Lyø Island
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.
Lyø is a small, green island in the South Funen Archipelago, about 7 km southwest of Faaborg. Covering just 6 km², it packs in half-timbered farmsteads clustered around the pretty village of Lyø By, a rare round churchyard, gentle hills, and bird-rich coastal meadows. Car‑light lanes weave between fields, beaches, and viewpoints, making the island ideal for slow cycling, quiet walks, and unhurried seaside picnics. It is a tranquil escape into traditional Danish island life and soft, maritime landscapes.
A brief summary to Lyø
- Faaborg, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 4 to 48 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Rent or bring a bicycle to circuit the island at an easy pace; the roughly 4 km width makes it ideal for a half‑day ride with plenty of scenic stops.
- Respect seasonal access restrictions around Revet and other bird habitats, especially in spring and early summer when ground‑nesting birds are breeding.
- Climb up to the area near Lyø Mølle on the island’s high point for wide views of the South Funen Archipelago and changing coastal light.
- Pack layers and a windproof jacket, even in summer; the island’s exposed coasts can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than inland Funen.
- Carry some snacks and water, especially outside the main summer season, as local shops and cafés may have limited opening hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Ferry from Faaborg
From Faaborg, take the regular passenger and car ferry to Lyø, a crossing of around 35–45 minutes depending on departure. Services generally run several times daily in summer and less frequently in winter, with extra sailings in peak holiday periods. A return ticket for an adult typically costs in the range of 100–150 DKK, with additional fees for bicycles or vehicles. Booking ahead is advisable in July and August, and travellers should arrive early enough for boarding formalities at the harbour.
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Private boat or yacht
Sailors can arrive directly at Lyø Harbour, which offers guest berths, basic facilities, and a sheltered basin suitable for small yachts. Approach times vary depending on your starting harbour, but from Faaborg or nearby marinas you can expect 1–2 hours under typical cruising speeds. Standard harbour fees apply per night, usually calculated per metre of boat length with an additional charge for electricity and showers. Depths and entry conditions can be affected by wind and weather, so skippers should consult up‑to‑date nautical information before setting out.
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Organised excursion from South Funen
During the main summer season, some local operators and associations arrange day trips from South Funen towns to Lyø by chartered boat. These outings typically last 6–8 hours in total, including sailing time and several hours on the island for walking or cycling. Prices vary with group size and inclusions but often fall in the range of 300–600 DKK per person, sometimes including guiding or refreshments. Departures are usually weather‑dependent and must be booked in advance.
Lyø location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Lyø
An intimate island in the South Funen Archipelago
Lyø sits like a green comma in the South Funen Archipelago, just southwest of Faaborg. With an area of around 6 km², it is small enough to feel manageable in a day yet large enough to reward a longer stay. Low fields, hedgerows, and grazing pastures roll gently down towards a varied coastline of sandy coves, stony stretches, and low cliffs. The sea is never far away here. From much of the island you catch glimpses of other tiny isles and the hazy outline of Funen. The pace is unhurried, shaped by ferry schedules, agriculture, and seasonal visitors who come for quiet paths and big skies rather than bustle.Village charm and half-timbered farmsteads
At Lyø’s centre lies Lyø By, a compact village that feels almost frozen in time. Because the island escaped the major land reforms that reshaped rural Denmark in the 18th century, many farms still stand in their original positions around the village pond, linked by narrow lanes and grassy verges. Traditional half-timbered houses lean slightly into winding streets, their thatched roofs, small-paned windows, and flowering hollyhocks adding a storybook quality. The round cemetery near the church is a distinctive feature, encircled by sheltering trees and old gravestones that tell of generations rooted on this small patch of land.Shaped by ice and sea
Lyø’s landscape reflects both ancient glaciers and restless coastal forces. The southwestern part of the island rises into a single, rounded hill crowned by Lyø Mølle, the island mill perched at about 25 metres above sea level. From here, gentle slopes fan out towards the shores, giving broad views across the so‑called “Danish South Sea”. The southeastern side is quite different, marked by two parallel valleys divided by a narrow ridge with low summits such as Bjerget and Askovs Banke. These landforms are unusual in the archipelago and appeal to anyone with an eye for geology or simply an appreciation of varied terrain on a compact island.Dynamic coasts and birdlife at Revet
Along Lyø’s southern and southwestern fringe, low cliffs meet open water, facing a long sweep of sea towards the island of Als. Waves erode these edges, and currents carry sand and stones around to the calmer northern shore. Here they build up shallow marine forelands, creating new land in the form of beach ridges, lagoons, and salt meadows. The most striking of these areas is Revet, in the island’s northwestern corner. This cuspate foreland is a mosaic of salt marsh, beach lakes such as Vestersjo, and the Lyø Trille spit system. It is an important breeding ground for birds, and access is restricted in spring and early summer to protect nesting species, underscoring the island’s quiet role as a haven for coastal wildlife.Layers of history on a small canvas
Human history on Lyø stretches back thousands of years, from early settlements to the medieval village pattern that still shapes its core. Epidemics and raids once left the island deserted in the 16th century, only for it to be resettled by a group of farming families who rebuilt homes, fields, and community life. Today, traces of that past live on in place names, field divisions, and the compact settlement structure. Walking or cycling the lanes, you sense how geography, agriculture, and isolation have combined to create a distinct identity, closely tied to the rhythms of sea and soil.Everyday island life and visitor experience
Despite its modest size and permanent population of around a hundred residents, Lyø offers a small harbour, a sheltered marina atmosphere, and seasonal services such as a café in the former village school. Beach spots provide easy access to swimming in clear, brackish water, while simple benches and grassy banks serve as informal viewpoints. Most visitors explore by bicycle or on foot, looping the island in a few hours with plenty of pauses for photos, birdwatching, or a quiet break by the shore. It is a place where the experience is less about specific attractions and more about the sum of gentle scenery, soft light, and the reassuring sense of being on a small island edged entirely by sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
19.3 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
21.1 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
23.6 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
23.6 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.
Ærøfærgerne
23.7 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
23.7 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
23.8 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
23.9 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
24.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
26.2 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.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
26.7 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
26.9 km
Hidden beneath Kongevej lies Sønderborg’s former Cold War nerve center, an underground command bunker built to keep the city running in times of crisis.
Memory stone
27.2 km
A modest monument on Sønderborg’s town-hall square, the Memory Stone offers a quiet pause for reflection amid the everyday bustle of this historic border town.
Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
27.3 km
A vibrant family-friendly playground in central Roskilde, Byparkens Legeplads offers open-air fun, creativity, and relaxation in the heart of the city’s beloved Byparken.
Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
27.3 km
Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.
Unmissable attractions to see
The bell stone
1.5 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.
Bjørnø
7.0 km
Tiny, car‑free Bjørnø blends hilly Ice Age landscapes, rich birdlife and easy shoreline walks into one tranquil South Funen island escape.
Øhavsmuseet
8.4 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.
Faaborg Clock Tower
8.5 km
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
8.8 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
8.8 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.
Svanninge Bjerge
12.1 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
12.4 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Jørbæk Strand
12.5 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Fyrtårn vestmole
12.8 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Fyrtårn østmole
12.9 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.
Hafenbune Mommark
13.6 km
A small harbour world on Als’ east coast, where working boats, a sandy beach and seaside grills gather around a quiet Baltic marina marker.
Fine , die Fischmagd
13.8 km
A quiet coastal waypoint on Als where the simple life of a fish maid meets the far‑reaching consequences of the 1864 war in a contemplative rural setting.
Hans, der Fischer
13.8 km
A humble fisherman figure on a quiet Sydals lane, Hans, der Fischer captures the spirit of Als’ coastal heritage in a single, characterful roadside stop.
Mommark Marina
13.8 km
A restored maritime gem where working fishermen, award-winning cuisine, and Blue Flag beaches meet scenic Danish coastline.
Essential places to dine
Lyø Havnegrill
1.2 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.
Avernakø Havnecafé
6.5 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.
Restaurant Klinten
8.6 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.
Crêperie Ærø
13.1 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Vindeballe Kro
22.9 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
23.6 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
23.7 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
23.7 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Landbogården
23.7 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Den Hemmelige Café
23.7 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
23.8 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
23.8 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Hotel The Monica
23.8 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Restaurant MUMM
23.8 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
23.8 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
15.1 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
17.8 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
18.2 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
19.0 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
19.0 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
19.5 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
19.5 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
20.1 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.
Høkildegård
20.1 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.
Guldhammer
21.7 km
Cozy village boutique on Als where Scandinavian everyday style, personal outfit advice and a relaxed pace turn clothes shopping into a warm local experience.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
23.3 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Butik Stokrosen
23.6 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Fabrek Pop Up
23.7 km
A small harbourfront pop-up in Ærøskøbing, blending Scandinavian design, cozy homeware and thoughtful gifts in a calm, contemporary setting by the sea.
Valk Inter Collection
23.7 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
Søstærk Print & Papir
23.7 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
13.8 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.
Kompasset
22.7 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.
Arrebo
23.6 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Posthuset
25.8 km
Historic post office transformed into Sønderborg's beloved social hub for drinks, conversation, and Danish nightlife.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
26.6 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
26.7 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
the tea house
27.1 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Den Lille Vinbar
27.1 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
27.2 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Bar' Vinbar
27.2 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
27.2 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Old Danish Pub
27.2 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
SKAAL Sønderborg
27.2 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Freia Bar & Lounge
27.2 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
27.3 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
27.4 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Ommel
28.6 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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
29.7 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Dance All Over
30.0 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Kasket karl
37.8 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
38.7 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.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
40.7 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
41.8 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
42.1 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Den Brølende And
42.2 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Dansebar Odense
42.3 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
42.4 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
42.4 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
42.5 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
42.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly