Suggested tour along the Archipelago Trail: Vejstrup Ådal with wine stop
This route takes you through the stunning Vejstrup Ådal, a meltwater valley created 17,000 years ago. You can take a break and enjoy a packed lunch and a glass of locally produced wine at Skaarupøre Vingård before returning to Svendborg.
Vejstrup Ådal with vineyard stop
Most of the route follows the Øhavsstien trail and stretches over 7 km.
The suggested route starts in Svendborg, where the trip begins (by bus).
Take the bus from Svendborg Station towards Vejstrup and get off before the town, at Vejstrup Ådal Shelter. Get your bearings and find the signpost with the Øhavsstien hiker on the same side as you got off the bus (if you came from Svendborg) and walk towards the south-east.
You are now walking through one of the famous geosites of the UNESCO Geopark South Funen Archipelago, namely Vejstrup Ådal. This impressive landscape was formed around 17,000 years ago when the ice receded from the area, leaving behind a meltwater valley. As the trail takes you through the river valley for approximately 4 kilometres, it will also take you across lush fields and beautiful cultural landscapes before you reach the water.
When the Øhavsstien trail takes a sharp turn to the right, you will see why this landscape has historically been ideal for fruit orchards, vineyards and berry bushes. It is lush and protected, representing the very essence of the Danish cultural landscape you are walking through.
When you reach Skårupørevej, it is time to leave the Øhavsstien trail and continue to the right up the road. It is a small, cosy local road with beautiful half-timbered houses.
Continue up towards Skårup, and suddenly you will see Skaarupøre Vingård on your left. During the season, you can enjoy your packed lunch here, accompanied by a delicious glass of homemade wine, grown according to biodynamic principles, and perhaps even treat yourself to local products from Funen from the farm shop. You may also have the opportunity to have a nice chat with the owners about their experience of moving to beautiful South Funen. (Be sure to check the opening hours on their website).
Then head left, up towards Nyborgvej, carefully cross the road and catch the bus back towards Svendborg. It's a good idea to check when the bus leaves so you don't end up waiting too long.
See the route
Practical information
You can also...
Aqua Vitae schnapps
If you're up for more locally produced drinks, you can also visit the farm shop of Aqua Vita Sydfyn, located right next to Skaarupøre Vingård. It's Denmark's first distillery specialising in eau-de-vie-type fruit brandies, and their brandies are aged in oak barrels and known for their fruity flavours and aromas.