Faaborg Clock Tower (Klokketårnet)
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Rising above the red-tiled rooftops of Faaborg’s medieval core, the freestanding Faaborg Clock Tower is the town’s unmistakable landmark and last remnant of the old Skt. Nikolaj Church. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the tower once formed part of a larger church complex and later served as a town gate, its bells marking time for sailors and townsfolk alike. Today you can climb its narrow interior to enjoy sweeping views over cobbled streets, the harbour and the South Funen Archipelago, while the melodic chimes still drift across the old town.
A brief summary to Faaborg Clock Tower
- Tårnstræde, Faaborg, 5600, DK
- +4529883531
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your climb for a clear day around midday or late afternoon to make the most of the views over Faaborg’s rooftops and the South Funen Archipelago.
- Be prepared for steep, narrow wooden stairs and ladders; wear flat, closed shoes and keep bags small so passing others on the staircase is easier.
- If visiting in summer, time your day so you can also join an evening night watchman walk through the old town to hear the tower’s history in context.
- Bring a light jacket for the top platform, as the breeze can be noticeably cooler even on warm days, especially when you linger to enjoy the panorama.
- Keep an ear out for the melodic bell chimes on the hour; pausing in nearby streets lets you appreciate how the sound carries through the old town.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and short walk from Odense
From Odense, take the regional train toward Faaborg, usually with a change in Ringe; the journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs roughly DKK 80–130 one way in standard class, depending on time and ticket type. Trains run several times a day but less frequently in evenings. From Faaborg station it is about a 10–15 minute walk through the compact town centre on mostly flat pavements, suitable for most visitors but not ideal for heavy luggage or mobility aids on cobblestones.
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Bus from Svendborg or other South Funen towns
Regular regional buses connect Faaborg with Svendborg and smaller South Funen communities, with typical journey times of 35–60 minutes from Svendborg and fares usually in the range of DKK 40–80 one way. Services are less frequent on weekends and evenings, so checking current timetables is important. Most buses stop near Faaborg’s central area, from where you can walk 5–10 minutes through the old town streets to reach the Clock Tower.
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Car trip across Funen
Driving from Odense or other parts of Funen, expect around 45–60 minutes from Odense to Faaborg along main roads. There is no specific fee for accessing the town, though fuel and any tolls elsewhere in Denmark apply. Public parking areas are available within a few minutes’ walk of the old town; some zones have time limits or require a parking disc, especially near the centre, and spaces can be busier on sunny weekends and peak summer days.
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Cycling along South Funen routes
Faaborg is linked to nearby towns by scenic cycling routes that weave through gently rolling countryside and coastal stretches. A ride from Svendborg or Odense’s outskirts may take 1.5–3 hours depending on distance and fitness, with no direct cost beyond bike rental if you do not have your own. Expect a mix of quiet country roads and occasional busier sections, and be prepared for some moderate hills. Once in Faaborg, the compact centre and cobbled lanes around the Clock Tower are easy to explore on foot while you secure your bike nearby.
Faaborg Clock Tower location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Faaborg Clock Tower
A medieval tower at the heart of Faaborg
The Faaborg Clock Tower stands at the very centre of this small South Funen town, a vertical accent in a skyline of red roofs and half-timbered houses. It is the surviving bell tower of Skt. Nikolaj Church, a parish church built around the mid‑13th century when Faaborg grew as a trading town on the archipelago. When the main church was demolished in the 16th century, the tower was spared, gradually becoming the town’s defining symbol. Seen from Tårnstræde, its whitewashed upper section, dark timber detailing and copper-topped spire form a compact but characterful silhouette. The tower’s simple brick base hints at its medieval origins, while later restorations added bolder colours, larger openings and the distinctive belfry that houses its bells.Stories in stone: from churchyard to city gate
Over the centuries the Clock Tower has quietly adapted to Faaborg’s changing needs. For a time it functioned as part of a city gate system: heavy doors once closed in the evenings, and locals had to pay a fee to enter after dark. The gate proved unpopular, but the tower itself avoided demolition in the 18th century partly because neighbouring buildings were structurally linked to it, and because the solid structure reduced the wind funnelling through the narrow streets. The church that once surrounded the tower is long gone, yet its memory lingers in the way the building stands slightly apart from surrounding houses, like a guardian of the old town. Restorations in the 18th and early 20th centuries preserved the overall outline while refreshing its surfaces, keeping the medieval core intact beneath more recent layers.Climbing the interior and reaching the lookout
Inside, a narrow sequence of stairs and ladders winds upwards through thick masonry walls. The climb is relatively short but can feel steep and enclosed, especially near the top where the passage narrows. Along the way, wooden beams and exposed brickwork reveal the tower’s age, with small windows providing teasing glimpses of tiled roofs and the harbour as you ascend. At the upper level, a viewing platform opens out to a generous panorama. From here you can trace Faaborg’s medieval street pattern, spot the nearby harbour cranes and ferry piers, and look across the blue straits to the low outlines of the South Funen islands. On clear days the views extend well beyond the town, connecting the tower visually to the wider seascape that once sustained it.The soundscape of bells and night watchmen
The Clock Tower is as much an acoustic landmark as a visual one. Its bells mark the passing of hours with a melodic chime that can be heard across much of the town centre, threading through everyday sounds from the harbour and cafés. The mechanism blends older traditions of bell-ringing with more modern clockwork technology, keeping precise time while still feeling distinctly historic. During summer evenings the tower often plays a quiet supporting role in night watchman walks through the old streets. Lanterns, stories of bygone citizens and the distant echo of the bell combine to evoke centuries when the tower kept order and time in a much darker, quieter town. Even without joining a walk, simply pausing beneath the tower as dusk falls can be atmospheric.Experiencing Faaborg’s old town around the tower
The streets fanning out from the Clock Tower form one of Denmark’s more intact small-town historic centres. Cobbled lanes, low merchants’ houses and small courtyards cluster in a tight pattern, with the tower acting as a constant point of orientation. Its presence makes it easy to navigate: the glimpse of the spire between gables often guides you back to the middle. Because the tower is relatively compact, a visit fits well into a broader exploration of Faaborg’s museums, harbourfront and nearby viewpoints. The short but rewarding climb, combined with the strong sense of continuity from the Middle Ages to the present, makes the Faaborg Clock Tower a concise introduction to the town’s character and maritime history.Practical visiting notes inside an old structure
The Clock Tower is typically open for a few hours around midday, with extended hours in the main summer season and occasional evening openings. A modest entrance fee helps cover maintenance of the historic structure. Access involves narrow wooden stairs and ladders, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs and may challenge anyone uncomfortable with confined spaces or heights. Despite these constraints, the visit is straightforward: the route up and down is clearly defined, and the limited interior space naturally keeps numbers modest at any one time. Simple information panels or leaflets may outline the tower’s history. Combined with the views from the top and the evocative sound of the bells, these small details enrich the experience of this compact but significant landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
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Saint Nicolai's Church
23.7 km
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Forladt skorsten
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A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
25.1 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
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Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hotel Ærøhus
25.1 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.
Danish Island Weddings
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Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Rise Kirke
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Augustenborg Palace
29.2 km
Denmark's largest baroque palace complex overlooking the fjord, where ducal history meets timeless gardens.
Ærø Flyveplads
30.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærø Flyveplads - a serene airstrip gateway to Denmark's picturesque island adventures, rich culture, and stunning coastal scenery.
Beautiful Beach
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Discover Smørmosen Beach in Svendborg: A serene coastal escape with white sands, calm waters, and family-friendly fun on the charming island of Thurø.
Det gamle vandtårn
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Unmissable attractions to see
Øhavsmuseet
0.3 km
A sensory, barefoot museum journey in Faaborg where sound, light and touch reveal how the South Funen Archipelago’s nature has shaped human lives through the ages.
Bjørnø
3.4 km
Tiny, car‑free Bjørnø blends hilly Ice Age landscapes, rich birdlife and easy shoreline walks into one tranquil South Funen island escape.
Svanninge Bjerge
3.8 km
Undulating forested hills, glacial valleys and far‑reaching views over South Funen make Svanninge Bjerge a quietly dramatic corner of the so‑called Funen Alps.
Holstenshuus
4.3 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Lyø
8.5 km
Small, green and gently shaped by sea and history, Lyø is a tranquil South Funen island where half-timbered villages, soft hills and bird‑rich coasts invite slow exploration.
The bell stone
9.0 km
Prehistoric dolmen on a hilltop grove, where a resonant capstone, sweeping sea views and island folklore turn an ancient burial site into a quietly magical stop.
Trebjerg, Dronningeudsigten
9.2 km
A gentle Funen hill crowned by “the Queen’s View,” where rolling fields, wooded slopes and the South Funen Archipelago unfold in a calm, wide horizon.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
14.1 km
Discover Marstal’s iconic row of colorful bathing huts, a living symbol of Ærø’s seaside heritage and Danish summer life along the Baltic shore.
Ærø Golf Klub
14.2 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
15.1 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.
Fyrtårn vestmole
16.8 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Fyrtårn østmole
16.9 km
A small harbour lighthouse on Ærøskøbing’s eastern mole, Fyrtårn Østmole adds quiet maritime character and wide sea views to this fairytale Danish island port.
Jørbæk Strand
17.1 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
The Japanese Gardens
17.5 km
A tranquil 7,500 m² tapestry of ponds, pines and stone that brings eight classic Japanese garden styles to the gentle countryside of central Funen.
Camping Outdoors Museum
17.9 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
Restaurant Klinten
1.1 km
Waterfront Danish dining on Faaborg Fjord, blending fresh seafood, local produce and wide-open views of the South Funen archipelago in a relaxed, modern setting.
Avernakø Havnecafé
6.2 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Lyø Havnegrill
7.4 km
Casual harbourfront grill on tiny Lyø, serving burgers, chicken and classic Danish comfort food with sea views, salty air and a relaxed South Funen island vibe.
Crêperie Ærø
17.1 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Stella Maris
22.0 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.
Restaurant Resumé
23.3 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Pams African Restaurant
23.4 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.
Under Uret
23.5 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.
Restaurant Børsen
23.5 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Kong Volmer Svendborg
23.7 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.
Salig Simons Gaard
23.7 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Jettes Diner
23.9 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
23.9 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Christians madhus
23.9 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
23.9 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Høkildegård
14.8 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.
Fun Fyn
15.2 km
A cheerful one-stop party shop in Ringe, stocking balloons, decorations, costumes and tableware for everything from kids’ birthdays to elegant Funen celebrations.
Herremark
18.5 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
21.7 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
22.1 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
22.4 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
22.5 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Gårdbutik Verningelund
22.5 km
Organic Jersey dairy farm and small farm shop on Funen, selling carefully matured meat, sausages and occasionally fresh milk straight from the source.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
22.9 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
22.9 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
23.4 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Bregninge Store Kro
23.4 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
23.6 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Thi Ti Ting
23.7 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
23.7 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kompasset
16.6 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Rådhuskælderen
17.7 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Skrumpklunk Institute
22.1 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
22.8 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
23.4 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Hemingway's Svendborg
23.7 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Vinsted
23.7 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
23.8 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Rasmus
23.8 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Den Høje Stue
23.8 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
23.8 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.
Loftet
23.9 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
The Drunken Sailor
23.9 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.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
23.9 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.
Ørkild
24.0 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
23.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
29.2 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.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
32.6 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.
Kasket karl
34.7 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Dansebar Odense
34.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
34.8 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
34.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
34.9 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
35.0 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
35.0 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
Sir Club
35.1 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.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
35.5 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Langelands Jazzklub
35.6 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Old Danish Pub
35.6 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
35.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
- 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
- Myth & Legends
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
