About Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago When the ice melted after the last Ice Age more than 11,000 years ago, there was no archipelago. On the contrary, forests grew up and the first inhabitant of the geopark, Stone Age man, settled in the area. However, a warmer climate to the north meant that the last northern glaciers melted within a short time. This caused a dramatic increase in sea levels that drowned the forests and Stone Age settlements, creating the Archipelago. The 55 islands and islets that protrude from the water today are the hilltops of the old landscape. Thurø Reef
Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago is the story of the significant increase in sea levels that created a unique landscape and the nature that has been – and remains - the prerequisite for the existence of this entire area. The purpose of Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago is to: • Increase awareness of the geology, natural and cultural heritage of the area through stories about the Archipelago, maritime history and the cultural landscape • Enrich children and adults of all ages with knowledge and new insights into how nature and people are connected • Generate sustainable development through close partnerships • Strengthen and continue to expand the opportunities for enjoying an active outdoor life
Three of these sites are recognised as international Geosites: 1. The South Funen Archipelago 2. The cliff Ristinge Klint 3. The limestone quarry Klintholm Kalkgrave Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago works to be names a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023.
Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago A world of blue and green Would you like to speed up or slow down? Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago is open to those who enjoy an active and outdoor life in a beautiful setting. The unique nature of the archipelago with its areas of shallow waters, numerous small islands and a varied coastline invites to beautiful experiences by the blue water. If you are a landlubber, you can enjoy the many routes and trails through the geopark landscapes with green woodlines and breath-taking views. Visit the new geopark visitor’s centre at the museum Øhavsmuseet in Faaborg and let yourself be inspired. You can find help in the geopark app and local tourist bureaus to plan your next trip into the blue and green.
Tourist information
Transport
VisitFaaborg Torvet 19, DK-5600 Faaborg Tel. + 45 7253 1818 visitfaaborg.dk
Ferries There are ferry connections to all inhabited islands in the archipelago plus connections to Als (from Bøjden and Aerø) and Lolland (from Langeland).
VisitLangeland Langeland Library Østerport 5-7 DK-5900 Rudkøbing Tel. +45 2013 0250 langeland.dk VisitSvendborg Havnepladsen 2, DK-5700 Svendborg Tel. +45 6223 6951 visitsvendborg.dk VisitÆrø Ærøskøbing Havn 4, DK-5970 Ærøskøbing Tel. +45 6252 1300 visitærø.dk
Train and bus There are train connections between Odense and Svendborg. Fynbus runs bus services between all the main towns on Funen and the islands. DSB (train) Tel. +45 7013 1415 dsb.dk Fynbus (busses) Tel. +45 6311 2200 fynbus.dk
Langeland Turistbureau Torvet 5, DK-5900 Rudkøbing Tel. +45 6251 3505 destinationlangeland.dk
Horse riding along the South Funen Riding Route Country estates, dense woodland and rolling hills – perhaps best experienced on horseback? On the South Funen Riding Route (Riderute Sydfyn) you can ride along a 75 km network of interconnected bridal paths. The routes meander up and down through the Funen “Alps”, and offers many splendid views over the whole Archipelago. Season: You can ride along the South Funen Riding Route all year round. (Keep updated at the webpage after a storm). More info: riderutesydfyn.dk, where you also buy riding passes.
Mountainbike
Fun in nature
The hilly landscape of Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago offers plenty of mountain bike challenges. The last couple of years have witnessed the construction of a number of amazing MTB tracks in several different places. The trails are suitable for both beginners and skilled riders. Drive responsibly. Keep in mind the safety rules, watch out for each other and stay on the tracks. Wearing a helmet is mandatory - and don’t forget to bring your mobile phone and health insurance card.
The Kiss the Frog and Find the Tadpole experience centres offer plenty of activities for the entire family: Have treats from the wayside, Check out the crazy creatures of the pond, learn about island life or try out a coastal safari. Also, visit the nature base in Egebjerg Mølle and the exhibition ”Above islands and sea” at the smack and nature centre, Øhavets Smakke- og Naturcenter, on the island of Strynø. In select harbours, you will also find Cuddle the Crab (Kram Krabben) -activities
Season: Mountainbiking in Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago is amazing all year round, but you should nevertheless inquire about the condition of the track during the wet periods of the year. More info: Mountainbikefyn.dk and skovhuggeren.com
ARCHIPELAGO MAP
The geopark covers an area of 2,733 km2 with a total of 45 sites of special geological interest.
Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago A world of blue and green
Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago was established in 2018 by the municipalities of Svendborg, Faaborg-Midtfyn, Langeland and Ærø.
Season: See websites below for information on opening hours for the various exhibitions and activities. More info: kys-froen.dk, egebjergmolle.dk, smakkecenter.dk
This map has been published by
Angling The waters of Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago offers some of the best fishing in Denmark. Its many bays, headlands and fjords offer waters of different depths, varying salinity and a mix of seaweed forests and sand on the seabed. Conditions are perfect for anglers of all ages. The Archipelago is best known for it’s sea trout fishing, but many other species of fish can be caught depending on the season. Season: You can fish from the coast and from boats all yearround. Remember to buy your fishing license. Available at fisketegn.dk More info: seatrout.dk.
Sea Kayaking in the Archipelago
Cycling around the Archipelago
Hiking on the Archipelago Trail
Under-water hunting and snorkeling
Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago is the best district in Denmark for sea kayaking, and can offer challenges to beginner and experienced kayakers. 55 islands and islets offer a really special outdoors and cultural experiences. A dozen islands are inhabited, while the rest are only home to breeding birds. Keep your distance and do not go ashore in breeding areas in the stated periods. The distances between them are within reach of all, and the very best way to get around the Archipelago is by sea kayak.
Jump on your bike and take a spin around the beautiful countryside of South Fyn and it’s islands. The many cycle lanes and bike friendly roads will take you through a richly varied natural and cultural landscape. If you need help along the way, you can visit one of the local Bike Friends. The Archipelago is also one of the joint Funen cycling ventures Bike Island.
The Archipelago trail is 220 km long and will take you all the way through the landcapes of Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago. On most of the trails, you can enjoy nature and hike on your own, but you may occasionally meet other hikers. Experience the nature, cultural history and coastal landscapes of this beautiful district on a short or long walking tour. The trail is challenging but nice!
500 km2 of protected shallow waters, with countless reefs and around 40 flooded stone age dwelling places in a drowned ice-age landscape, make Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago a mecca for anybody with a mask and fins. If you enjoy underwater-hunting, you can spear flatfish, sea trout, cod and mullet when the weather is on your side.
Season: You can walk the Archipelago Trail all year round.
Season: You can kayak all year round, but tours in winter require experience and special equipment.
More info: Buy the book with ”17 cycling routes in the Southfunen Archipelago” at the tourist information centre or at bike-ohav.dk. Find more inspiration at bikeislandfyn.com and balticseacycleroute.com
More info: ohavsstien.dk.
Season: You can snorkel and hunt underwater all year round, but the water is clearest from October to March. Remember to buy a fishing license. Available on fisketegn.dk
Spending the night outdoors
Yachting and wooden ships
Wreck- and shore dives
Throughout the geopark, there are many opportunities to spend the night outdoors either in your own tent or at one of the many shelter sites. By way of example, you can spend the night in the beautiful Archipelago shelters (Øhavsshelters), designed to also provide shelter in the off-season. The Archipelago shelters and other local shelters can be booked in advance at bookenshelter.dk – but they are popular, so get in there early.
Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago is a world-class region for yachters. The area holds challenges and yachting adventures for everyone, whether you are yachting on your own or go on a trip with one of the beautiful, wooden ships of the Archipelago. You can also rent a wooden ship for excursions, family celebrations, etc
Dive beneath the waves and explore one of the ships that ended their days as a wreck on the seabed of the Archipelago. Try a dive at the ferry M/F Ærøsund (C2 on the map) or the Motor Torpedo Boats in Lunkebugten (D2 on the map). Read more about diving and find a map showing the Archipelago’s best dive sites at dyk-sydfyn.dk.
Season: All summer
Season: From spring to autumn and all year through, if you feel up for it.
More info: Read more about wooden ship sailing at maritimtcenter.dk
Season: You can dive all year round, but the water is clearest from October to March.
More info: havkajakfyn.dk
Season: Cycling in Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago is beautiful all year.
More info: dyk-sydfyn.dk and shores-langeland.com
Publication date: 2021 - 1st edition, 1st printing Publisher: Secretariat for Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav in partnership with Faaborg-Midtfyn Kommune, Langeland Kommune, Svendborg Kommune og Ærø Kommune. Photos: Kasper Orthmann Andersen/KAFoto, Knud Mortensen, Andreas Bastiansen, Gitte Loftlund, Mads Claus Rasmussen, Anne Marie Schultz, Mette Johnsen, Søren Olsen, Hans Sturesson, Geir Hauksson, naturaaktiv.com, Mikkel Jézéquel, Nicus Nature, Secretariat for Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav Mapping: Geodatastyrelsen, the map has been modified by Compukort Map The South Fyn Archipelago: Miljøstyrelsen Editors: Secretariat for Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav Layout/printing: Berens Bureau/TrykTeam, Svendborg
Island hopping
Surf and SUP
Go island hopping and visit some of the smaller islands in Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago. In 2021, you can once again hop across several of the islands, enjoy the island atmosphere, slow down and get into island pace. Try it!
Whether you are a beginner or hardcore, whether you are a windsurfer or a kite-surfer or prefer to SUP (Stand Up Paddle) does not matter. Finding a spot in Geopark The South Funen Archipelago to test your specific set of skills is no problem. The 550 km of coastline provides ample opportunity to find spots suited for any wind direction; there are sheltered and open areas, shallow and deep waters.
Find an Island Pass (Ø-pas) on board the ferry and collect stamps along the way. Season: June 26th to August 8th 2021 More info: o-hop.dk
Season: Keep your distance to bird breeding reserves and avoid sailing in areas with resting birds. More info: You can find spots on Langeland at shores-langeland.com
More info: bookenshelter.dk and udinaturen.dk
More info: dyk-sydfyn.dk
Enjoy the countryside and help take care of it
Legend
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•
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C
Places of interest – culture
D
E
Egeskov Slot
Places of interest – geology
Damestenen
Klintholm
Trente Mølle
Nature centre – Egebjerg Mølle. See opposite page
In the great outdoors most things are allowed:
•
B
Places of interest – nature
You are always welcome to visit Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago. On land or on sea, wether you walk, drive or sail here. Hospitable locals and professional tourist specialists will welcome you and help you on your way. Here you are in safe hands.
•
A
Dive Spots. See opposite page
You are allowed to go and stop along all coasts with more than 50 metres to the nearest property. Sole exceptions are bird reserves, where trespassing is prohibited during the breeding period from March 1st to July 15th. Avoid going ashore on uninhabited islands and islets during this period. See reserves (marked with red) and areas with many breeding birds (marked with yellow) on the map.
Nordlangeland
1
Museum Gudmekongens Hal
Arreskov Sø
Selected rest stops
Broholm Gods
Nørresø
Coffee stops close to the “Archipelago Trail” long distance footpath
You are free to go in and onto the water, sole exceptions are areas with resting water birds (marked with grey on the map). Please avoid these areas. Also, pay attention to traffic in the game reserve – see below.
Camping site - prices and facilities vary.
Brændegård Sø
MTB tracks. See opposite page Kiss the Frog - Adventure centres. See opposite page
You may fish along the coast all year round. Please release undersized fish, and remember to buy a fishing license.
Grubbe Mølle Egebjerg Bakker og Stenstrup Issø
Find the Tadpole. See opposite page
You are allowed to drag boats without motors up on to the beach. If you wish to pitch a tent please ask the landowner for permission first.
Vejstrup Vandmølle Vejstrup Ådal
Cuddle a crab. See opposite page
Horne Kirke
Outdoor shelters – prices and facilities vary. See opposite page
You may walk on all paths and roads in the open countryside. In private woodlands access is allowed from 6am to sunset. In publicly owned forest access is allowed around the clock, even away from marked pats and roads.
Egebjerg Bakker Kaleko Mølle
Bøjden Nor
Youth Hostel
Faaborg Museum
Shopping facilities on the smaller islands
Dogs are welcome. From 1st October to 31st March dogs may run freely along the coast. In all other areas they must be kept on a leash all year round. Dogs are not allowed to swim on beaches that are flying the blue flag.
Pipstorn Skov
Gl. Hestehave Bronzealder Høje
Tourist Information
Ollerup Bunker
Toilet
When out in the countryside, please remember-leave only your footprints.
Safety: • Staying on and use of paths, trails, spots and facilities on, above and under the water in the Geopark South Fyn Archipelago is at your own risk.
Thurø Smørmose
“Øhavsstien”, The Archipelago Trail, long distance footpath. See opposite page
Syltemade Ådal
Knolden
Parking place close to the “Archipelago Trail” long distance footpath
Naturama
Klokkestenen
2
Kultur- og besøgscenter Thurø Rev
Paths (walking-, cycle- and bridle-)
Tåsinge Skipperhjem
Dive Spot Ærøsund
Ambrosius Bregninge Egen Kirkebakke
Østersøruten (N8), Baltic Sea Route. See opposite page Horse riding routes. See opposite page
Nørreskoven
Ferry routes
Tranekær Slotmølle Dive Spot Motortorpedobådene
Breeding bird sanctuaries. Access is forbidden during the periods shown on the map: typically between 1st March - 15th July
Areas with many breeding birds. Avoid visiting between 1st March - 15th July
Souvenariet/Tickon Medicinhaverne
Landet Kirkegaard Tåsinge Vejle
Districts with staging migratory wildfowl. Please sail around Tobaksladen Stengade Skov Gl. Elmegaard
Geopark the South Fyn Archipelago – wildlife reserve
Signs and symbols Monnet
Skjoldnæs
Traffic from March 1st to July 15th prohibited Windsurfing and kitesurfing prohibited from September 1st
Especially for windsurfers and kitesurfers
to May 31st. Hunting from unanchored vessels prohibited Svendborg Hunting during September prohibited
The map indicates places with limitations in terms of windsurfing and kitesurfing.
3
Windsurfing and kitesurfing prohibited Hunting prohibited (Hunting for water birds on land is prohibited)
Rudkøbing Vejle/Fredsskov
Vitsø Nor
Reserve boundary
FYN e
Sv
nd
rg bo
Longelse Bondegårdsskov Søbygaard
General rules: Hunting from motorised vessels is prohibited throughout the reserve.
d Sun
Naturpark Ærø
Lindelse Nor
Øhavets Smakkeog Naturcenter
Bregninge Kirke
SKARØ
Vornæs Skov
TÅSINGE
Kleven Havn Græsholm
Hjelmshoved Skovballe Havn
DREJØ
Voderup Klint
Mejlholm
HJORTØ
Odden
Skovsgård
SIØ
Rallerne
Monnet
Gråsten Nor
Vårø Knude
Rudkøbing
Ristinge Klint
BIRKHOLM
Sct. Albert
4
Vejsnæs Nakke Vogterholm
Urehoved
STRYNØ
Lille Egholm Bredholm Dejrø Græsholm
Halmø
Ærøskøbing
Tryggelev Nor
Strynø Kalv
HE GO
T GEOPARK ON
Lindelse Nor Eskilsø
Lilleø
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Langholm
ÆRØ Marstal
Storeholm Ærøs Hale
Ristinge Hale
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Marstal Bugt Map: Miljøstyrelsen
Nørreballe Nor
LANGELAND
Bondeholm
Nyland
Ristinge
1
Copyright Geodatastyrelsen
St. Egholm
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3 Km
4
Klise Nor Langelandsfortet
Fakkebjerg Hulbjerg Jættestue
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A
B
C
De vilde heste
D
Dovns Klint
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