Øhavsmuseet – Archipelago Museum, Faaborg
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.
Øhavsmuseet in Faaborg is an innovative nature and cultural history museum housed in a converted harbour warehouse on the waterfront. Inside the immersive flagship exhibition “Discover Yourself”, you explore the relationship between humans and nature through soundscapes, lighting, scents and tactile floors – often in bare feet or socks. Designed as a sensory journey through different historical periods, it blends storytelling, science and art into a compact, highly interactive museum experience suitable for adults and children alike.
A brief summary to Øhavsmuseet
- Havnegade 3, Faaborg, 5600, DK
- +4563612000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan 1.5–2 hours so you can move slowly through “Discover Yourself” without rushing the audio narrative or interactive elements.
- You will be asked to remove your shoes; bring comfortable socks, and consider an extra pair for children on colder days.
- Check current opening hours in advance, as the museum usually closes by late afternoon and is often shut on Mondays outside peak season.
- Audio content is available in Danish and English; if someone in your group prefers to read, ask staff about text support at the entrance.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Faaborg harbour or a nature walk in the hills north of town to connect the indoor stories with real landscapes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and local bus from Odense
From Odense, take a regional train to Faaborg, usually with a change in Ringe; combined travel time is about 1–1.5 hours. A standard adult ticket typically costs around 80–120 DKK one way, depending on time and fare type. From Faaborg station, it is roughly a 10–15 minute level walk through town to the museum, manageable with a stroller or light luggage. Services run regularly during the day but are less frequent in late evenings and on some weekends, so check departure times before setting out.
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Car from Svendborg and South Funen
Driving from Svendborg to Faaborg takes about 35–45 minutes via the main regional road across South Funen. Fuel costs vary, but you can expect to spend the equivalent of 40–70 DKK each way in petrol for a typical compact car. Traffic is usually light, though it can be busier in summer. In Faaborg, look for public parking areas within walking distance of the harbour and town centre; time limits may apply in central zones, and some car parks charge modest hourly fees during the day.
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Regional bus within Funen
Several regional bus routes connect smaller South Funen towns and villages to Faaborg, with typical journey times of 20–60 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets generally range from 25–60 DKK, and can often be bought on board or via local transport apps. Buses usually drop passengers within a short, step‑free walk of the town centre and harbour. Service frequency can drop outside commuter hours and on Sundays, so it is wise to confirm current timetables before planning a same‑day return.
Øhavsmuseet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Øhavsmuseet
A harbourside museum with nature at its heart
Øhavsmuseet sits at Faaborg’s waterfront, just a few steps from the harbour basin and the South Funen Archipelago beyond. The museum’s setting is no coincidence: it acts as an urban gateway to the landscapes of sea, forest and marsh that define this corner of Denmark. Housed in a transformed industrial building, the museum keeps its warehouse bones but softens them with warm lighting, natural materials and contemporary exhibition design. Rather than displaying long rows of glass cases, Øhavsmuseet focuses on a single big idea: how nature shapes people – and how people, in turn, shape nature. The result is a hybrid between science centre, art installation and cultural history museum, with the surrounding archipelago woven into almost every story you encounter inside.“Discover Yourself” – an immersive barefoot journey
The core of Øhavsmuseet is the award‑winning exhibition “Discover Yourself”. Here you leave shoes and everyday distractions at the door and step into a sequence of darkened, atmospheric rooms. Each space evokes a different environment – forest, coast, marshland or ancient seafloor – using sound design, projections, scents and changing textures underfoot. Walking in socks makes you acutely aware of temperature, softness and grain, turning the floor itself into an exhibit. Guided by an audio narrative in Danish or English, you move through several historical periods, from hunter‑gatherer communities to modern industrial society. Along the way, interactive stations quietly register your reactions, asking how you feel in each environment. Instead of giving you a test score, the exhibition nudges you to reflect on what kinds of nature calm, challenge or energise you.Stories from the South Funen Archipelago
Behind the sensory effects lies a strong regional story. The museum draws on archaeological finds, local folklore and environmental research from the South Funen Archipelago and the nearby islands. You encounter tales of early seafarers, farmers and fisher folk who depended on tides, prevailing winds and fertile soils, as well as more recent narratives about dikes, fisheries and conservation. Physical objects are used sparingly but effectively – a tool here, a fragment of boat there – to anchor the more intangible installations. Together they trace how climate, coastlines and human needs have reshaped the archipelago over millennia, and how present‑day choices continue that process.Architecture, light and sound working together
The transformation of the former warehouse into Øhavsmuseet is as carefully curated as the exhibits. The architects and exhibition designers carved the interior into a chain of contrasting chambers, each with its own acoustic and visual character. Subtle transitions in colour, height and materials guide you forward without obvious signage, while controlled lighting focuses attention on specific effects or artefacts. Soundtracks composed for each room range from whisper‑quiet forest rustling to the low rumble of distant waves, sometimes combined with the faint smell of seaweed or earth. This multi‑sensory approach aims to engage body and mind at once, making the visit feel more like moving through a story than reading about one.A compact, family‑friendly experience
Øhavsmuseet is relatively small, and most visitors explore the indoor exhibition in about one to two hours. This makes it easy to fit into a wider day in Faaborg or as an introduction before heading out to hike, cycle or sail in the surrounding nature. Children and adults follow the same route, but the narrative is layered so that younger visitors pick up on the physical play and soundscape, while older ones catch deeper scientific and philosophical threads. Simple facilities such as restrooms, seating corners and information boards are integrated near the entrance and exit areas. Staff are usually on hand to help with practical questions and audio devices. Combined, these elements make Øhavsmuseet an approachable starting point for understanding why this small coastal town is so closely tied to the archipelago outside its doors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
22.9 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Saint Nicolai's Church
24.0 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.
Forladt skorsten
24.7 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
25.3 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
25.3 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
25.3 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hotel Ærøhus
25.4 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
25.6 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
25.6 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
25.7 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
28.8 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.
Strandbyen Havn
29.4 km
Charming marina at Marstal on Ærø, where historic Danish seafaring tradition meets vibrant harbor life amid scenic coastal views and island tranquility.
Ærø Flyveplads
30.2 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
30.5 km
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
30.8 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Unmissable attractions to see
Faaborg Clock Tower
0.3 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.
Bjørnø
3.6 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
4.6 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Lyø
8.4 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
8.8 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
9.1 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
14.2 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
15.4 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
16.9 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Fyrtårn østmole
17.0 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
17.2 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
The Japanese Gardens
17.3 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
18.2 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
1.4 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
6.3 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
7.3 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
17.2 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Stella Maris
22.4 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
23.7 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Pams African Restaurant
23.7 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.
Under Uret
23.8 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
23.8 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
24.0 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
24.0 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
24.2 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
24.2 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
24.2 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
24.3 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
15.1 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.
Fun Fyn
15.4 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
18.7 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
21.9 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
22.3 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.
Gårdbutik Verningelund
22.4 km
Organic Jersey dairy farm and small farm shop on Funen, selling carefully matured meat, sausages and occasionally fresh milk straight from the source.
Handweaving & more
22.6 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
22.6 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
23.1 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
23.1 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
23.6 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.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
23.7 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
23.9 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
24.0 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
24.0 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
16.9 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
17.9 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
22.4 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
23.1 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
23.7 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
24.1 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Vinsted
24.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
24.1 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Rasmus
24.1 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Den Høje Stue
24.2 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
24.2 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
24.2 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
24.2 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.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
24.2 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.
Ørkild
24.3 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
24.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
29.5 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
32.7 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.
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.
Kasket karl
35.0 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.
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
35.3 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Old Danish Pub
35.4 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
35.5 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Langelands Jazzklub
35.9 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Industrial
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly