Two-Day Canoe Trip on the Odense River – Experience Nature at Your Own Pace
Plan your 2-day canoe trip today
A longer canoeing experience with plenty of time for reflection
A two-day canoe trip on the Odense River gives you the chance to immerse yourselves in nature and experience the river over an extended period of time. This trip is perfect for those seeking a continuous canoeing experience with plenty of time on the water and opportunities for breaks along the way. Over the course of two days, you’ll have the peace and quiet to find your rhythm and enjoy the scenery as the surroundings along the river change character.
Many people choose a two-day canoe trip when they’re looking for an active yet relaxing outdoor experience on Funen. The trip is ideal for families, couples, and small groups who want more than just a short day trip and also want to explore the Odense River at a leisurely pace.
We’ve put together a list of shelters along the Odense River so you can enjoy a unique two-day canoe trip with an overnight stay in a shelter.
We encourage you to start the tour in Bellinge to get the most out of the experience. We also recommend that you drop off the next day at Stige Island, so you have to sail back against the current.
The 3 shelter sites along the Odense River
Cultural Botanical Garden
The Cultural Botanical Garden is located along the stretch between Ejby Mølle and Stige Island.
The garden was founded in 1948 by teacher Arne Emdal and was originally owned by the Odense School District. It was called the “School Botanical Garden” and was used for teaching botany as well as for distributing plants. Later, the garden was taken over by Odense’s Parks Department.
The shelter at the Cultural Botanical Garden cannot be reserved. Here you can admire an impressive selection of perennials as well as Denmark’s largest collection of birch and fern plants from around the world. There is also an extensive selection of cranesbills and daylilies. The old, densely flowered, and fragrant roses are a delight for both the eye and the nose.
Stige Island
The southern part of the island has four shelters—covered wooden structures that provide protection from the wind and weather. Remember to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad, as you’ll be sleeping directly on the wooden floor.
The northernmost shelter stands alone and can accommodate 6 people. No reservation is required.
100 meters further south, there are three shelters in a row. Together, they can accommodate 18–20 people.
Vigelsø
Helteret is located on the uninhabited island of Vigelsø in the middle of Odense Fjord. Therefore, the island can only be visited if you are able to sail across the fjord yourself.
There is plenty to see and experience, and the chance to spend the night on an island that you usually have all to yourself is a truly special experience.
Vigelsø was purchased by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency in 1990, which then carried out a major nature restoration project. Today, the island is designated as a habitat and bird sanctuary and is part of the Odense Wildlife Reserve.
On the island, you’ll find several short hiking trails, as well as several lookouts and birdwatching towers.
PLEASE NOTE
Aafartens Canoe Rental is not involved in booking or organizing overnight stays in shelters. This article is intended solely as inspiration for possible experiences in the area and is not intended to handle reservations or logistics related to overnight stays. We cannot assist with booking shelters or transportation home.
Please note that the canoe trip from Bellinge can be difficult and challenging when water levels are low (during periods of very little rain). You’ll encounter shallow sections, and near the highway, you’ll come to a rock formation where you’ll need to get out of the canoe to pass.
You’ll be traveling through the great outdoors, and you may run into a fallen tree or dense underbrush.
Odense Aafart’s tour boats sail on the stretch between Skovsøen and Munke Mose, so you can experience some traffic on the river. When you meet the tour boats, please sail to the side, as the tour boats are not able to do so. The channel is located in 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)