3 Deserted Islands - Be Robinson Crusoe For One Day
Have you ever dreamed of being Robinson Crusoe, just for one day? If you come to Fyn (Funen), you have the chance to visit three deserted islands, where amazing nature experiences await.
The island of Fyn is surrounded by 96 smaller islands. Many of these islands are inhabited by people, but a small part of them remain uninhabited and deserted. Maybe you already have heard of some of the larger islands like Ærø, Langeland and Tåsinge. There are many possibilities for great experiences on these islands, but if you want to experience something different, you should try visiting one of the deserted islands.
Æbelø, Vigelsø and Halmø are three deserted islands in the sea surrounding Fyn, where some exciting nature experiences await. Get there by boat, canoe or kayak and explore the islands by being like Robinson Crusoe for a single day. Even though the islands might seem deserted at first glance, don't be fooled. The owners of the islands make sure that the nature and animal life are preserved as best as possible. We all benefit from this, because it means we can experience a little piece of unspoiled nature.
1. Æbelø
A desterted island, where you can expect unique nature experiences. The island has a lot to offer both in terms of breathtaking nature and a rich animal life. Take a stroll by the beach and experience how the cliffs slowly drift into the sea while taking trees with them. The big cliffs majestically rise above the beaches.
If you are in the northern part of Funen, Æbelø is definitely a must-see. The island is approximately 4 km north of Funen. You have to know the tide table, if you want to get to the island. When it is low tide you can walk directly to the island. This is what makes Æbelø so special. Make sure to check when the tide is coming back in so you don't get stuck on the island. If you want to know more about Æbelø and how to get there, you can read much more about the island right here.
Remnants from the past and animal life on the island
Explore the old buildings on the island, which bear witness of a vanished past. The island was once inhabited and you can still see remnants of this today. You can experience the remains of the old school, abandoned houses with thatched roofs, the old lighthouse and Æbeløgård, which is the only inhabited house on the island.
If you get tired and wants to have a rest, you can enjoy a brought along picnic basket in one of the untouched oases on the island while you try to spot some of the island's deer or sheep. If you are on the beach, maybe you are lucky enough to spot seals and porpoises swimming around in the ocean. Across the shore you can fish for sea trout and garfish.
2. Vigelsø
In Odense Fjord there is a tiny island, where nature one again rules after many years of farming. Before there were rapeseed fields and wheat fields and now the island is covered in dense forest and lush salt meadows. The salt meadows are home to different kinds of wading birds.
You can sail or row to the island yourself or take one of the official ferries. The ferry "Lunden" sails from Klintebjerg and the ferry "Svanen" sails from the habour in Odense. Be aware that both ferries only sails during the summer. You can read more about how to get to the island right here. (link in danish)
As a part of the Odense Fjord wildlige refuge, Vigelsø is home to many different birds and other wildlife. The island is breeding grounds for many different kinds of birds such as swans, ducks and eiders. If you get lucky, you can spot a sea eagle out hunting for its lunch.
Take a hike through the island
Vigelsø has to be experienced by foot. You can experience the northern part of the island by taking the 2 km long hiking path. Here you will pass a campsite, where you can put up a tent. Spent a night on the deserted island and experience how nature quietly wakes up in the early morning sun.
The southern part of the island is a closed sanctuary for wild life. You can see this beautiful area from above by climbing the bird tower at the sanctyary border. Remember to bring your binoculars to see the birds and wild lige up close. If you are spending the night on the island, we highly recommend that you visit the bird tower at dawn.
3. Halmø
In the South Funen Archipelago is a small unknown deserted island. Even to Danes the island is a mystery and a hidden gem. Halmø, like Ærø, is a moraine island. The island was formed during the last ice age, when it was pushed up from the underground. The geological history of the island means that you can experience breathtaking nature on the small island.
Even though the island is privately owned, tourist and other curious people can still visit the island all year round. You have to get to the island on you own as there are no official ferries or boats sailing to the island. You can kayak, canoe or sail to the island. During summertime you are likely to run into the owners of the island, Gitte and Peter Didrichsen. They are living in the only house on the island. You can see the house tower above the flat landscape on the southern part of the island.
Beautiful nature
The small island is only 0.5 km2, but you can still experience amazing nature. The highest point on the island is 9 m above sea level. If you go to the south-western part of the island, you can see how the island branch off into a beautiful, bare headland, which flow into a small islet. You can sit and enjoy the scenerie while perhaps enjoying a little bite to eat.
The northern part of the island is mostly tall and majestic cliffs, which tower up above the beach. On the south-western part of the island a rich animal and plant life awaits. Walk through the damp marshland and the vast salt meadows. The flat salt meadows are home to many different wading birds e.g. herring gulls and common gulls. Remember to bring your binoculars if you want to have a closer look at the birds.