3 Best Sights in Funen and the Central Islands, Denmark

There are castles, and then there are castles. With its Renaissance main building, impressive moat, delicate spires, gigantic garden, and even grander knight's hall, Egeskov is one of Europe's most extraordinary buildings. After losing yourself in the grand halls, leave time for tree-top walking and exploring the forest, as well as for perusing the exhibitions about classic cars, historic dresses, and airplanes. The castle is home to the yearly Heartland Festival, which brings together Denmark's creative elite for three days of contemporary art and music, intellectual debates, and fine dining.

The yacht harbor is the biggest attraction in Marstal, a small town with a long, maritime history. The town itself is not as pretty as Ærøskøbing, but the museum dedicated to documenting the island’s seafaring history (Marstal Søfartsmuseum) makes it worth a visit. South of town you’ll find Eriks Hale, a narrow tongue of land with beach on either side. The isthmus is home to a long row of incredibly photogenic beach houses, and there’s a bathing bridge popular with young families.

These cliffs, leading down to Ærø’s southern coast, are some of the most spectacular nature to be found on the island. The grassy, terrace-like giant steps link the rolling hills of Ærø’s heartland with one of Denmark’s southernmost coastal areas, and it’s an excellent place to go for a hike.