On Thurø
Too often overlooked by the hurried visitor, this horseshoe-shaped island is one of the most beautiful off the coast of Funen. Its beautiful gardens and fruity orchards have earned it the justified title of the "Garden of Denmark." In 1 scenic hour, you can explore about all there is to see here. The island used to belong to the manor house, Bjornemose; but the Thurineans wanted liberty, so they joined together to buy back Thurø in 1810, an event commemorated by a stone proclaiming freedom from manorial domination.
It's the island itself that's the attraction, because of its scenic beauty. However, if you want a specific target to visit, make it the little Thurø Kirke (tel. 62-20-50-92; open daily 7:30am to 4pm, charging no admission. The best beaches can be found at Smørmosen, Thurø Rev, and Grasten. When you take the causeway over from Funen, you'll be entering another world.
On Tåsinge
Ærø is the major tourist attraction of Funen, outside Odense, but the lesser known island of Tåsinge is for lovers, the most romantic hideaway in all of Denmark. Although sleepy, it is still the largest island in the South Funen archipelago, and it's been connected to Funen by the Svendborg Sound Bridge since 1966. The location is only 3km (1 3/4 miles) south of Svendborg via the bridge, but a distance of 43km (27 miles) south of Odense.
Route 90, which is the main road, crisscrosses the island, but we'll let you in on a secret: When you see a signpost marked TÅSINGE, take it to the northeastern sector of the island. Once here, you'll find the "skipper town" of Troense, one of the best-preserved and most idyllic villages in all of Denmark. Many half-timbered houses in gay colors still stand on Badstuen and Grønnegade, the latter declared by many makers of landscape calendars "the prettiest street in Denmark." While exploring Troense, you can also dart in for a quick look at the town's maritime museum, Sofartssamlingerne I Troense. You can also visit Valdemars Slot nearby.
The island was the setting for a famous tragic love story depicted in the 1967 film Elvira Madigan. After checking out of a hotel in Svendborg, Danish artist Elvira Madigan and her lover, Sixten Sparre, a Swedish lieutenant, crossed by ferry to Tåsinge, where together they committed suicide. The Romeo and Juliet of Denmark were buried in the Landet Kirkegård, Elvira Madigansvej, at Landet, in the middle of Tåsinge, where many brides, even today, throw their wedding bouquets on the couple's graves. The 100th anniversary of the death of these two lovers was widely observed in 1989 throughout Scandinavia; many ballads were written to commemorate the date.
The island is best explored by car -- follow Route 9 and drive over the causeway -- or you could take local bus no. 980. You can also take the vintage steamer MS Helge (tel. 62-21-09-80 for information), which departs several times daily from the harbor at Svendborg. The steamer operates from May 7 to September 5. A one-way ticket costs DKK50 ($8.50/£5); a round-trip, DKK100 ($17/£10). Tickets are sold onboard or at the Svendborg Tourist Office.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
