Two-day canoe trip on Odense River - experience nature at your own pace
Plan your 2-day canoe trip today
A longer canoe experience with room for immersion
A two-day canoe trip on Odense River gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience the river over a longer period of time. The trip is perfect for those who want a coherent canoeing experience with plenty of time on the water and the opportunity for breaks along the way. Over two days, you’ll have time to find your rhythm and enjoy the landscape while the surroundings along the river change character.
Many people choose a two-day canoe trip when looking for an active but relaxing outdoor experience on Funen. The trip is suitable for families, couples and small groups who want more than a short day trip and want to experience Odense River at a leisurely pace.
We have created an overview of shelters along the Odense River, so you can experience a unique two-day canoe trip with accommodation 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 Odense River
Botanical Garden
Kulturbotanisk Have is located on the stretch between Ejby Mølle and Stige Island.
The garden was founded in 1948 by teacher Arne Emdal and was originally owned by Odense School District. It was named “School Botanical Garden” and was used for teaching botany and distributing plants. Later the garden was taken over by the Odense Parks Department.
The botanical garden shelter cannot be reserved. Here you can admire an impressive selection of perennials and Denmark’s largest collection of birch and fern plants from around the world. There is also an extensive range of cranesbill and daylilies. The old, densely blooming and fragrant roses are a delight to both the eye and the nose.
Stige Island
The southern part of the island is home to four shelters – covered wooden structures that protect against wind and weather. Don’t forget your sleeping bag and sleeping mat as you’ll be lying directly on the wooden floor.
The northernmost shelter is on its own and has room for 6 people. Reservations are not required.
100 meters further south are three shelters in a row. There is room for 18-20 people in total.
Vigelsø
The sanctuary is located on the uninhabited island of Vigelsø in the middle of Odense Fjord. The island can therefore only be visited if you have the opportunity to sail across the fjord yourself.
There is plenty to see and do, and the opportunity to spend the night on an island that you usually have all to yourself is a very special experience.
Vigelsø was purchased by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency in 1990 and carried out a major nature restoration project. Today, the island is designated as a habitat and bird protection area and part of Odense Wildlife Reserve.
On the island you will find several smaller hiking routes, as well as several viewpoints and bird towers.
PLEASE NOTE
Aafartens Kanoudlejning has no connection with booking or organizing accommodation in shelters. This article is intended solely as inspiration for possible experiences in the area and does not intend to handle reservations or logistics around accommodation. We cannot assist with booking shelters or transportation home.
Please note that the canoe trip from Bellinge can be difficult and challenging at low water levels (during periods with very little rain). Here you will experience passages with low water levels and around the highway you will encounter a rock formation where you have to get out of the canoe to pass.
You’re in the great outdoors and you may be unlucky enough to encounter a fallen tree or dense shrubbery.
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 info for the trip
We've gathered 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 labeled 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 (Aafarten workshop)
Ejby Mill
Stige Island (The Hot Water)