Svanninge Bjerge
Denmark's dramatic 'Alps' offer hiking, rare wildlife, folklore, and panoramic views across Funen's archipelago.
Svanninge Bjerge forms the dramatic heart of Funen's 'Alps'—a distinctive 16-kilometer ridge of rolling hills rising above the flat Danish landscape. This nature preserve offers multiple hiking trails through beech forests, past ancient geological formations, and across south-facing slopes dotted with rare plants and all five of Denmark's native reptile species. From the summit viewpoints, panoramic vistas stretch across the South Funen Archipelago and surrounding countryside.
A brief summary to Svanninge Bjerge
- Odensevej 160, Faaborg, 5600, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 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
- Visit in spring or early summer to observe the full diversity of plant species on Hestebakken's south-facing slope and spot reptiles basking in warm conditions.
- Climb the Skovlyst tower at sunset for panoramic views across the South Funen Archipelago and optimal stargazing conditions after dusk.
- Keep dogs on a leash throughout Svanninge Bakker and Svanninge Bjerge, though a designated off-leash dog forest exists in nearby Sollerup Skov.
- Combine your visit with Gåsebjerg Sand nature playground to the south if traveling with children, creating a full-day family outing.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the varied habitats support diverse avian species throughout the year, with migration periods offering peak diversity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking Areas
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
Getting There
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Car from Faaborg
Drive approximately 3 kilometers north from Faaborg town center via Odensevej toward the hills. Travel time is roughly 5–8 minutes depending on traffic. Multiple parking areas are available near the Skovlyst restaurant and observation tower, with the primary facilities located north of the tower. Parking is free and accommodates standard vehicles; no special vehicle requirements.
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Walking from Faaborg
Faaborg town center lies approximately 2–3 kilometers south of the main hills. A pleasant walk of 30–45 minutes follows local paths and roads through the countryside toward Svanninge Bjerge. The route is relatively flat until the final approach to the hills. This option suits visitors seeking a gentle introduction and those wishing to avoid driving.
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Bicycle from Faaborg
Cycling from Faaborg to Svanninge Bjerge takes approximately 15–25 minutes depending on fitness and route selection. The terrain becomes hilly as you approach the main area. Funen is well-suited for cycling, with established routes connecting Faaborg to the hills. Bicycle parking facilities are available at the main parking areas.
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Local Bus Service
Regional bus services connect Faaborg to surrounding areas, though service frequency and routing vary seasonally. Journey times from Faaborg typically range from 10–20 minutes depending on the specific route and stops. Check local transport schedules in advance, as service may be limited on weekends and holidays. No entrance fee is required for the nature preserve itself.
Svanninge Bjerge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Svanninge Bjerge
The Funen Alps: Denmark's Most Distinctive Highland
Svanninge Bjerge stands as the central and most prominent section of what locals call the 'Funen Alps'—a remarkable 16-kilometer ridge that forms one of Denmark's most distinctive landscape types. Rising dramatically from the flat agricultural plains of southern Funen, these glacially-sculpted hills represent a geological anomaly in Denmark's otherwise gentle topography. The highest point, Lerbjerg, reaches 126 meters, modest by international standards yet commanding in the Danish context. The entire complex, encompassing Svanninge Bakker, Svanninge Bjerge, and Sollerup Skov, constitutes the largest contiguous forest and nature area on the island.Ecological Richness and Botanical Significance
The south-facing slope known as Hestebakken harbors approximately 125 different plant species, creating a botanical mosaic of grasses, herbs, mosses, and fungi that thrives in the unique microclimate created by the slope's exposure. This ecological diversity attracts an equally impressive array of fauna. Remarkably, all five of Denmark's native reptile species inhabit these hills: sand lizards, common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes, and adders. The varied terrain—from dense beech forest to open grassland—supports diverse bird populations, making the area a significant destination for ornithologists and nature observers. The interconnected forest system provides crucial habitat connectivity across the region.Mythology, Art, and Cultural Heritage
Svanninge Bjerge is steeped in local folklore and artistic expression. According to legend, a troll named Troll Finn carved out the depression that now forms Arreskov Lake—one of Funen's significant water bodies. Today, visitors encounter this mythological figure as a striking natural sculpture crafted from branches by sculptor Thorkild Hoffmann Larsen, blending folklore with contemporary land art. At the base of the hills stands Svanninge Church, an architectural anomaly among Danish village churches. Rather than following typical Danish ecclesiastical design, the church draws inspiration from Austrian architecture, reflecting the artistic vision of architect G.F. Hetsch and adding an unexpected cultural layer to the landscape.Walking Routes and Visitor Experience
The area offers multiple well-marked hiking routes accommodating various fitness levels and time commitments. The yellow route spans 3.3 kilometers and showcases the most spectacular views and pristine natural areas, passing through peaceful animal enclosures. The red route, at 2.3 kilometers, traverses the central hills and features the iconic Troll Finn sculpture. Additional routes include the Kløverstierne network with four distinct trails ranging from 2.5 to 11.7 kilometers, allowing visitors to customize their experience. All routes are clearly signposted and accessible from multiple parking areas, with the primary facilities located near the Skovlyst restaurant and its historic observation tower.The Skovlyst Tower: Vantage Point and Cultural Hub
Built in 1935, the restaurateur's tower at Skovlyst provides both practical and experiential value. The structure serves as a stargazing platform, offering elevated perspectives across the landscape and toward the night sky. Within the tower, an exhibition documents the natural and cultural history of Svanninge Bjerge, providing context for the geological formations, ecological systems, and human heritage visible from its heights. The adjacent restaurant anchors the area as a social gathering point, while the tower itself has become an iconic landmark recognizable across the region.Complementary Attractions and Family Activities
Visitors can extend their experience by combining a Svanninge Bjerge visit with Gåsebjerg Sand, one of Denmark's largest nature playgrounds located immediately south of the main hills. This facility allows children to engage in unstructured outdoor play within a natural setting, making the area particularly appealing for families. The proximity of multiple attractions—from cultural sites to recreational facilities—enables flexible itineraries suited to diverse visitor interests and group compositions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
23.1 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.
Bregninge Kirke
25.9 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Det gamle vandtårn
27.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
27.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
27.7 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
27.7 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Forladt skorsten
27.8 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hotel Ærøhus
27.8 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
28.0 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
28.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
28.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rolfshøj
28.6 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.
Odense Zoo
28.8 km
Experience cutting-edge Danish and Nordic contemporary art in a sophisticated gallery setting, steps from Amalienborg Palace in central Copenhagen.
Odense Dyrskueplads
28.9 km
Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
Voderup Klint
29.2 km
Explore Voderup Klint on Ærø Island, a stunning scenic spot with breathtaking views and serene nature, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Holstenshuus
3.7 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Faaborg Clock Tower
3.8 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.
Øhavsmuseet
3.8 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.
Trebjerg, Dronningeudsigten
6.5 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.
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.
Lyø
12.1 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
12.4 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.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
13.9 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.
The Japanese Gardens
14.6 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
15.0 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.
Egeskov Castle
15.2 km
A storybook Renaissance water castle on Funen, where historic halls, award‑winning gardens, playful museums and forest adventures create a full day in the Danish countryside.
Lundegård
16.6 km
Quiet Funen manor with centuries of history, a charitable legacy and occasional cozy markets set among barns, gardens and open farmland near Broby.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
17.8 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
17.9 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.
Fyrtårn vestmole
20.3 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Klinten
4.3 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
9.7 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
11.0 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
20.6 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Stella Maris
21.8 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
22.8 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Pams African Restaurant
22.8 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
22.9 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
22.9 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
23.1 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.
Christians madhus
23.1 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Salig Simons Gaard
23.1 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
23.3 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Jettes Diner
23.3 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
23.3 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
Fun Fyn
11.7 km
A cheerful one-stop party shop in Ringe, stocking balloons, decorations, costumes and tableware for everything from kids’ birthdays to elegant Funen celebrations.
Høkildegård
15.0 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.
Gårdbutik Verningelund
19.2 km
Organic Jersey dairy farm and small farm shop on Funen, selling carefully matured meat, sausages and occasionally fresh milk straight from the source.
Lindholm Antik og Design
21.8 km
Trusted Danish design specialists with 25 years of expertise in mid-century furniture and respectful estate services.
Herremark
21.9 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.
Ch Lagersalg
22.2 km
Warehouse clearance shopping in rural Denmark—where bargain hunters find unexpected treasures.
Butik Sortebro
22.4 km
Cozy countryside wine and gift shop in Tommerup, blending carefully chosen bottles, Danish delicacies and bespoke gift baskets in a relaxed village setting.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
22.8 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
23.0 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
23.1 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
23.1 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.
Kop & Kande
23.1 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Red Cross Op Shop
23.7 km
Volunteer-run Danish Red Cross thrift shop in Bellinge, Odense, where low-priced second-hand finds and everyday treasure hunts help fund vital humanitarian work.
Honninghuset
25.1 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
The Baroness and Baron
25.4 km
A cozy Tommerup clothing boutique where countryside calm meets quietly elegant Scandinavian style and a warm, personal shopping experience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kompasset
16.1 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
21.2 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
21.7 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
22.1 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
22.8 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
23.1 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Vinsted
23.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
23.2 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Rasmus
23.2 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Den Høje Stue
23.2 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
23.2 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
23.2 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
23.3 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.
Ørkild
23.3 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
23.3 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
23.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
28.8 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
31.0 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
31.2 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
31.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
31.2 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.
Sir Club
31.3 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.
Ommel
31.6 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.
Kasket karl
35.3 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
36.2 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.
Muzirkus
37.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
38.8 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Old Danish Pub
38.9 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
39.0 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
KJ's bodel
39.1 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Stargazing
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Panoramas
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly