A weekend in Svendborg

Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and find peace and quiet – whether you prefer a sea view, historic surroundings or a central location in the heart of the city. Svendborg has many accommodation options, so you are sure to find something that suits both your taste and your budget.

Explore Svendborg Harbour in the early evening sun, where pleasure boats rock quietly side by side, creating a calm rhythm in the water. Take a walk along the quay and enjoy the atmosphere on Frederiksø, where deckchairs and cold drinks from the beach bar invite you to relax and unwind – while boats and kayaks glide quietly by. Here, there is life and the buzz of people enjoying the long, light evenings with a view of the sound.

Treat your taste buds to a restaurant experience. Choose from exclusive culinary experiences, modern gastronomy, local ingredients and hearty café fare – from cosy outdoor seating to creative menus in unique surroundings. Please note: Some places require a little planning to secure a table.

Svendborg is known as a lively cultural town with a diverse range of experiences on offer all year round. After dinner, there is a good chance of finding a concert or other entertainment within walking distance – there are over 700 events and concerts a year.

Start the day with a refreshing morning dip from one of the many bathing jetties along the coast – a favourite morning routine for locals all year round. Then enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or pick up fresh pastries from one of the town's bakeries – and don't forget a piece of brunsviger to complete your South Funen experience.

Take an audio tour and experience Svendborg's culture and history in beautiful surroundings. For example, take the walk Sundets Stilhed (The Silence of the Sound), where Lars Mikkelsen guides you from the harbour to Brecht's House with stories about South Funen writers. You can also choose the audio walk about Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre, which takes you through Nørreskoven – where the tragic love drama ended.

After the sound walk, it is a good idea to grab a sandwich or other light lunch from one of the town's eateries, bakeries or specialty shops. Find a spot along the coast and enjoy your meal with a view of the South Funen Archipelago – a well-deserved break with taste and tranquillity.

It's time for an artistic experience. In Svendborg, you will find many galleries, including ones with fantastic views of the sound, on the creative cultural island of Frederiksø, and an art hall in the middle of town. Here, you can explore everything from local works to international exhibitions and gain insight into the town's vibrant art scene.

After a day full of experiences, it's time to retreat and enjoy the hotel's surroundings – perhaps with a cup of coffee on the terrace or a quiet moment in the crisp bed linen. And the soundscape? Either the buzz of the city or the gentle lapping of waves – whichever you prefer.

End an eventful day with a delicious meal – perhaps tapas, delicate small dishes or a light meal in informal and atmospheric surroundings? If you still have energy left, the evening offers several options: from beer bars with locally brewed beer to classic pubs with live music and a great atmosphere. Or find a quiet spot along the harbour and enjoy the last rays of sunshine in peace and quiet.

Spend the morning visiting Valdemar's Castle, which has just reopened with a major art exhibition in its historic halls. Here, the castle's first floor, chapel and riding hall are transformed into a sensory journey through the many expressions of contemporary art – with everything from colourful paintings and sculptural furniture to cinematic installations and sound works that reflect the history and atmosphere of the place. The exhibition spreads throughout the castle, and in the old barn and Tekanden, the audience is met by works that surprise, challenge and invite reflection.

Be sure to set aside time for a visit to the Danish Welfare Museum. In the former poorhouse, you will gain a powerful and thought-provoking insight into the lives of society's vulnerable throughout history. An experience that is both enriching and memorable.

The time has come to say goodbye to South Funen – but if you have time on your journey home, stop by a Geo-spot. Here you can experience the unique landscape and walk in the footsteps of the Ice Age. The South Funen Archipelago Geopark is UNESCO-certified and contains fascinating stories about the history of nature.