Explore the Odense River by Canoe – Routes from Bellinge
Canoe routes for families, couples, and friends
A varied canoe trip offering nature and tranquility
The route from Bellinge is without a doubt one of our favorites when it comes to experiencing beautiful nature. You launch the canoes at the canoe bridge on Brogårdsvej, where the adventure begins. From here, the Odense River winds quietly through the Funen countryside. On both sides, the landscape rises in gentle hills, where grazing animals, forests, and meadows blend seamlessly with open fields. This route brings you up close to nature, with narrow passages and dense trees that almost embrace the river.
Remember to plan ahead whether you’ll take the bus to Bellinge or if you’ll need a car to pick you up at the end of the hike.
The canoes are at your disposal from 9 am to 6 pm, so there’s plenty of time to relax and explore. If you’re ready for a full day on the water, you can sail all the way to Stige Island – an experience you’ll never forget. This trip takes 8-9 hours. If you prefer a shorter trip, the 4-5 hour routes are perfect and among our most popular.
4 possible routes starting from Bellinge
Munke Mose – Skovsøen – Munke Mose
Bellinge - Skovsøen
This route is for those of you who want to experience the beautiful route from Bellinge but don’t have much time.
The canoes are returned on the grass by the canoe bridge at Engen near Skovsøen.
Duration: about 2 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate/challenging)
Bellinge – Munke Mose (Most Popular)
Paddle from beautiful Bellinge toward Munke Mose in downtown Odense. On this trip, with the current in your favor, you can paddle through stunning natural scenery and rich wildlife, with the chance to spot kingfishers and herons frolicking in the beautiful surroundings. In addition to the beautiful scenery, you’ll also pass the old paper mill and Odense Zoo, where you’ll have the chance to spot some of the animals from your canoe.
You’ll paddle past Skovsøen, where you can take a break. Here, you can enjoy a meal outdoors. There are also restroom facilities available. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can treat yourself to ice cream at Skovsøens Ishus.
At Munke Mose, you can also buy old-fashioned ice cream cones, soft-serve ice cream, slushies, coffee, and more at Odense Aafart’s outdoor café.
Return the canoes on the grassy area at Aafartens Canoe Rental on the left side of the stream, just past Kastanjevej.
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate/challenging)
Bellinge – Ejby Mølle
From here, you continue on from Munke Mose toward Ejby Mølle. On this stretch, you’ll need to take the canoe out of the water at the portage point near Munke Mose. Here, you’ll use the canoe cart provided.
From Munke Mose, you’ll paddle into Eventyrhaven, a beautiful park in the heart of Odense, flanked by St. Canute’s Church on the left and a statue of Hans Christian Andersen overlooking the garden.
From there, the stream winds through idyllic surroundings with old gardens and charming townhouses right by the water.
Return the canoes on the grass by the canoe bridge just before Ejby Mølle.
Duration: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate/challenging)
Bellinge – Stige Island
This is the longest route on the Odense River, and you’ll need to start around 9 a.m. to reach the finish line before 6 p.m.
At Ejby Møller, there is another portage where you’ll need to take the canoe out of the water and pull it on a cart past the wastewater treatment plant.
After Ejby Mølle, the landscape opens up, and the settlements fade away as forests and meadows take over.
You’ll paddle past the Cultural Botanical Garden, where you can take a break. Afterward, the route continues through a beautiful but more open landscape via Åsum out to Stige Island.
The canoes are returned to the grassy area by the canoe bridge at Det Varme Vand on Havnevej.
Duration: 8–9 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate/challenging)
Bellinge-Munke Mose
The video shows the route from Bellinge to Munke Mose
Map: Starting point for the City Route – the canoe bridge
The map shows the canoe bridge where you’ll start your canoe trip
NOTE
Please note that the canoe trip from Bellinge can be difficult and challenging when the water level is low (during periods of very little rain). You’ll encounter sections with low water levels, and near the highway, you’ll come across a rock formation where you’ll need to get out of the canoe to pass.
The stretch can also be challenging during periods of HEAVY rain (after a downpour), as water levels will be high and the current will be strong. Only experienced canoeists should paddle the route from Bellinge under these conditions.
You’ll be out in the great outdoors, and you might run into a fallen tree or dense underbrush.
Odense Aafart’s tour boats operate on the stretch between Skovsøen and Munke Mose, so you may encounter some traffic on the stream. When you encounter the tour boats, please pull over to the side, as the tour boats are unable to do so. The navigation channel runs right down the middle of the river.
Practical Information for the Trip
We’ve compiled the frequently asked questions below to help you get fully prepared for your upcoming canoe trip.
How do we find our canoe?
Your canoe will be ready at the chosen pick-up location at the agreed time. Please note that especially in Bellinge there may be many canoes, some of which do not belong to us. To avoid confusion, your canoe will always be marked with our logo. In the canoe you will find the ordered life jackets and a delivery note with your name and the ordered equipment.
How many people can we fit in a canoe?
The canoes have 3 seats and can accommodate a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 smaller children (max 35 kg per child). It is your responsibility to assess whether your children can share the center seat. However, for optimal stability, it is recommended that there are only 2 people in the canoe, as high weight can make the canoe unstable. The maximum load of the canoe is 400 kg, including luggage. Dogs are welcome, but at your own risk.
Can you bring music in a canoe?
We recommend that you do not bring any music systems on canoe trips. They do not belong in the forest or in nature. Portable speakers are not allowed in canoes. Please respect this rule and other guests.
Please note that, out of consideration for neighbors, music may not be played at the drop-off point in Munke Mose.
Where are there canoe transfers?
Canoe portage means that you have to bring your canoes ashore and pull past an area where you can’t sail. There are no portages between Bellinge and Munke Mose, but if you go further north you may encounter two portages. There is a portage after Munke Mose and at Ejby Mølle. A canoe cart is included on these routes
Is bus transportation possible?
Stige Island – Bågøgade (Odense Municipality)
Skovsøen – Fruens Bøge St.
Bellinge – Brændekildevej (Odense Municipality)/ Bellingevej (Odense Municipality)
Ejby Mølle – Ejby Møllevej (Odense Municipality)/Østerbro (Odense Municipality)
Find your routes on Fynbus here.
How do I find the locations?
Here you’ll find maps of the various pickup and drop-off locations:
Bellinge
Skovsøen
Munke Mose (Aafarten’s Workshop)
Ejby Mølle
Stige Island (Det Varme Vand)