Routes ending at Stige Island (Det Varme Vand on Havnegade)
Plan your canoe trip to Stige Island today
Canoe routes ending at Stige Island
The routes to Stige Island are for those seeking a challenge. Among other things, the trips include two portages, where you’ll need to briefly carry your canoe over land using the small transport cart provided. As you venture further into the wild nature along the stream toward Stige Island, you might be lucky enough to spot the stream’s swans and ducks, as well as distinguish between fish and birds. You’ll also pass by Odense’s Cultural Botanical Garden, where you’ll have the chance to take a well-deserved break with a picnic among beautiful flowers and trees. Along the way, you’ll also pass Eventyrhaven, small harbors, and cozy houses along the stream.
The challenges on this ride are the untamed and wild nature, where you have to maneuver through trees, dense bushes and a winding watercourse. Nonetheless, the route is incredibly scenic with plenty of opportunities to stop and take a break away from the city noise.
3 possible routes ending at Stige Island
Munke Mose – Stige Island
You start the tour at Aafarten’s workshop at Munke Mose. Here you continue 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 cart provided.
From Munke Mose, you’ll sail 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 park. The stream winds through idyllic surroundings with old gardens and charming townhouses close to the water.
You continue on from Ejby Mølle to Stige Island.
At Ejby Mølle, there is another portage where you must take the canoe ashore and pull it on the cart past the wastewater treatment plant.
After Ejby Mølle, the landscape opens up, and the built-up areas give 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: approx. 4–5 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Challenging)
Skovsøen – Stige Island
You’ll start here at Skovsøen and paddle toward Munke Mose.
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 rest of the route is as described above.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (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.
The canoes are launched at the canoe bridge on Brogårdsvej in Bellinge, 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 with open fields. This route brings you very close to nature, with narrow passages and dense trees that almost embrace the river.
The rest of the route is as described above.
Duration: About 5 hours
Difficulty: ★★★ (Challenging)
Munke Mose - Stige Island
View the route from Munke Mose to Stige Island, with a portage at Ejby Mølle
Map: Stige Island (Det Varme Vand) – the canoe bridge
The map shows the canoe bridge at Stige Island
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)