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Svanninge Bjerge: Denmark's Wild Southern Highlands

Discover Svanninge Bjerge, Funen's dramatic highlands—a wild, expansive nature preserve with panoramic views, rare wildlife, and immersive hiking experiences.

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Svanninge Bjerge, nestled just outside Faaborg, offers a rare Danish landscape of rolling hills, open heaths, ancient woodland, and panoramic views across South Funen. This nature preserve is famed for its dramatic terrain, shaped by the Ice Age, and is a haven for native flora, wildlife, and hikers seeking both tranquility and adventure.

A brief summary to Svanninge Bjerge

Local tips

  • Bring sturdy footwear—the terrain is hilly and can be muddy after rain.
  • Visit in early summer for wildflowers and the best birdwatching opportunities.
  • Pack a picnic; there are scenic, informal spots along the trails with sweeping views.
  • There are no public toilets or water stations in the preserve—plan accordingly before your visit.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash to protect livestock and wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Car / Taxi

    From Sønderjylland’s central hubs, major routes head east, with the South Funen bridge network leading toward Faaborg. The nature preserve lies just north of town, marked by distinctive hills. It’s a straightforward journey through open countryside; expect the drive to take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on your starting point. Free public parking is available at the main preserve entrance, though spaces can fill during peak weekends, so early arrival is wise. No tolls apply for the final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Regional trains and buses connect Sønderjylland with Faaborg via Odense, with the last segment by local bus. From Faaborg bus station, local buses or taxi services continue to the nearest entrance; allow for a total journey of 2.5–3.5 hours, with the final bus section taking roughly 10–15 minutes. Standard fares for the bus segment range from DKK 24–36, with taxis costing DKK 60–120 in town and for nearby drop-offs. Bus service is regular but can be sparse on Sundays or holidays.

  • Cycling

    For cyclists, national biking routes from Sønderjylland to Funen via ferries and rural lanes lead toward Faaborg. The final approach offers scenic countryside, with bike paths along the edge of the preserve. Secure racks are available at main trailheads. With breaks, the trip can be completed in a long day or as part of a multi-day tour—ferries charge DKK 30–50 for bikes. The rolling approach is manageable for experienced cyclists, but be prepared for a few steeper hills near the Bjerge.

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Discover more about Svanninge Bjerge

Svanninge Bjerge, often referred to as the 'Alps of Funen,' form the heart of a nature preserve unlike almost anywhere else in Denmark. Here, nature feels both untamed and purposefully conserved—with deep valleys carved by melting Ice Age glaciers, steep forested ridges, and wide-open heathland that catches the South Fyn light. Over 600 hectares of wild landscape unfold, offering visitors one of the country’s most expansive and hilly areas—a striking contrast to Denmark’s otherwise gentle terrain. Strolling through Svanninge Bjerge, you'll encounter a mosaic of oak and beech woods, windswept grasslands, and pastoral clearings grazed by wild ponies and cattle, which help shape the landscape through natural grazing. The hills deliver sweeping views: on clear days, gaze over the South Funen Archipelago or spot Faaborg’s red-tiled roofs shimmering below. Signposted trails suit every level of walker, from relaxed circuits to more challenging excursions that climb the prominent ridges. The region teems with biodiversity—watch for rare butterflies, songbirds, and wildflowers such as orchids in spring. Watchpoints and information boards share the geologic story of the landscape, which also holds traces of prehistory with old burial mounds partially hidden by forest. Managed by Bikubenfonden to restore and protect wild habitats, the preserve is open year-round and always free, though its moods change with the seasons. Autumn brings fiery foliage and elusive deer, while winter frosts highlight the dramatic folds and dips of the land. There are few places in Denmark where such spacious, elemental terrain meets such easy access—Svanninge Bjerge delivers natural drama in a uniquely Danish key.

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