5 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.

After a massive renovation, this landmark museum reopened in 2021. It is dedicated to the famous fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen. The museum tells the story of his life through thousands of items related to the Danish author, from his vintage travel suitcases to his top hat, handwritten manuscripts, and poetic paper cuttings, as well as through highly interactive, audiovisual components. The museum is designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and is one of Denmark's biggest. There's a café, a labyrinth garden, and a cultural center for children in the basement. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Occupying a former textile factory, this four-story building is home to one of Denmark's best—and first—museums of art and visual culture, an educational center specializing in the same subjects, and an art bookstore with a wide range of books. National and international exhibits shown here vary widely, but there's a focus on photography and visual art.

Time seems to stand still in Ærø's main town, where the half-timbered houses and cobblestoned, winding streets look exactly like they did a century ago. The heart of town is full of small restaurants, cafés, inns, and galleries, but the harbor and the beach---where a seemingly endless column of charming, colorful beach houses stands guard---beg to be explored too. A quirky museum sheds light on the island’s rich maritime history.

One of Denmark's best-preserved castles is located on the island of Tåsinge, immediately south of Svendborg. There's a restaurant, a tea pavilion, an orchard to get lost in, and several stately buildings to explore. The castle was built in the 17th century for a Danish prince, but it now belongs to a wealthy family.