday in Denmark across Funen and Ærø

• Cycle scenic coastal routes and explore the Danish islands at your own pace

• Experience island hopping through the South Funen archipelago by ferry

• Discover historic towns, castles, and charming villages along the way

• Visit cultural highlights including Egeskov Castle, Odense, and Copenhagen

• Stay in carefully selected hotels from vibrant cities to peaceful island settings

Enquire

BOOK THIS TRIP

From £1,360 per person (excluding flights)

This is based on two people sharing a Standard Room at The Square Hotel at the beginning and end of their trip, Bike Rental, Accommodation, and Luggage Transfers.

This roughly converts to 1,618 EUR | 1,754 USD

Enquire

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Departures: June through to September – Contact our Sales Team to check availability.

Explore: Denmark holidays Cycling holidays

Enquire

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen

Your journey begins in the heart of the Danish capital. Upon arrival, you will check into The Square, a stylish hotel perfectly positioned for urban exploration.

Spend your first day wandering through the vibrant streets of Copenhagen, perhaps visiting the iconic Nyhavn waterfront or the historic Tivoli Gardens. This is a relaxed introduction to your self-guided cycling journey, with time to explore at your own pace before setting off towards the Danish islands. The evening is yours to enjoy the city’s world-renowned culinary scene before your first overnight stay.

Photo Credit: World Mappers

The Square

Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen with a stay at The Square, a 4-star hotel perfectly situated steps away from Dagmar Theatre and the renowned Tivoli Gardens. Guests will also find themselves in close proximity to Pumpehuset and Wallmans Circus Building, making it an ideal location for both leisure and business travellers. The Square offers 268 well-appointed air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with minibars, LCD televisions, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Enjoy the comfort of private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations, complete with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Additional conveniences include desks, coffee/tea makers, and daily housekeeping services. Enhance your stay with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, concierge services, and optional babysitting/childcare. Enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge or enjoy room service during limited hours. Business travellers can take advantage of the complimentary high-speed internet, a 24-hour business centre, express check-out, and meeting facilities. Limited onsite parking is also available.

Day 2: Travel to Funen & Begin Your Island Hopping Journey

After a relaxed lunch in Copenhagen, you will depart for the maritime town of Svendborg, the gateway to the Danish islands. If you arrive early and have your own bicycles, you can begin exploring straight away, either around the town or out into the South Funen archipelago. Ferries run from Svendborg to the tranquil islands of Drejø, Skarø, or Hjortø, offering your first taste of island hopping in Denmark.

Alternatively, follow a specially designed cycling route through Southeast Funen, passing local artisans producing exceptional beer, fruit juice, wine, and spirits. Your night will be spent in Svendborg.

Photo Credit: Michael Fiukowski and Sarah Moritz

Day 3: Cycling Through Tåsinge and Thurø

Today is dedicated to exploring the surrounding Danish islands by bike, with a choice of a 25 km or 53 km cycle loop. We suggest heading to the island of Tåsinge via Thurø, following quiet coastal roads and scenic countryside. Here, you can board the vintage ship M/S Helge (at your own expense) to reach Valdemars Castle. The route is lined with charming half-timbered houses, farm shops, and the 400-year-old Ambrosius Oak.

As you continue cycling through this peaceful corner of Funen, you will also encounter the poignant history of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre, whose tragic love story is memorialised at the local museum. End your ride with a refreshing visit to Svendborgsund Bryghus near Skovballe Harbour before returning to Svendborg for the night.

Photo Credit: Kim Wyon

Day 4: Island Hopping to Ærø and Coastal Cycling to Marstal

Today’s 29 km leg begins with a scenic ferry crossing to Ærøskøbing on the island of Ærø, a highlight of your island-hopping journey through Denmark. This town feels like a step back into the 19th century, with its narrow cobbled lanes and hollyhocks leaning against ancient houses. Be sure to pick up some famous liquorice confectionery at Hattesens Konfektfabrik by the harbour.

After visiting the iconic colourful beach huts at Vesterstrand, continue cycling along Ærø’s quiet coastal roads towards Marstal. Take some time to enjoy Eriks Hale beach or visit the Maritime Museum before checking into your accommodation in Marstal.

Photo Credit: Michael Fiukowski and Sarah Moritz

Day 5: Coastal Cycling and Island Hopping to Faaborg

Today’s 36 km route follows the stunning coastline from Marstal to Søby, offering some of the most scenic cycling on your Denmark holiday. Along the way, discover Bregninge Church, the dramatic cliffs of Voderup Klint, and the historic Vitsø Mølle. The island is dotted with small-scale producers, and a slight detour leads to Ærø’s own brewery, an ideal spot for lunch. Before boarding the ferry to Faaborg, take time to visit the moated manor house of Søbygård.

Upon arrival in Faaborg, you will settle into your hotel for the evening, marking the final stage of your island-hopping cycling adventure.

Photo Credit: Michael Fiukowski and Sarah Moritz

Day 6: Cycling Through Funen and Island Hopping to Avernakø

Faaborg is a picturesque town with a lovely harbour bath and several excellent museums. Today offers two main cycling options. You might take a 41 km loop through the rolling landscapes of Funen, often called the “Funen Alps,” passing the historic Kaleko Mølle and Brahetrolleborg Castle with its magnificent rhododendron park. Along the way, keep an eye out for Ravnsborg, the modern Viking castle designed by Jim Lyngvild.

Alternatively, choose a shorter 16 km island-hopping ride to Avernakø, famous for its beaches and abundant birdlife. Both options offer a perfect taste of your self-guided cycling holiday in Denmark. You will stay overnight in Faaborg.

Photo Credit: Daniel Villadsen

Day 7: Coastal Cycling Back to Svendborg

On this final 44 km cycling leg, you return to Svendborg along an idyllic coastal path, completing your self-guided cycling holiday in Denmark. The route passes Holstenshuus Castle, where you can admire the grounds and towering Sequoia trees. As you approach Svendborg, cycle past Lehnskov Estate, riding almost at the water’s edge. Rantzausminde Harbour provides the perfect spot for a final ice cream or a cold drink before arriving back at your hotel for your last night on Funen.

Photo Credit: Daniel Villadsen

Day 8: Return to Copenhagen and Discover Denmark’s Cultural Gems

Your final full day allows you to soak up the last of the islands’ charm. You might take a morning stroll along the water or explore Svendborg’s boutique cafés. On your return journey to the Danish capital, consider a stop at the spectacular Egeskov Castle or the city of Odense. In Odense, you can visit the Hans Christian Andersen House, the Danish Railway Museum, or the open-air village of Den Fynske Landsby.

You will finish the day back in Copenhagen, staying once more at The Square to revisit any city sights you missed at the start, rounding off your self-guided cycling holiday in Denmark.

Photo Credit: Michael Fiukowski and Sarah Moritz

The Square

Day 9: Final Farewell from Your Denmark Cycling Holiday

After a final Danish breakfast, it is time to conclude your journey. Whether you squeeze in some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final stroll through Copenhagen’s parks, your self-guided cycling holiday in Denmark comes to a close as you depart the city.

Photo Credit: Mette Johnsen