Explore the Odense River by Canoe – Routes from Skovsøen
A peaceful nature experience near Odense
Canoe routes starting at Skovsøen – peaceful trips on the Odense River
The canoe routes that start at Skovsøen offer you a particularly peaceful start to your canoe trip. You launch right at Skovsøen and quickly reach the 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 the trip—even if you’re canoeing for the first time.
From Skovsøen, you can choose routes that take you further along the Odense River through scenic stretches of nature, where there’s plenty of space to find your rhythm and enjoy the silence. These routes are often chosen by families, couples, and small groups looking for a stress-free canoeing experience with the option to take breaks along the way.
4 possible routes starting from Skovsøen
Skovsøen - Munke Mose
On this short but beautiful trip, you’ll paddle past Odense Zoo, where you might be able to spot some of the animals up close from your canoe. The trip also takes you past the impressive villas on Langelinie, which exude charm and history.
The canoes are returned on the grassy area at Aafartens Canoe Rental on the left side of the stream, just past Kastanjevej.
At Munke Mose, you can buy old-fashioned ice cream cones, soft-serve, slushies, coffee, and more at Odense Aafart’s outdoor café.
Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: ★☆☆ (easy)
Skovsøen – Munke Mose – Skovsøen
You’ll start at Skovsøen and paddle past Odense Zoo, where you might be able to spot some of the animals up close from your canoe. The trip also takes you past the impressive villas on Langelinie, which exude charm and history.
At Munke Mose, you can stop and enjoy a packed lunch or perhaps an ice cream at Odense Aafart before paddling back to Skovsøen.
Return the canoes to the grassy area by Skovsøen (the same place where you picked them up).
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: ★☆☆ (easy)
Skovsøen - 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: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: ★★☆ (Moderate)
Skovsøen - Stige Island
Continue on from Ejby Mølle to Stige Island.
At Ejby Mølle, there is another portage where you’ll need to take the canoe out of the water and pull it on the cart past the wastewater treatment plant.
After Ejby Mølle, the landscape opens up, and the built-up areas disappear, giving way to forests and meadows.
You’ll paddle past the Cultural Botanical Garden, where you can take a break. After that, you’ll travel 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: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate/challenging)
Skovsøen–Stige Island
See the starting and ending points at Skovsøen and Stige Island
Map: Starting point for the City Route – the canoe bridge
The map shows the canoe bridge where you’ll start your canoe trip
Practical information for the trip
We’ve compiled the frequently asked questions below to help you be 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)