Kerteminde: Fjord Landscapes and the Viking Age

Fjord landscapes, archaeological history and trails through forests and along the coast shape the experience of travelling in Kerteminde. Between water activities, historic sites and museums, you can choose different focuses for your stay.

Fjord, Water and Views

Kertinge Nor, also known as Kerteminde Fjord, covers 8.5 km² and stretches for just under 10 km from Kerteminde to its innermost point. At the fjord, you can go cycling or kayaking. The waters are home to sticklebacks, eels, sand eels, herring, shrimp, mussels and shore crabs, among other species. These measurements and the variety of wildlife offer two different glimpses of the fjord: its size and the life beneath its waters.

The observation tower on Munkebo Bakke offers a different perspective: it stands 58 m above sea level and provides views of Odense Fjord, Kertinge Nor and the Great Belt. A settlement has also been identified on Munkebo Bakke, considered a centre of power during the Late Iron Age and the Viking Age. It dates from around 550 to 950 AD.

Trails for Different Activities

For a walk, the Munkebostien is a continuous 20 km trail around Munkebo, running from Odense Fjord in the north to Kertinge Nor in the south. The Hindsholm Rundt cycling route is longer, at about 60 km; it is gently undulating and passes manor houses, burial mounds and natural areas. The two routes can thus be distinguished by mode of transport and length.

The Blue Clover Trail is 4.6 km long and runs through Kerteminde’s harbour and town centre. The Digterrute for Agnes Henningsen offers a different succession of landscapes: it starts and ends at Kulturhus Anexet and Café Frits and passes through a park, forest, fields and coastal scenery. A total of 10 km of trails run through the three forests of Holmeskov, Tværbæk Lund and Storskov in the Lundsgaard Skove area; the forest area covers 2.5 km². Sybergland offers public access, well-maintained trails, a fire and shelter site, freshwater meadows and a newly created lake.

The Viking Age and Museums

The Viking Museum Ladby displays Denmark’s only authentic Viking ship burial, dating from 925. The Ladby King was buried in the warship. Throughout the year, the museum offers talks about the Viking Age, guided tours about the Ladby King and the Viking Age, and Viking activities for children and adults. Some programme elements may vary by season.

Fjord&Bælt also connects Kerteminde with life in the water. Its pool for seals and porpoises is a natural extension of Kerteminde Fjord; at the harbour, the centre offers close encounters with porpoises and grey seals. During training sessions, visitors can watch seals and porpoises daily at 11:00, 13:00 and around 15:00, then ask the guides questions. As the daily programme may change, it is advisable to check the times before your trip.

The Johannes Larsen Museum includes the artist’s home of Johannes and Alhed Larsen. It conveys the atmosphere of the early 20th century and the significance of the artist couple to Danish art and culture. The collection includes works by Johannes Larsen, Fritz Syberg, John Olsen and Christine Swane. The Hindsholm Local History Museum focuses on the history, culture and nature of the Hindsholm peninsula.

Town History and Local Culture

Kerteminde’s old town has made use of its natural harbour location for 600 to 700 years. Historic buildings include Toldboden at Strandgade 3: the merchant Niels Bager built it in 1590; today, the building serves as an exhibition venue for Kerteminde Art Association and is also used for exhibitions by Østfyns Museums. The programme may change. Farvergården presents exhibitions on the lives of craftsmen and fishermen in Kerteminde across three floors. Kerteminde Church, also known as St. Lawrence’s Church, underwent extensive alterations in the 17th century. It has a burial chapel belonging to the Iuel family and preserves objects from the time of the Swedish Wars.

The Cold War Bunker Kerteminde is a fully original and operational historical time capsule of just over 200 m², with its own emergency power and water supply. It tells the story of the command centre that housed the leadership of Kerteminde Municipality’s civil emergency management.

Beach and Seasonal Experiences

Kerteminde Nordstrand is sandy, gently sloping and child-friendly. Facilities include a bathing jetty, kiosk, mini golf, beach volleyball and handball courts, and toilets. Beach facilities and Blue Flag status may vary by season. The annual Cherry Festival is rooted in the long-standing tradition of cherry growing in northeastern Funen; everyone is welcome, and dates and programme vary.

For a culinary stop on Hindsholm, Røgeri Hindsholm runs a shop selling its own smoked products and gourmet specialities, particularly from Italy and Corsica. There is also a small outdoor trattoria with six tables. It serves dishes made with its own products, along with seasonal vegetables and herbs from the associated garden. Service is seasonal; check the opening arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Marslev, Tårup, Mesinge, Munkebo, Midskov, Martofte, Kertinge, Kerteminde, Dalby, Langeskov.

For the regional travel overview: Funen.