Trail 11, Tåsinge

This text is an excerpt from the book about the Archipelago Trail, and therefore provides more background, detail and inspiration than the shorter trail leaflets.

On this trail you cross the Svendborgsund Bridge to reach the island of Tåsinge. The route continues through the former ferry village of Vindeby, the coastal nature area known as Skansen, and on to the fruit‑growing and maritime town of Troense. You pass Ambrosius Stub’s Oak, before walking along the coast east of Nørreskoven, where the lovers Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre ended their lives.

Svendborgsund Bridge

The Svendborgsund Bridge opened in 1966 as the final link in the road connection between Funen and Langeland. It was inaugurated by Crown Princess Margrethe.
The bridge is 1,200 metres long with a clearance height of 33 metres and built as a beam bridge resting on caissons sunk deep into the seabed.

The tall, slender structure was deliberately designed to make a minimal visual impact on the landscape between Funen and Tåsinge. From the bridge you have sweeping views across the Svendborg Sound and its coastlines. The road is busy—cross with care.

The bridge replaced the ferry service that once connected Funen and Tåsinge, operated by three small car ferries.

Once on Tåsinge, the Archipelago Trail leads you eastwards through Braten Forest. Along the shoreline lay several of Tåsinge’s former shipyards, where vessels such as the schooner‑brigs Gylfe and Mette Cathrine were launched in 1876.

Vindeby

Vindeby functioned as both ferry landing and village—originally a settlement branching out from Nyby.
A tenant farmer operated the ferry service alongside his farm work and provided food and lodging for travellers waiting for favourable winds.

In 1811 the ferry service included a large vessel for carts and horses, a sailing boat for 10–12 passengers, and a rowing boat. The white ferry house still stands at the harbour.

In 1872, Denmark’s first steam ferry, Fritz Juel, was introduced on the route. The ferry leasing system lasted until 1925. Today, the former ferry harbour is a marina.

Tåsinge Skanseodde

At the island’s northern tip lie Ørerne and Skanseodde (“Redoubt Point”). Skansebakken is a 7–8 metre high grassland hill offering fine views over the Svendborg Sound.

About one kilometre east lies Svendborgsund Camping. From Vindebyøre, you can take the vintage boat Helge to landing places on Tåsinge, Thurø and Svendborg.

Røde Mølle at Pilekrogen

The trail follows the old country road through Bregninge Forest. At the eastern crest stands Røde Mølle, a former watermill from around 1760, now a private home.

This was one of the shipyards that made Troense famous. The shipbuilding family Smidt built at least 77 vessels here between 1760 and 1835.
During the war against England (1807–1814), Lars Andersen Smidt selected oak trees here for cannonboats.

Troense — a brief history

Troense became a centre for shipbuilding and fruit cultivation from the 1700s.
Baron Niels Juel reorganised the area, closing the old farms and establishing Troense along Grønnegade with long garden plots for fruit growing.

Before 1850, ships from Troense sailed to America and Asia, and between 1850 and 1900 more than 225 wooden ships were launched.
Women—the “sea widows”—maintained the orchards and households while husbands were away at sea.

After 1860–1870, shipbuilding moved to Thurø. In 1966, Troense became a suburb of Svendborg.

Ambrosius Stub’s Oak

Near Pederskov Huse stands the 500‑year‑old Ambrosius Oak, under which the poet Ambrosius Stub wrote during his time managing the estates of Valdemars Castle.

Valdemars Castle

At the dam leading to Valdemars Castle, the trail turns into Nørreskoven.
The castle was built between 1639 and 1644 as a residence for King Christian IV’s son, Valdemar Christian. In 1678, Admiral Niels Juel took over the estate as payment for his victory at the Battle of Køge Bay. The castle’s present appearance is largely the work of his grandson, Niels Juel (1696–1766).

There has been no public access to the castle since May 2022.

Ormerenden

A dug canal through the forest, approximately 1,100 metres long. Its purpose is unknown—possibly a transport route for building materials to the medieval Kærstrup Fortification.

Elvira and Sixten

In 1889, Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre ended their lives here in Nørreskoven after a tragic love affair.
They met in Sweden in 1887 and fled to Denmark in 1889, but lack of money and prospects led to desperation.

They are buried at Landet Churchyard, and their story is told at Tåsinge Museum.

Follow the trail to the memorial stone in Nørreskoven.