Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
Denmark’s dedicated yachting museum in Svendborg Harbour, showcasing 150 years of pleasure sailing through classic boats, living workshops and rich maritime stories.
Moored on the island-like Frederiksø in Svendborg Harbour, Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads is Denmark’s dedicated museum of yachting and pleasure sailing. Housed in atmospheric former shipyard halls, it charts more than 150 years of Danish leisure sailing through full-size classic boats, finely crafted models, tools, photos and race trophies. This is where maritime craftsmanship, design evolution and sailing culture come together, from clinker-built wooden dinghies to sleek fiberglass racers, all maintained with visible care by an active workshop.
A brief summary to Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
- Frederiksø 16F, Svendborg, 5700, DK
- +4561462540
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1–1.5 hours if you want time to explore both the full-size boats and the smaller model and artifact displays without rushing.
- If possible, time your visit for an open workshop day to see maintenance and restoration work in progress and talk to staff about specific boats.
- Bring an extra layer; the former shipyard halls can feel cool and slightly drafty, especially on windy or overcast days by the harbour.
- Combine a museum visit with a stroll around Frederiksø and the surrounding harbour to see contemporary yachts and working boats alongside the historic collection.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train and walking from Odense
From Odense, take a regional train to Svendborg Station; services usually run at least once an hour and the journey takes around 45–50 minutes. Standard adult tickets typically cost about 80–120 DKK one way, depending on time and fare type. From Svendborg Station it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly level surfaces to Frederiksø and the museum, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
-
Car from central Svendborg and Funen
If you are already in central Svendborg or elsewhere on Funen, you can drive to the harbour area near Frederiksø in roughly 5–25 minutes depending on your starting point. Expect normal urban traffic and low speed limits close to the waterfront. Public parking options are available around the harbour, sometimes with time restrictions or paid periods, typically costing a modest hourly fee within common Danish city rates.
-
Regional bus within the Svendborg area
Regional and local buses connect surrounding districts and smaller towns on Funen with Svendborg’s centre, with travel times usually between 20 and 50 minutes depending on distance. A single adult ticket often costs around 25–50 DKK. From the central bus stops near Svendborg Station, you should allow around 10–15 minutes on foot over mostly flat ground to reach Frederiksø and the museum halls.
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
Sailing heritage in the heart of Svendborg Harbour
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads sits on Frederiksø, a compact island in Svendborg Harbour that once bustled with shipbuilding activity. Inside the old industrial halls, the tone shifts from working yard to curated time capsule, with the creak of timber and the smell of varnish setting the scene. The museum focuses entirely on Danish leisure sailing, tracing how small boats reshaped life along the coasts and in the island communities around the South Funen Archipelago. Founded by sailing author and enthusiast Bent Aarre together with a circle of local yachtsmen, the collection grew from a handful of saved boats to a substantial archive of hulls, rigs and stories. Here you can follow the shift from home-built wooden craft to mass-produced fiberglass hulls, and from simple open boats to comfortable cruising yachts designed for weekends afloat rather than work at sea.Boats under roof: from dinghies to classic yachts
Stepping into the main exhibition hall, you are surrounded by full-size pleasure craft resting on cradles, their keels exposed and their lines easy to study. There are traditional clinker-built dinghies, sharp-bowed racing keelboats and sturdy family cruisers, many preserved with their original fittings. Suspended from beams and stacked along the walls, beautifully detailed models show everything from early 20th-century regatta fleets to modern offshore racers. Alongside the hulls, cases of navigation instruments, regatta pennants and weathered life jackets bring the human element into focus. Design drawings and half-models reveal how boatbuilders experimented with form, while worn tillers, blocks and sails tell of long summers under Nordic skies. Information panels explain how different classes evolved, why some designs became national favourites and how safety equipment changed as sailing spread beyond professional mariners.Workshop life and the craft of maintenance
One of the museum’s distinctive features is its active workshop, where volunteers and specialists continue to maintain and restore the collection. On certain days, the museum opens while work is underway, so visitors can hear the rasp of hand planes, the tap of caulking irons and the whirr of small machines tuning fittings. This ongoing care keeps the boats more than static exhibits; they remain seaworthy or close to it, preserving knowledge of traditional methods. The workshop environment also highlights the materials behind the romance of yachting. You see stacks of seasoned timber, coils of rope and tins of paint and varnish, as well as templates and jigs used for repairs. Explanations of how planks are steamed and bent, how seams are sealed, and how masts are rigged give a deeper appreciation of what it takes to keep classic craft afloat in a salty, changeable climate.Stories of sailors, regattas and everyday escapes
Beyond craftsmanship, the museum is rich in personal narratives. Photographs show families loading provisions for summer cruises, young crews poised at the start line of local regattas, and small boats threading between the green Funen islands. Logbooks and race certificates testify to long passages, while club burgees and trophies evoke the sociable side of life in sailing clubs along Denmark’s coasts. Panels and displays explore how leisure sailing mirrored broader social changes: more free time, new ideas about outdoor life and a growing desire to explore by water rather than by road or rail. You gain a sense of how accessible sailing became as designs simplified and production costs dropped, and how Svendborg’s position among sheltered channels made it an ideal base for this shift.A maritime atmosphere shaped by water and weather
Part of the museum’s appeal lies in its immediate surroundings. Through large doors and windows you glimpse the working harbour outside: fishing boats, modern yachts and the rippling channel to the archipelago beyond. The wind’s direction is obvious from the clink of rigging and the pattern of waves, subtly reminding you that every object inside was built to move on water, not sit on land. Whether you are deeply involved in sailing or simply curious about maritime culture, the museum offers a compact but layered experience. The combination of full-scale boats, intimate details and an authentic harbour setting makes it easy to imagine slipping lines, hoisting sails and following in the wake of the craft preserved here. It is as much an introduction to Denmark’s relationship with the sea as it is a specialist collection, anchored firmly in Svendborg’s own waterfront identity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
0.5 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Tranekær Castle
16.5 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Damestenen
16.5 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
22.8 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
22.8 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
22.8 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
23.0 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
På Torvet
23.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
23.0 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Andelen Guesthouse
23.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
23.3 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
25.3 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Befrielsessten i Sulkendrup
26.6 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's 1945 liberation, nestled in a forested valley near historic Sulkendrup Mill.
Ærø
26.6 km
Experience the serene charm of Ærø, Denmark's enchanting island, with its picturesque towns, rich maritime heritage, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for all travelers.
Rise Kirke
26.6 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Unmissable attractions to see
Anne Hvide's House
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring extensive collections and live artisan demonstrations.
Cubo Nero
0.6 km
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Naturama
0.9 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
1.0 km
Step inside Northern Europe’s best‑preserved poorhouse in Svendborg and explore 100 years of Danish welfare history told through original rooms, objects and human destinies.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
1.1 km
One of Denmark’s largest medieval castle mounds, where grassy ramparts and deep ditches reveal the ghost of a lost fortress above the outskirts of Svendborg.
Valdemars Slot
4.6 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Ambrosius's Oak
4.7 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
6.0 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Beautiful Beach
6.1 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Tåsinge
7.0 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Vornæs havn
8.9 km
Small, scenic harbour on the Vornæs peninsula where woodland meets the South Funen coast, offering quiet moorings, coastal walks and peaceful fishing waters.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
9.7 km
High‑rope thrills in a South Funen beech forest, with eight treetop courses, long zip‑lines and a Big Swing blending outdoor adventure, views and shared laughs.
Langelands Museum
15.2 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Egeskov Castle
15.4 km
A storybook Renaissance water castle on Funen, where historic halls, award‑winning gardens, playful museums and forest adventures create a full day in the Danish countryside.
Camping Outdoors Museum
15.6 km
A nostalgic journey through tents, caravans and holiday dreams, the Camping Outdoors Museum at Egeskov celebrates the simple freedom of life on the road.
Essential places to dine
Frederiksøens Madbar
0.1 km
Casual harbourfront burger and seafood bar on Svendborg’s old shipyard island, pairing organic burgers and fried fish with laid-back maritime views.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
0.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and hearty portions served right on Svendborg’s harborfront, with wide views across Svendborgsund and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere all day long.
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
0.2 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Jettes Diner
0.3 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Salig Simons Gaard
0.4 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Kong Volmer Svendborg
0.4 km
Cosy Danish lunch spot on Svendborg’s Møllergade, serving classic smørrebrød, cold beer and aquavit in a narrow oak‑lined dining room with a sunny terrace.
Restaurant Børsen
0.6 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Under Uret
0.7 km
All-day café and brasserie under the clock on Svendborg’s main pedestrian street, serving cozy comfort food, quality coffee and relaxed drinks from morning to late night.
Pams African Restaurant
0.7 km
Ghanaian warmth, jollof rice and slow-cooked stews bring a slice of West Africa to the historic streets of Svendborg’s compact old town.
Restaurant Resumé
0.8 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Restaurant Øret
1.0 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Christians madhus
1.2 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant
1.2 km
Waterfront hotel restaurant in Svendborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a strong seafood focus, framed by wide sea views and a spacious terrace by the beach.
Stella Maris
2.9 km
An intimate seaside boutique hotel on Svendborgsund, blending Nordic design, gourmet dining and tranquil garden-and-water views on the edge of South Funen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kop & Kande
0.4 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.4 km
Colourful, low-cost Danish design and quirky gifts in the heart of Svendborg’s main shopping street, ideal for quick souvenirs, party supplies and everyday essentials.
Thi Ti Ting
0.5 km
A cozy little gift shop on Korsgade in Svendborg’s old town, where playful Danish design and easygoing small-town charm meet on every shelf.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
0.5 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
0.8 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Storms Hjørne
3.4 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Høkildegård
9.8 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Dansk
14.7 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaj Hansen
14.8 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Shop Louise Mary
14.8 km
Charming gift shop on Rudkøbing's central square, offering curated Scandinavian home décor and souvenirs.
Skovhus Keramik
14.9 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
14.9 km
Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Butik Knag I/S
15.0 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
15.0 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Imerco
15.0 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
0.1 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Strandbar
0.1 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
0.1 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
0.2 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
The Drunken Sailor
0.2 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Loftet
0.3 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
Kahytten Svendborg
0.3 km
Dimly lit, smoky and disarmingly honest, Kahytten is Svendborg’s cabin-like pub where cheap beers, local regulars and harbor-town character meet under one low ceiling.
Den Høje Stue
0.3 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Rasmus
0.3 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Trier's Corner
0.3 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Vinsted
0.4 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Hemingway's Svendborg
0.4 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
0.5 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
HANSTED
0.7 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Ørkild
0.7 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
0.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
22.4 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Ærø Golf Klub
28.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Muzirkus
29.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
30.4 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
35.6 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
39.7 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
40.2 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
40.3 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
BUTCHERS Odense
40.3 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
The Flower and the Bee
40.3 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
Dansebar Odense
40.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
40.4 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Grand Bar & Lounge
40.5 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Sir Club
40.6 km
Sir Club in Odense blends classic Danish bar atmosphere, lively open mic nights, and friendly pool competitions, making it a top choice for sociable evenings downtown.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly