Plan your canoe trip
Plan your canoe trip on Odense River
Everything you need to know before your canoe trip
A great canoe trip starts with the right planning. When you prepare from home, you’ll have a safer, calmer and more successful experience on the water. Here you’ll find everything you need to know – from route selection and parking to safety, rules and practical advice. Click through to the individual topics and plan your canoe trip at your own pace.
FAQ
Do you have questions about canoe rental, booking, equipment or trip duration? In our FAQ you’ll find quick and clear answers to the most common questions, so you can feel well prepared before departure.
Canoe routes
Choose the canoe route that suits you best. We offer both short and long routes with different start and end points. Here you can read about the routes, their length, experiences along the way and who they are suitable for.
Parking space
Plan your arrival easily and stress-free. We’ll guide you to parking close to the starting points so you can get on the water quickly and get your trip off to a good start.
Safety and security
Safety on the water is a priority. Here you can read about life jackets, weather conditions, boating with children and good safety habits for a safe and enjoyable canoe trip.
Advice and rules
Get practical tips for a successful trip and learn the most important rules for canoeing. With the right consideration for nature, other boaters and yourself, everyone will have a better experience on the river.
Sailing regulations
Before you set sail, it’s important to know the applicable sailing regulations. Here you’ll find the official rules of the road so you can sail correctly and responsibly.
Ready to plan your canoe trip
Once you have an overview of routes, rules and practicalities, you can focus on the most important thing: the experience on the water. A well-planned canoe trip gives you peace, security and space to enjoy the nature, pace and company along the way.
Use the information on this page as your starting point and click through to the individual topics when you want to dive deeper into details about canoe routes, parking, safety and sailing regulations. Whether you’re sailing for the first time or have experience from previous trips, good preparation will help you have a better and more relaxed trip.
Plan at your own pace, respect nature and each other – and look forward to an atmospheric experience on the river.
FAQ - Canoe rental
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you still have a question, you’re always welcome to contact us.
How does the canoe rental work?
Canoe rental at Odense Aafart is simple and straightforward. You choose the route that suits your time and level – from short trips to longer day trips on Odense River. Once the route is chosen, Odense Aafart provides the canoe, paddles and life jackets.
The canoes are delivered at the starting point of the route, and at the end of the trip, Odense Aafart will pick up the canoes again at the end of the route. No need to transport equipment or worry about logistics. Along the way, you sail at your own pace and take breaks when it suits you.
The canoe rental requires no experience and families, couples and groups can participate. Simply show up, get your equipment and hit the water.
How early can you start?
The earliest the guns can be picked up is 09:00
When should the canoes be returned at the latest?
The canoes must be delivered no later than 18:00
If they are delivered later than 18:00, it costs 500 kr per hour (min 500 kr for late delivery)
Where can we pick up the canoes?
Pick-up depends on the route you choose, as there are different starting points for the different routes. You may want to watch our intro videos on the different canoe routes. Please note that the current runs from Bellinge towards the city.
Is canoeing difficult?
No, canoeing is not difficult.
Most people can learn to canoe quickly, even if they’ve never tried it before. The canoes are stable and suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. You’ll be able to go at a leisurely pace and customize the trip along the way so you can take breaks as needed.
Many families and first-time boaters choose canoeing because it is a simple and relaxing way to experience nature on the Odense River, with no special skills or physical fitness requirements.
We recommend that beginners choose an easy route such as the city route
How many people can you 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.
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.
Are canoes suitable for children?
Yes. Children can participate with adults if they are comfortable with water. Always remember life jackets.
How do we find our booked 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.
Can I go canoeing without a life jacket?
It is mandatory by law to carry life jackets in the canoe. There must be one life jacket for each person on board.
Remember to order vests with your canoe if you do not bring your own life jackets.
Can I bring dogs in a canoe?
Yes, if you think it will be safe to canoe.
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 may not be played at the drop-off point in Munke Mose.
Can the canoes be booked over several days?
Yes, you can book the canoes for the number of days you want. Simply select the start and end dates in your booking. You pay per day
What happens if I don't return the canoe to the agreed location?
If a canoe is left at a different location than agreed, a fee of DKK 500 will be charged per hour we spend finding it – but always a minimum of one hour. Contact us if you cannot reach the drop-off point before 18:00. We’ll work together to find an alternative drop-off point earlier in the route.
Why can you only sail from Bellinge from June 1?
Please note that sailing from Bellinge is only possible from June 1 and for the rest of the season. Sailing from Bellinge before June 1 is restricted to protect wildlife. Spring is breeding time for birds and spawning time for fish, and activities on the river can disturb both bird nests and fish eggs, negatively affecting the population.
Can you sail routes other than those listed in the "Routes" tab?
Notes. We have selected the described pick-up and drop-off locations that are suitable for pick-up by car and trailer. We do not have the option of picking up anywhere other than the specified drop-off points. The routes described are also routes where canoeing is permitted.
What happens if equipment is damaged or lost?
All gear and equipment that is missing or damaged upon delivery must be replaced. This does not apply to general wear and tear.
Where are there bus stops on the routes?
See the nearest stops
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 Rejseplanen
Find your routes on Fynbus
Can children go canoeing?
Yes. Children can participate with adults. Life jackets are included in the rental so the whole family can feel safe on the water.
What is included when renting a canoe?
The rental includes canoe, paddles and life jackets. Odense Aafart also provides free delivery and pick-up on the fixed routes.
How long does a canoe trip last?
The trip depends on the route you choose. You can sail both short trips and longer stretches where you spend a whole day on the water.
What routes can you take by canoe?
You can choose between different routes on Odense River – from short leisurely trips to full-day trips. The routes are suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. See all the routes on this page
Do you need experience to go canoeing?
Pros. The canoes are stable and suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Most people can join after a short introduction.
If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with an easy route such as the city route.
What can you do in Odense if you want to get close to nature?
Many people choose canoe rental on the Odense River. Here you’ll experience green surroundings, wildlife and silence – even though you’re close to the city.
Is canoe rental a good family activity?
What it is. Canoes give families the opportunity to be together for a shared nature experience. You sail at a leisurely pace and customize the trip according to the age and energy of the children.