CYCLING ON FUNEN

General

Cycling on Bike Island Fyn: Paradise for cyclists and gravel riders

Funen (Fyn), also known as Bike Island Fyn, is one of Denmark's most beautiful cycling islands. Located between Sjaelland and Jutland, Fyn offers a unique combination of hilly landscapes, scenic coastal roads and quiet cycling routes. This island is a dream for cyclists and gravel riders looking for perfect tarmac, endless views and little traffic.

Thanks to the excellent cycling infrastructure and well-maintained roads you can travel long distances here without interruptions. From the sloping roads around Svanninge Bakker to the panoramic coastal route along the South Fynsian Archipelago, cycling on Fyn means enjoying pristine nature and a rich cycling culture.

Why Bike on Fyn?

Perfect cycling infrastructure - Wide, well-maintained roads and car-free routes.
Varied terrain - From rolling hills to flat coastal roads and gravel routes.
Beautiful nature - Views over fjords, islands and forests.
Historical charm - Castles, cosy villages and picturesque harbours.
Excellent accessibility - Via the Great Belt Bridge from Sjaelland or by ferry from Jutland.

Also read Andrea and Maks' experiences during their exploration of the Herregardsruten:

– Cycling on Funen - On the road with Andrea and Maks – Day 1

Herregårdsruten: Cycling on Funen, with Andrea and Maks

Cycling on Funen - On the road with Andrea and Maks – part 3

Best Regions to Cycle on Fyn

1. South Fyn and the Island Route: Cycling along the Archipelago

Southern Fyn is known for its spectacular coastal roads and picturesque islets. Here you can enjoy quiet roads that wind their way along the fjords and through charming fishing villages.

Highlights for cyclists:

The Island Route (Østersøruten) - A 220 km loop along the coast of southern Fyn, perfect for long, leisurely rides.
Svendborg - Faaborg Route - A hilly route with nice climbs and panoramic views.
The Helnæsland Gravel Road - A challenging gravel route that takes you through one of the most remote areas of Fyn.

2. Svanninge Bakker: The Hills of Fyn

For those looking for altimeters, the Svanninge Bakker an excellent option. This area, also called the "Alps of Fyn", offers the steepest climbs on the island and is ideal for cyclists who are want to train their climbing technique.

Climb from here include:

Svanninge Bakker Klim (60 m) - Fyn's toughest climb with an average gradient of 6-8%.
Corinth and the Faaborg Hill Route - A challenging ride through rolling landscapes and forests.
Graveltracks in Svanninge Bjerge - Wide gravel paths through a unique nature reserve.

3. Odense and Central Fyn: Historic Roads and Quiet Routes

The region around Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, offers a mix of historic routes, quiet country roads and beautiful woodlands. Here you can ride longer, flat routes or opt for gravel paths through the woods. Odense is also known as Denmark's cycling capital.

Recommendations in this region:

The castle route - A 100 km route past castles such as Egeskov Castle and Broholm Castle.
Odense Fjord Route - A flat, fast ride overlooking the fjord.
Ringe Gravel paths - A network of well-maintained gravel roads through agricultural areas and forests.

Gravel routes on Fyn: The Best Offroad Experiences

For gravel riders, Fyn offers a wide range of dirt tracks, from forest routes to old railway lines converted into cycle tracks.

The "Railway Gravel Route" - Follow old railway lines through Central Fyn for a long, car-free gravel ride.
Sydfynske Øhav Gravel - Combine ferry crossings with beautiful gravel roads on the islands of Ærø, Tåsinge and Langeland.
Svanninge Bjerge Gravel Loop - Technical forest trails and wide gravel paths with elevation changes.

Popular cycling destinations ON FUNEN

Odense and Central Fyn: Historic Roads and Quiet Routes

The region around Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, combines historic castles, quiet country roads and beautiful forests. This is an excellent region for cyclists looking for a mix of long, flat roads and varied terrain.

Highlights for cyclists

Herregårdsruten (Castle Route) - A 660 km loop past historic castles such as Egeskov Castle and Broholm Castle.
Odense Fjord Route - A scenic route along the fjord, perfect for fast workouts.
The Funen Rundt (Fyn Round) - A 360 km loop around the entire island, ideal for multi-day rides.

Highlights for gravel riders

Ringe Gravel paths - An extensive network of gravel roads through forests and agricultural areas.
Railway Gravel Route - A car-free route on old railway lines, perfect for long gravel rides.
Odense Fjord Gravel - Beautiful paths along the coast, ideal for a mix of paved and unpaved terrain.

Mid-Fyn is ideal for cyclists who long, car-free routes and a mix of culture and nature search.

Svanninge Bakker: The Hills of Fyn

For those looking for more altimeters, the Svanninge Bakker the best choice on Fyn. This hilly nature reserve, also called the Alps from Fyn named, offers some of the island's toughest climbs.

Climbs and routes for cyclists

Svanninge Bakker Klim (60 m altitude difference) - Fyn's steepest climb, perfect for strength training.
Korinth - Faaborg Hill route - A challenging route with varied gradients.
Sundbakkerne - A long, rolling route through nature reserves and open landscapes.

Gravel routes in Svanninge Bakker

Svanninge Bjerge Gravel Loop - Technical forest trails and wide gravel paths with elevation changes.
Egeskov Gravel Road - Wide forest paths and a loop past Egeskov Castle.
Corinth and Horne Land - A quiet, varied route through forests and small villages.

This area is ideal for cyclists and gravel riders who enjoy a sporting challenge and unspoilt nature.

South Fyn and the Island Route: cycling along the Archipelago

South Fyn is characterised by beautiful coastal roads, idyllic fishing villages and rolling hills. This area offers a perfect combination of long, car-free roads for cyclists and quiet gravel routes for adventurous riders.

Highlights for cyclists

Østersøruten (Islands Route) - A 220 km coastal route that takes you past picturesque islands, small harbours and panoramic views of the South Fyns Archipelago.
Svendborg - Faaborg Route - A varied ride with challenging hills and long straights along the coast.
Langeland & Ærø Loop - Combine ferries and beautiful coastal roads for the ultimate island experience.

Highlights for gravel riders

Helnæsland Gravel Road - A challenging route over headlands and along fjords.
Sydfynske Øhav Gravel - Gravel routes exploring islands such as Ærø, Tåsinge and Langeland.
Svendborg Skovene - Technical gravel paths through ancient forests and nature reserves.

South Fyn is perfect for cyclists who quiet roads and impressive nature want to combine with a touch of adventure.

The Great Belt Bridge and East Fyn: Open Landscapes and Wind as Training Partner

East Fyn is perfect for long endurance training and tempo blocks, with wide, straight roads and open fields. This is the best region for cyclists who like fast rides and wind training keep.

Highlights for cyclists

The Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsbroen) - An iconic point in Denmark, with roads along the coast overlooking this impressive bridge.
Nyborg - Kerteminde route - A fast, flat route along the coast.
Tårup Strand Route - A ride with beautiful views over the Baltic Sea.

Highlights for gravel riders

Revsøre Strand Gravel - Beautiful, flat gravel paths right along the coast.
Nyborg Land Gravel - Routes through open fields and quiet nature reserves.
Østfynske Skovruter - Technical forest trails for challenging gravel rides.

The region around Storebælt and Nyborg is perfect for cyclists who love open, fast roads and challenging wind training.

Why you should consider a cycling holiday to Funen

Although Funen has no Alpine cols (duh). it is a lovely cycling island. You should consider Funen for the Herregardsruten and other gravel paths alone. Combine that with the Danish roads and the friendliness of the people and you're sold.

Which Base of Operations Fits You?

Want to island hop and follow the coastal road? Choose South Fyn.
Doing climbs like in southern Limburg or the Ardennes? Go to Svanninge Bakker.
Want culture and long, car-free routes? Mid-Fyn and Odense is perfect.
Making speed? Drive towards the Great Belt Bridge.

Bike Island Fyn is a paradise for cyclists and gravel riders who love perfect tarmac, challenging gravel routes and a cycle-friendly environment. Whether you opt for a long coastal ride, hill training or gravel adventure, cycling on Fyn is an experience not to be missed.