Trail 13, Langeland

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

This trail leads you from Rudkøbing, past the ferry harbour, the area known as Bellevue, and the restored wetland of Rudkøbing Vejle. From here you continue past Kragholm Huse and the manor Fårevejle, before reaching the reclaimed wetland of Henninge Nor.

The Archipelago Trail officially ends at the dam, but you can continue across it and follow the Klæsø Nature Trail to the parking area by Klæsø Small‑boat Harbour.

Rudkøbing

Rudkøbing was founded in the early Middle Ages and received market‑town rights in 1287. Until 1856, almost all trade on Langeland had to take place here—except for transactions made directly by the manors. Farmers and townspeople alike were required to sell their goods in Rudkøbing.

Customs duties were charged both on goods entering and leaving the town. The most recent customs house from 1891 still stands by the harbour.

Despite these rules, many farmers and fruit growers sold goods from small landing places around the island, leading to repeated complaints to the king.

Rudkøbing retains its historic character, with cobbled streets and well‑preserved merchant houses.

The town has five harbours. To the north lies Rudkøbing Skudehavn, the new marina with restaurant and accommodation.
To the south are the old marina, the former fishing harbour and the freight harbour with two basins.

At the southernmost end is the ferry harbour with its classic waiting room. Ferries depart for Marstal (ÆrøXpressen) and for Strynø, where you can visit the Øhavets Smakke- og Naturcenter.
This area also hosts the Kys Frøen Center, where families can borrow equipment for nature activities.

The Old Railway Station

Rudkøbing was the main station on the Langelandsbanen railway (1911–1962).
The building on Havnegade features a rare 24‑hour clock and now houses the Rudkøbing Local History Archive.

A Walk Through Town

Start at Havnepladsen and walk up Brogade to Gåsetorvet, where you’ll find the statue of H.C. Ørsted, born in Rudkøbing in 1777.
At Østergade 48, you can visit an exhibition about his life and discoveries.

Continue to the old Town Hall, explore craft shops, and then visit Rudkøbing Bymølle, standing on the remains of the town’s medieval fortifications.

At Østergade 25 you’ll find Langeland Museum and the visitor centre for Geopark The South Funen Archipelago.
Guided tours are listed at langeland.dk, and the podcast The Sound of the Medieval Town provides additional insight.

Invisible Theatre

Begin an audio‑walk from Gåsetorvet, guided by the voice of H.C. Ørsted—an immersive storytelling journey, produced by BaggårdTeatret (Mod Strømmen).
You can also listen to the companion podcast The Sound of Ørsted.

Bellevue

Bellevue Road features small houses built for brickworkers and fishermen after 1875. Later, a slaughterhouse was built on reclaimed land—now replaced by senior housing.

Rudkøbing Sea Bath

The Sea Bath from 1926 is still in use year‑round. Free access. One of Denmark’s few preserved sea‑bathing facilities.

Rudkøbing Vejle and Rudkøbing Fredskov

Rudkøbing Vejle was once a fjord until a dam and pump system drained it in 1824. The pump was turned off in 1995, and the meadows restored.

Rudkøbing Fredskov, the town’s “peace forest,” has been a popular excursion spot since the 1800s and today contains rich spring flora.

Kragholm Huse

Kragholm originated in the 1400s as a clearing village. During the 1812 land reforms, the farms were moved out into the fields.

Horsehave and Iskælderbakken

A Horsehave is a horse paddock. In the forest lies the hill Iskælderbakken, known from the local “hat hill” podcast.
Here once stood a stone ice cellar used to store winter ice for the dairy at Fårevejle Manor.

Fårevejle Manor

First mentioned in 1372. Fortified with ramparts in 1583. The island on which it stood became a peninsula after the dam of 1823.
The farm buildings date from 1851; the main building from 1868.

Henninge Nor

Henninge Nor was once a fjord inlet but was reclaimed in 1913 to create 185 hectares of farmland.
A sluice and a windmill kept the area dry. Remains of a medieval timber barrier lie 600 metres north of the dam.

The pump house now stands where the windmill once operated.

From here, you can continue across the dam and follow the Klæsø Nature Trail to the main road or to the parking area at Klæsø Jollehavn.