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Hans Christian Andersen, Funen & Copenhagen

10 Days / 7 locations in Denmark

The Ugly Duckling and great experiences in the tracks of the author Hans Christian Andersen, Hamlet, Vikings, Kings and Castles

The fairytales written by the Danish poet H. C. Andersen are famous and loved all over the world and this tour is inspired by both his life and books. He was born and grew up in Odense, the capital of Funen, but he lived most of his adult life in Copenhagen – or travelling. Whereever he went, he had a significant influence on everything and everybody surrounding him.

Hans Christian Andersen is present all over Funen and Zealand and the guide book will contain hints to all places connected to the author along with traditional hints, tips and recommendations.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Copenhagen

Welcome to a capital where cyclists are kings! Enjoy the cozy and relaxed atmosphere, easy-going living and plenty of experiences in a combination of old-world charm and modern lifestyle. Copenhagen is a melting pot of interesting options and you can easily spend a few days here without getting bored.

 
Day 2     Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy Copenhagen one more day. At 10 AM we invite you to participate in a guided cycling tour in Copenhagen city. We will visit both the main attractions of Copenhagen including the Little Mermaid and other places connected to H.C. Andersen and some interesting but less known sights and places. Duration 2-3 hours. The rest of the day is at disposal for your individual sightseeing.

 
Day 3     Copenhagen - Roskilde
Meals: Breakfast

From a distance you can see Roskilde and the spires of the cathedral Roskilde Domkirke, which in 1995 was admitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sarcophagi and tombs of 38 Danish kings and queens laid to rest here make this church special because nowhere else in the world are so many kings and queens buried in the same church. Visit also the Viking Ship Museum with both original viking ships and replicas – or try to sail a small one yourself.

 
Day 4     Roskilde - Soro
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 32 miles

Sorø has a rich cultural history and many important Danish authors have lived here. HCA often travelled in Denmark and abroad, and he stayed with friends at several manors and castles in Zealand while writing new stories. One day he walked in the park, saw a swan in the lake and was inspired to write the story of the Ugly Duckling.

 
Day 5     Soro - Nyborg
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 22 milles + train across the Great Belt + 1 mile

Today you arrive in Funen! We cycle the last stage in Zealand from Sorø to the charming Korsør with a very maritime spirit because here is the spot with the shortest distance to Funen and ships have sailed forth and back since the beginning of time. Today the impressive Great Belt Bridge makes the crossing fast and easy. You take the train across the belt from Korsør and after arrival in Nyborg there is app. 1,6 km to the hotel. Nyborg is an historic, yet charming city where it is easy to follow the trails and signs back in time. For more than 400 years up to 1560 Nyborg was the capital and center of Denmark, and the very old, Danish kings preferred to stay here in the royal castle and rule the country. The Nyborg Castle the oldest royal castle in the Nordic countries and worth a visit.

 
Day 6     Nyborg - Odense
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 30 miles

You bike along route 40 to the charming fishing town of Kerteminde and the maritime centre of Fjord & Bælt. Go under water, or enjoy art at the Johannes Larsen Museum. The trip continues into the centre of Odense, the city and birth place of our author. Take your time to explore this nice city and visit the newly renovated Hans Christian Andersen’s House and museum. (It is possible to buy additional nights in Odense).

 
Day 7     Odense - Svendborg
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 37 miles

Den Fynske Landsby (Funen Village) is an interesting open air folk museum with traditional Funen half-timbered houses (App. 60 km) from the period pre-1840, museum and workshops. A visit here will give you a good idea of how life was in the days when HCA lived. The road twists and turns through soft rolling hills on the way to Ringe and the impressive castle Egeskov Slot, which we recommend to visit but not stay for several months like HCA did. Near Stenstrup you can see the so-called Stenstrup Ice-lake before continuing to the Hvidkilde Manor house and through the Amalieskov wood. Just before a vantage point at Egeskov Mill you can get the most magnificient view of the South Funen Archipelago and you will soon arrive in the cosy city by the sea, Svendborg.

 
Day 8     Svendborg - Faaborg
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 18 miles + detour of 6 miles.

Owe it to yourself to visit Valdemar Castle at the island Tåsinge just outside Svendborg. If you do not want to cycle all Tåsinge you can take the old ship Helge from Svendborg to Valdemar Castle (not incl.), visit the castle and go towards Svendborg along the sea at a beautiful route passing through the small idyllic village Troense with old sailing-ship traditions, culture and maritime spirit. The Cycling Route no. 8 along the sea between Svendborg and Fåborg is the most idyllic one in Funen. Alternatively you can sail from Svendborg to the charming island Ærø in the middle of the South Funen Sea, ride from one end of the island to the other, enjoying the maritime cities Ærøskøbing, Marstal and Søby and end the day arriving in Fåborg by ferry.

 
Day 9     Faaborg - Odense
Meals: Breakfast

Approx. 32 miles

Today you start the bike tour through the ”Alps of Funen” with the famous moraine landscape at Svanninge Bakker. A distinctive attraction is the yellow medieval church Svanninge Kirke with it’s high spire, that is visible from afar. Brobyværk was founded during the Viking Age. The river Odense Å runs through the village and was used for a gun factory that was established here in 1648, and it was probably the first serial manufacture of weapons in Denmark. After Brobyværk the landscapes changes to being more flat and plainlike. From Fangel you follow the Odense Å bike path along the river to the centre of Odense.

 
Day 10     Odense
Meals: Breakfast

he tour has ended. Prolong your stay with extra days or check out after breakfast.

 

Notes

This tour is also available in an alternative 8-days version:

Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival In København

Day 2. København sightseeing in the morning

Day 3. København – Roskilde – Nyborg (App. 33 km + train to Nyborg)

Day 4. Nyborg – Odense (App. 49 - km)

Day 5. Odense - Svendborg (App. 60 km)

Day 6. Svendborg – Fåborg (App. 30 km + detour 10 km?)

Day 7. Fåborg - Odense (App. 51 km)

Day 8. Odense

Please be aware of increased prices during Roskilde Music Festival. A surcharge is applicable for all starts with 1 night stopover in Roskilde during the period from 23 June to 6th July 2015

Price Includes
Service Hotline
Relevant Tourist Information Materials
Bike Rental
Storytelling About H.C. Andersen and Guide to Places Related the Author
Travel Book, Maps, Route Descriptions
Daily Luggage Transport
Guided Sightseeing Tour in Copenhagen (by Bike)
Daily Breakfast
Hotel Accommodation 3-4 Star
Price Does Not Include
 Roundtrip Transfer from Odense to Copenhagen if Needed
 Ferries in Funen
 Train from Korsor to Nyborg
ROB-1269
1.28.15.WP26