Funen is Denmark's third-largest island, lying between the peninsula of Jutland and the island of Zealand. Its central position in the country gives it a sense of being at the heart of things, and many travellers pass through it on the way to somewhere else. It is worth stopping for.
What the island offers
The island's main city is Odense, and it is the place to begin for most visitors. Odense is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the writer of fairy tales, and his connection to the town runs through its streets and its sense of identity. Visitors interested in his life and work will find the city a natural base.
Beyond Odense, Funen is a place for slower travel. Its position between Jutland and Zealand makes it easy to reach, and its scale suits a visit of a few days rather than a rushed tour.
Planning a visit
- Use Odense as a starting point for exploring the island and the Andersen connection.
- Allow time to move between towns at an unhurried pace.
- Treat the island as a destination in its own right, not only a crossing point between Jutland and Zealand.
Funen rewards those who want to see a quieter, central part of Denmark, with a literary thread running through its largest city. Check current details for your own dates before you travel.