The Aboa Vetus Museum – Finland’s Only Archaeological Museum
The Aboa Vetus Museum lets you explore the ruins of medieval Turku.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 27,000 / 55.3 degrees north
Svendborg, Denmark
Svendborg is a historic maritime centre and gateway to South Funen’s archipelago. The town grew to prominence in the 19th century as a trading hub and centre for shipbuilding. The global cargo giant Mærsk was born here, and today this town is still a working harbour.
Fun Facts About Svendborg
Latitude: 55.3 degrees north
Population: 27,000
Jyväskylä coat-of-arms
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Svendborg
Uniquely Svendborg
Here are some things that you must do and try in Svendborg
Mill
Christiansmøllen
Christiansmøllen is a historic mill in the city centre of Svendborg. The name comes from a farmer, Christian Klingenberg, who bought the land and built the Dutch-style mill.
Historic Building
Anne Hvide's House
Anne Hvide’s House is a two-storey half-timbered building and is one of Svendborg’s oldest houses. Anne Hvide, a widow of noble descent, had it built in 1560. It was used as an inn and now it is the town museum.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Svendborg
Museum
Denmarks Forsorgsmuseum
Denmark’s Forsorgsmuseum is a social history museum and documents the history of poverty and welfare in Denmark. The museum is housed inside a former workhouse where impoverished Danes lived from 1872 to 1974. The museum recounts the institutions history and explores welfare and inequality in Denmark.
Museum
Naturama
The Natural History Museum Naturama holds a wide variety of taxidermy from whales and bears to birds and foxes.
Historic Church
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) was established in the 13th century but was enlarged in the late Middle Ages with a Gothic chancel, transepts and a tower. A spire was added in 1768.
Museum
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads is a yachting museum inside a huge former warehouse filled with boats, including vintage yachts and Stormy II, which circumnavigated the world.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Cruise
Archipelago Cruise
From May to September you can take the M/S Helge for a scenic tour of the archipelago. The ship sails through the Svendborg Strait to Gråsten and back.
Island
Tåsinge
Cross the bridge over the Svendborgsund to Tåsinge, an island. On the island you can visit Troense, a wealthy village with historic buildings. You can also visit Valdemars Slot, built in 1644 for King Christian IV’s son Valdemar Christian.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Svendborg
Self-Guided Walks
Svendborg on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Svendborg
History of Svendborg
It is believed that Svendborg was founded in the late 12th century as the natural harbour encouraged seafaring and trade. The first written mention of Svendborg is in 1229 in a deed of gift by Valdemar the Victorious, where he refers to a fortification there. In 1236, the Greyfriars Monastery in Svendborg was established. The Greyfriars were a major part of the city for the next 300 years, until the Protestant Reofrmation in 1536. The ruins of the monastery were party excavated besides the railway in 2007.
The city got market town privileges in 1253, and throughout the Middle Ages was fortified with walls and moats. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries the city faced various setbacks in development, such as the plague, a major fire, and the effects of the Swedish wars when Svendborg’s ships were destroyed.
It was not until the end of the war with the UK and the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century that the city returned to a period of increasing prosperity. The town was connected by road to Odense, Faaborg and Nyborg, leading to improvements in the city.
Svendborg Today
Svendborg has developed throughout the 20th century into modern times. The food and metallurgy sectors became well established, and the ports have been modernised and shipyards have been constructed. Maritime and navigational schools have been established here too. Today the hospital is the big employer here.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly:
Drive:Svendborg is located about a 25 minute drive from Odense. Buses run frequently between Svendborg and Copenhagen.
Train:Svendborg is 42 minutes by train from Odense.
Ferry:
Getting Around
You can easily walk around Svendborg.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Lolo Bakery & Bar is a lovely place by the harbour for sandwiches and bake
Quick Bites
Frederiksøens Fiskebar is a casual harbourside restaurant with a good selection of seafood.
Reasonable Restaurants
Børsen is the town’s gastropub with burgers, snacks, and popular Sunday brunches.
High End & Unique Eats
Salig Simons Gaard is a French-inspired gourmet bistro located in a building from 1682.
Places to Stay
Hostels & Camping
Hotel Garni is an affordable hotel close to the train station.
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
Hotel Æro is a harbourside hotel with a nice atmosphere and restaurant.
Hotel Svendborg is a convenient city-centre hotel.
High End & Unique Properties
All Posts About Svendborg
Turku Castle: Finland’s Most Important Historic Site
Turku Castle: Finland’s Most Important Historic Site Turku, Finland’s historic capital, is located on the west coast towards Sweden. Located on an island out into