Experience Odense River by canoe - routes from Skovsøen
A tranquil nature experience close to Odense
Canoe routes starting at Skovsøen - calm trips on Odense River
The canoe routes starting at Skovsøen give you a particularly calm start to your canoe trip. You launch directly at Skovsøen and quickly reach Odense River, where the surroundings are green and the pace is slow. The starting point is ideal for those who want a safe and manageable start to their trip – even if you’re canoeing for the first time.
From Skovsøen you can choose routes that take you along the Odense River through nature-rich stretches where there is plenty of space to find your rhythm and enjoy the silence. The routes are often chosen by families, couples and small groups who want a stress-free canoeing experience with breaks along the way.
4 possible routes starting from Skovsøen
Skovsøen - Munke Mose
On this short but beautiful trip, you’ll sail past Odense Zoo, where you might spot some of the animals up close from the canoe. The tour also takes you past the impressive villas on Langelinie, brimming with charm and history.
The canoes are left on the grass at Aafartens Kanoudlejning on the left side of the river just after Kastanjevej.
At Munke Mose it is possible to buy old-fashioned ice cream cones, soft ice cream, slush ice, coffee etc. in Odense Aafart’s outdoor café.
Duration: approx. 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty level: ★☆☆☆ (easy)
Skovsøen - Munke Mose - Skovsøen
You’ll start at Skovsøen and sail past Odense Zoo, where you might spot some of the animals up close from the canoe. The tour also takes you past the impressive villas on Langelinie, brimming with charm and history.
In Munke Mose you can stop and enjoy some food or maybe an ice cream at Odense Aafart before you sail back to Skovsøen again.
The canoes are handed in on the grass at Skovsøen (same place they were handed out).
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: ★☆☆☆ (easy)
Skovsøen - Ejby Mølle
Here you continue on from Munke Mose towards Ejby Mølle. On this stretch, you must bring the canoe ashore at the portage at Munke Mose. Here you use the canoe carriage provided.
From Munke Mose you sail into Eventyrhaven, a beautiful park in the middle of Odense, flanked by Sankt Knud’s Church to the left and a statue of H.C. Andersen looking out over the garden.
The river then winds through idyllic surroundings with old gardens and charming towns close to the water.
The canoes are left on the grass at the canoe bridge just before Ejby Mølle.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: ★★★☆ (Moderate)
Skovsøen - Stige Island
You continue from Ejby Mølle to Stige Island.
At Ejby Mølle there is another portage, where the canoe goes ashore and is pulled on the cart past the wastewater treatment plant.
After Ejby Mølle the landscape opens up and the buildings disappear, while forest and meadows take over.
You sail past the Botanical Garden where you can take a break. Then it’s a beautiful, but more open landscape through Åsum out to Stige Island.
The canoes are left on the grass by the canoe bridge at Det Varme Vand by Havnevej.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty level: ★★★★★ (Moderate/Challenge)
Forest Lake - Ladder Island
See start and stop at Skovsøen and Stige Island
Map: Starting point of the By-route - canoe bridge
The map shows the bridge where you start your canoe trip
Practical info for the trip
We've compiled the frequently asked questions below to help you prepare 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 don’t bring music systems on a canoe trip. It does not belong in the forest and nature. Soundboxes are not allowed in canoes. Respect it and other guests.
Please note that for the sake of neighbors, music must 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 will find maps of the different pick-up and drop-off locations:
Bellinge
Skovsøen
Munke Mose (Aafartens workshop)
Ejby Mill
Stige Island (The Hot Water)