Knudshoved Fyr
Historic lighthouse, rare “knaldfyr” signal beacon and protected coastal landscape combine at Knudshoved Fyr, where big skies and maritime heritage meet the Great Belt.
Knudshoved Fyr is a historic lighthouse on the Knudshoved peninsula near Nyborg, marking the busy waters of the Great Belt while overlooking a protected coastal landscape. Built in the mid‑20th century as the latest in a line of beacons dating back to the 1700s, it stands beside Denmark’s only preserved “knaldfyr” (explosive signal beacon). The surrounding nature reserve of meadows, reeds, and Østerø Lake offers birdlife, big skies, and tranquil seaside walks just minutes from town.
A brief summary to Knudshoved Fyr
- Slipshavnsvej 30A, Nyborg, 5800, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a windproof layer; the exposed headland can feel significantly cooler and breezier than Nyborg, even on sunny days.
- Pack binoculars for birdwatching around Østerø Lake and to follow ships and the Great Belt Bridge from the lighthouse area.
- Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile beach meadows and to avoid disturbing ground‑nesting birds and amphibians.
- Visit around sunrise or late evening for softer light on the lighthouse and some of the most atmospheric coastal views.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from central Nyborg
From central Nyborg, driving to Knudshoved Fyr typically takes about 10–15 minutes, covering roughly 5–7 km on local roads across the peninsula. The route follows paved roads all the way, and there is free public parking near the coastal walking area signposted for Knudshoved and Østerø Lake. Surfaces are generally suitable for standard cars all year, though visibility and wind can affect comfort in winter storms.
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Bicycle from Nyborg town
Cycling from Nyborg to Knudshoved Fyr usually takes 20–30 minutes each way. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle inclines, and you ride on a mix of local roads and smaller access roads used by cars at low speeds. There is no dedicated bike fee, and bringing a bicycle is free if you start in town. Strong coastal winds can make the ride feel more strenuous, especially in autumn and winter.
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Local taxi within Nyborg area
A taxi from Nyborg train station or the town centre to Knudshoved Fyr generally takes 10–15 minutes. Typical fares within this distance fall in the range of 120–200 DKK depending on time of day and company pricing. Taxis offer the most convenient option if you are carrying camera gear or travelling with limited mobility, but availability can be lower late at night or on holidays, so advance booking is advisable.
Knudshoved Fyr location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Knudshoved Fyr
A lighthouse at the edge of Funen
Knudshoved Fyr stands at the eastern tip of the Knudshoved peninsula, guarding the approach to Nyborg Fjord and the busy Great Belt shipping lane. Here, the land narrows into a low, windswept tongue of earth reaching into the sea, with the white lighthouse tower acting as a clear landmark against the horizon. What you see today dates from 1948, but beacons have burned and flashed on this spot since the 1700s, guiding ships between Funen and Zealand through shifting currents and unpredictable weather. From the base of the tower you look out towards the Great Belt Bridge in one direction and back towards the soft, green shoreline of Funen in the other. The open views make it easy to sense why this headland became such an important nautical reference point. In an otherwise low coastline, the lighthouse forms a visual anchor for both sailors and wanderers on land.Signals, sound and Denmark’s only “knaldfyr”
Alongside the main tower you will find a more unusual relic of maritime safety: Denmark’s only surviving “knaldfyr”. This explosive signal beacon once used loud bangs to warn ships in dense fog, when light alone could not cut through the grey. Though silent today, the structure tells a vivid story of an era when coastal navigation depended on a mix of fire, flashes and sound to keep vessels clear of shoals and sandbanks. Together, the lighthouse and the “knaldfyr” capture the evolution of seamarks over centuries. Simple fires in open baskets gave way to lanterns, lenses and mechanically rotating optics, and eventually to electrically powered, automated lights. Knudshoved Fyr forms part of this wider Danish maritime heritage, a chain of coastal sentinels that made trade, travel and fishing safer in the often harsh conditions of northern waters.Protected nature wrapped around the beacon
The headland around Knudshoved is more than a technical installation; it is the heart of a protected landscape covering forests, beach meadows, reed beds, ponds and the shallow Østerø Lake just inland. The area gained full protection in the early 2000s, reflecting its value for both flora and fauna. Here, rare salt‑tolerant plants cling to the sandy soil, and reeds sway in brackish water where freshwater meets the sea. Birdlife is a constant presence. Ducks and waders breed in the mosaic of shoreline and marsh, while in autumn flocks of greylag geese pause here on their migrations. Birds of prey such as kestrels patrol the meadows, and amphibians, including the threatened natterjack toad, find refuge in the small ponds and damp hollows. The lighthouse thus sits at the centre of a living ecosystem as important as the ships it once warned.Coastal walks, big skies and quiet moments
Knudshoved Fyr is a natural pivot point for exploring the peninsula on foot. Paths and grassy tracks thread through the low dunes and along the water’s edge, offering constant views of sea and sky. Even on breezy days the terrain remains mostly gentle, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. The combination of open horizon, distant bridge silhouettes and the solid lighthouse tower creates a sense of wide space rare so close to an urban centre. This is a place made for lingering rather than rushing. Many visitors simply stroll along the shore, watch passing ships, or sit on a bench or rock to feel the wind and listen to waves and seabirds. In clear weather, sunrise and sunset can be particularly striking, with the tower outlined against bands of colour over the Belt.Layers of history on a working headland
Although nature has reclaimed much of Knudshoved, traces of its more industrial past remain in the broader peninsula. For decades it was a hub for Great Belt ferry traffic, and its strategic position in the narrow waters has shaped local history from earlier conflicts through modern infrastructure. Today, the lighthouse still operates as a navigational aid, even as automated systems and satellite technology have changed the way ships steer their courses. Standing by the base of Knudshoved Fyr, you stand where generations of keepers, sailors and engineers once worked to keep maritime traffic safe. The hum of the modern bridge and distant engines now blends with the calls of birds and the rustle of grass. In this meeting of working coast and protected landscape, the lighthouse remains both a functional beacon and a quiet symbol of Denmark’s long relationship with the sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyborg St.
4.1 km
A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.
Nyborg Vold
4.1 km
Stroll the grassy ramparts and mirror-still moats that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center, now a peaceful green belt wrapping historic Nyborg.
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
4.4 km
A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.
Erik Ballings Plads
4.5 km
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
Den Hvide Jomfru
4.8 km
A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.
Nyborg Fortress
4.9 km
Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
7.8 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
11.6 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Damestenen
13.4 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Rolfshøj
19.2 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
RAF Memorial Stone
27.9 km
Small rural monument, big wartime story: a quiet Danish field where seven RAF airmen are remembered with a single steadfast stone.
Breddysse Stones
28.7 km
A modest Neolithic dolmen in the fields near Slagelse, where ancient burial stones, open skies, and quiet farmland meet in a quietly powerful landscape.
Saint Nicolai's Church
30.0 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.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
31.4 km
A 500-year-old Renaissance palace revealing Denmark's architectural evolution through layered interiors and shifting social roles.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
31.4 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Unmissable attractions to see
Østerø sø, Knudshoved
0.4 km
A sheltered coastal lake on the Knudshoved peninsula, where salt meadows, open skies and rich birdlife create a quietly beautiful nature escape just outside Nyborg.
Slipshavn light
1.7 km
A modest working lighthouse on Nyborg Fjord, Slipshavn Light weaves quiet coastal scenery with centuries of naval, customs and harbour history on Funen’s east coast.
Nyborg Badestrand
2.2 km
Broad sandy shore, Blue Flag waters and sweeping views of the Great Belt Bridge make Nyborg Badestrand a quietly spectacular slice of Danish coastline.
Nyborg Fjord
3.2 km
A calm Funen bay where marina life, sea trout, waterbirds and views of the Great Belt Bridge come together along Nyborg’s gently curving coastline.
Nyborg Tennis Klub
3.3 km
Local seaside tennis club with clay courts, an all-year court and a friendly community feel in the coastal town of Nyborg.
Nyborg Destilleri
3.9 km
Organic Danish whisky, gin and rum in a vast 1870s harbour workshop, blending industrial heritage, Nordic cuisine and hands-on distillery experiences.
Tour de France-monument
4.0 km
Oversized yellow bike, big cycling memories: Nyborg’s open-air Tour de France Monument celebrates the 2022 stage finish on Funen’s windswept waterfront.
Chr. Hansens Have
4.0 km
A former pharmacist’s private refuge turned public pocket park, Christian Hansen’s Garden offers calm greenery, local history and a gentle pause on Nyborg’s Blue Clover Path.
Historiske Vandringer - Slaget ved Nyborg 1659
4.1 km
Follow a quiet countryside trail across the fields where, in 1659, Denmark’s fate was fought for in the bloody and decisive Battle of Nyborg.
Bastionen Nyborg
4.1 km
Nyborg's vibrant cultural hub hosting 35,000+ annual visitors and 200+ events.
Mindesmærke for D-Dag
4.3 km
Compact yet powerful, Nyborg’s D‑Day Memorial quietly honours Danish war sailors and links a small coastal town to the vast drama of 6 June 1944.
Børge Jensens Plads
4.3 km
Experience the Befrielsessten in Sulkendrup: A serene memorial park honoring Denmark's World War II liberation amidst lush countryside.
Church of Our Lady
4.4 km
Medieval red-brick landmark founded by Queen Margrete I, Nyborg’s Church of Our Lady blends royal history, Gothic architecture and living Lutheran tradition.
Schønheyders Plads
4.4 km
A modest harborfront square on Nyborg’s Vesterhavnen, where everyday maritime life, open water views, and the town’s coastal character quietly meet.
Pavillonen Hesselhuset
4.5 km
Waterfront pavilion where Funen's forest meets the Great Belt, offering scenic views, family amenities, and coastal tranquility.
Essential places to dine
Monarch Nyborg
0.9 km
Busy roadside restaurant by the Great Belt corridor, serving straightforward comfort food and practical facilities for drivers taking a well-earned break.
Nyborg Grill
2.1 km
No‑nonsense Danish grill bar on Nyborg’s edge, serving hearty burgers, hot dogs and fries for a quick, wallet‑friendly bite between coast and town.
Storebælt Sinatur Hotel & Konference
3.0 km
Light-filled seaside hotel and restaurant on the Great Belt, blending Nordic design, organic dining and conference facilities with sweeping views of bridge and sea.
Burger King
3.1 km
Highway-side Burger King by Nyborg offering classic flame-grilled fast food, a drive-thru and family-friendly seating for quick, convenient road-trip meals.
Sunset Boulevard
3.1 km
Danish fast-food favourite by the E20, serving spiced fries, burgers and quick, casual meals for road-trippers, locals and families in Nyborg.
Carl's Jr. Danmark
3.4 km
Flame‑grilled Californian‑style burgers, thick shakes and easygoing roadside convenience on the outskirts of Nyborg.
McDonald's Nyborg
3.5 km
Roadside McDonald’s by the Great Belt route, offering familiar fast food, long hours and easy access for drivers, families and travellers crossing Denmark.
Circle K Nyborg Mango
3.6 km
Energetic roadside hub by Storebæltsvej in Nyborg, combining fuel, fast EV charging, hot food and coffee for drivers crossing Denmark east–west at all hours.
Restaurant Remisen
3.9 km
Contemporary Danish brasserie flavors, seasonal menus and local spirits meet waterfront light and coastal atmosphere at Nyborg’s Restaurant Remisen.
Restaurant Stranden
4.0 km
Relaxed Nordic-inspired dining by the sea, set within Nyborg Strand’s beachfront hotel with wide Great Belt views and a calm, grown-up evening atmosphere.
Bistroen
4.0 km
Relaxed seaside bistro inside Nyborg Strand, combining coastal views, classic comfort cooking and flexible all‑day dining just steps from the Great Belt shore.
Nurs Burger & Steakhouse Restaurant
4.1 km
Harbour‑side burgers and steaks in the centre of Nyborg, pairing hearty plates with relaxed, modern interiors and views towards the boats and waterfront.
Lauses Grill
4.4 km
Harbourfront Danish fast‑food classic serving roast pork, hotdogs and towering ice creams with live summer music and sea‑air ambience in Nyborg.
Café Clark's
4.4 km
Harborside dining with fresh Danish cuisine and sweeping marina views in the heart of Nyborg.
Rio Bravo
4.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at Rio Bravo Beer Hall in Nyborg—where good times and great brews come together!
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lidl
3.5 km
Discount supermarket with quality groceries and everyday essentials in central Nyborg.
Havneloppen
3.6 km
Treasure-filled thrift market where community spirit meets sustainable shopping in Nyborg.
Gen&Brug Nyborg
4.4 km
Lively second-hand treasure trove in central Nyborg, where everyday bargains and characterful vintage finds meet a down-to-earth, reuse-first ethos.
Imerco
4.4 km
Central Danish homeware and kitchen store on Nyborg’s historic square, ideal for practical gear, Scandinavian design pieces and thoughtful gifts in one stop.
Intersport Nyborg
4.4 km
Nyborg's trusted sports retailer with expert service and complete outdoor gear selection.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.4 km
Community-powered Danish thrift store in central Nyborg, where budget-friendly finds and second-hand treasures directly support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Tippy
4.5 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of historic Nyborg's charming medieval center.
Linn V/Tina Rasmussen
4.5 km
Intimate owner-run womenswear boutique in central Nyborg, offering classic Scandinavian style and personal service along cosy Mellemgade.
Tinga Tango v/Anette Langholm
4.5 km
A cosy Nyborg design boutique blending Scandinavian home décor, colour and hygge across two light-filled shopfronts on lively Kongegade.
Tøjeksperten
4.5 km
Premium menswear specialist in Nyborg's heart, offering quality clothing with exceptional customer service and a generous 365-day return policy.
Nyborg Paletten v/Jan Andersen
4.5 km
A cozy Nyborg art and secondhand shop where paints, paper, books and curious finds share shelves in a compact, creative corner on Nørregade.
Pigernes Magasin
4.5 km
Intimate women’s fashion and lingerie boutique tucked above a central Nyborg street, blending personalised fittings with relaxed, small‑town Danish charm.
Vinspecialisten Nyborg
4.5 km
Atmospheric wine shop and cosy coffee & wine bar on Nyborg’s Nørregade, blending curated bottles, tastings and local charm in an intimate, owner-driven setting.
Uldbutikken Marcusholm
4.5 km
A small, personal yarn and craft shop in Nyborg’s historic centre, where warm wool, handmade ceramics and expert advice create a cosy creative retreat.
Loppetjansen.dk
4.5 km
Denmark's trusted family pet supply specialist with expert guidance and quality products for every companion.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Phønix I/S
4.4 km
Cozy, no-frills bar and burger spot in central Nyborg, serving cold beers, simple comfort food, and relaxed local nightlife just off the town’s historic streets.
Laboratoriet Nyborg
4.4 km
Atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop in a historic 1824 apothecary laboratory, tucked in a Nyborg courtyard and serving carefully chosen wines, snacks and coffee.
Ophav
4.5 km
Nyborg's refined casual dining hub blending bar, restaurant, and café culture with seasonal local cuisine.
Chr. II's Pub
4.5 km
Casual Danish pub in Nyborg's historic centre, where locals gather for authentic neighbourhood hospitality.
Øksendrup Cider
4.5 km
Cosy Nyborg cider bar showcasing organic East Funen apples, slow‑fermented bottles and intimate tastings in the historic heart of Denmark’s former royal city.
Corner Bar
4.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar on Nyborg’s Strandvejen corner, serving cold drinks, easy conversation and a playful weekend wheel of fortune from late morning.
Den Gyldne Hund
17.5 km
Smoky, harbourfront pub in Lohals where locals, sailors and visitors share simple drinks, sea air and classic Danish værtshus atmosphere.
Marina's Sportslounge
17.6 km
Laid-back village sports bar in Tranekær, mixing live matches, simple small plates and a friendly Langeland local-pub feel.
Terningen Henrik Skovlykke Vedel Hansen
23.6 km
Cozy neighborhood bar in Årslev with billiards, hearty Danish comfort food and a relaxed local atmosphere from late morning coffee to late-night beers.
Grønne Post
28.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood beer hall on Nyborgvej, where loud laughter, low prices, and everyday Svendborg life blend over cold draughts and casual company.
Ørkild
29.2 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
29.2 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
29.7 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
29.7 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
29.7 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KJ's bodel
4.7 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.
Muzirkus
5.2 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
26.7 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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
29.8 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
31.3 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.
Boogie Dance Café
31.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
31.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
32.4 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Gecco Bar & Natklub
34.2 km
Loud, colorful, and unapologetically party‑focused, Gecco Bar & Natklub is Slagelse’s straightforward late‑night spot for dancing, drinks, and familiar club hits.
Gammeltorv
34.2 km
Slagelse's vibrant weekend nightclub where locals and visitors dance until dawn.
The Upper Hill
34.2 km
A lively, well-loved pub and wine bar on Slagelse’s main square, delivering authentic Danish nightlife, craft drinks, and regular social events in a warm, modern setting.
Slagelse Jazzklub
34.3 km
Western Zealand's premier jazz venue celebrating five decades of live music, dining, and authentic club culture.
Kasket karl
40.3 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.
Langelands Jazzklub
40.5 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.
Swingergaarden
42.0 km
Discreet countryside swingers club near Slagelse, offering themed adult nights, intimate play spaces and a rules-based, consent-focused environment for open-minded guests.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
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
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access