Funen is the third largest Danish island, lying between Jutland and Zealand, the island has 1,125 km of varied coast – broad, sandy beaches interspersed with grassland reaching to the sea line and stretches of steep cliff with magnificent views over the Baltic. The low-lying, undulating countryside is dotted with more than a hundred fairytale castles, manor houses, historic churches an windmills. It is one of the loveliest region in Denmark.

The island’s cultural centre is Odense – a city with a thousand years of history, today best known for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. Wandering around the ancient town, you can easily conjure yourself into a fairytale. During the summer the city buzzes with lively, round-the-clock street life and a warm friendly atmosphere emanates from the many bars, cafes and music venues round the main square.

The historical coastal towns are well worth seeing. The east coast port of Nyborg, one of the oldest town in Denmark and former capital, has a spectacular medieval castle near the marketplace. Faaborg, on the south coast, is particularly beautiful with its 17th century half-timbered, pastel coloured merchants’ houses. There is also a wonderful art museum and some of the island’s best beaches. Funen is a relaxed rural paradise where the pace of life is slow and nothing seems to have changed for centuries. It is little wonder that it is called the ‘Garden of Denmark’.