A Whole Day: Visit the Islands of the South Fyn Archipelago

The small island ferries depart Svendborg several times a day. If you manage to get out of bed early, you can make it to both Skarø and Drejø in one day.

Hop on the ferry in Svendborg, Faaborg, or Rudkøbing and enjoy the stunning ferry trip through Svendborgsund. The archipelago is a calm and serene world of its own. Each island has its own unique history and scenery, though they also have some things in common: splendid coastal nature and islanders eager to give you a warm welcome.

Skarø and Drejø

First stop: Drejø

Start your day by taking the earliest ferry and head to Drejø to make your first stop. On the island you can rent bikes and then head out onto the coastal path that winds along the south coast of Drejø with the water keeping you company. Along the way, you'll pass Bækskildestranden. The beach is the island's most attractive bathing spot. Another must is to cycle to the island's westernmost and highest point, the cliff at Næbbesodde, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the archipelago. Hereafter, you can continue your tour of the archipelago to Skarø.

Second stop: Skarø 

Jump back on the Højestene ferry to Skarø and spend the rest of the afternoon here. Follow the signposted path along the coast northwards and turn towards Skarø Town. A visit to Skarø Is- og Gårdcafé, the local ice cream café, is a must, located just 600 metres from the harbour. Here you can treat yourself to the organic Skarø ice cream, made with ingredients like birch sap and sugar kelp. You can also enjoy your afternoon coffee in the cosy surroundings. End the day by boarding the ferry back to Svendborg.

Hjortø

Hjortø

Take the small ferry from Svendborg Harbour to Hjortø, where the space is very limited to one car and 12 passengers. After a picturesque one-hour journey through Svendborg Sound and past Skarø, you arrive at Hjortø.

Once you are on the island, the sea opens up on all sides and you are never more than a few hundred metres from the gentle coastline. It's a modest sized island, where you can't find grocery store, inn or church in the landscape. On the other hand, there is a rich bird life and unrivalled peace and quiet. Take a walk around Hjortø, stop at the water's edge and the fields and look out for white-tailed eagles, wrens and listen for the rare bell frogs. Watch the hares leap across the fields and the grazing geese and other animals that thrive on the quiet island.

If you're adventurous enough to venture into the water, a unique experience awaits you. Head to the small island of Hjelmshoved, north of Hjortø. Put on your swimsuit and bathing shoes, carry your picnic basket on your head and enjoy lunch in the middle of the South Funen Archipelago on Hjelmshoved before wading back to Hjortø. Visit the museum at the harbour and treat yourself to an ice cream before returning to Svendborg.

Note: Both the northern tip of Hjelmshoved and the western tip of Hjortø are protected and there is no access from 1 March to 15 July.

Ærø

A day on the island of Ærø

Spend a day on Ærø and return home with an unforgettable experience of the island's highlights. We recommend exploring the island by bike as it gives you a bit more freedom and a close connection to the beautiful nature. Bikes can be rented both in Svendborg and on Ærø. Make sure to catch the ferry early in the morning to make the most of your time on the island.

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Ærøskøbing. Make a stop at Den Gamle Købmandsgård (The old Merchant's House), where you can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee from the sustainable Ærø roastery, Dynamo, and pick up some organic homemade cakes along the way. Stroll through the city's picturesque neighbourhoods with their distinctive climbing roses and colourful town houses.

Continue your bike trip along the coast to the south until you reach Marstal. Experience the atmosphere of the maritime town, enjoy lunch at one of the cosy cafés, such as Marstang Café and Bar, and then head out to the headland Eriks Hale where you can take a refreshing dip. Hop back on your bike and follow the route to Voderup Klint where you can enjoy some breathtaking views.

Return to Ærøskøbing and end the day with an early dinner, for example at Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant. Here you can expect a unique gastronomic experience with local produce and ingredients gathered from the nature of Ærø as a very central part of the dishes. Be sure to set aside some time for a trip down to Vesterstrand to admire the charming, colourful bathhouses along the coast before heading back to Svendborg.