Canoe Routes on the Odense River

We have carefully selected six beautiful canoe routes on the Odense River, starting and ending at Bellinge, Skovsøen, Munke Mose, Ejby Mølle, and Stige Ø. The routes are designed to give you the best experience by following the river’s natural current, so you don’t have to paddle against strong flow. Please note that the current varies depending on the river's depth, meaning some locations are drop-off points only. For the ultimate experience, you can paddle all the way from Bellinge to Stige Ø and witness the river from its most spectacular perspective.
The routes are for guidance only. You choose your preferred start and end points when booking your canoe.

The City Route

Perfect if you don't have the option to arrange transport. Start and finish in Munke Mose. Paddle through the zoo to Skovsøen, where you can enjoy a picnic or an ice cream before heading back.

2-3 hours

Bellinge

Paddle from Bellinge towards Munke Mose in Odense City Centre. On this trip, with the current, you can effortlessly glide through beautiful nature and rich wildlife – with the chance to spot the kingfisher.

4-5 hours

Skovsøen

On this short but beautiful trip, you'll paddle alongside Odense Zoo, where there is a chance to spot some of the animals from your canoe. You will also pass by some of the large, impressive houses along Langelinie.

1-5 hours

Ejby Mølle

Paddle from Bellinge or Skovsøen to Ejby Mølle and experience Odense Zoo from the canoe. Along the way, you will pass the beautiful houses on Langelinie, Munke Mose, and the Fairy Tale Garden.

3-5 hours

Stige Ø

For those seeking a challenge. This route includes two portages where the canoe must be briefly carried over land. Paddle past the Cultural Botanical Garden, an ideal spot for a lunch break.

4-8 hours

Two-Day Canoe Trip

Two-Day Canoe Trip with a Unique Outdoor Overnight Stay. After a day of canoeing, set up camp and spend the night in a shelter at either the Cultural Botanical Garden, Stige Island, or Vigelsø.

2 days

Map of Canoe Routes on the Odense River

On the map, you can see the start and stop points along the Odense River, where your canoe adventure awaits. The current flows from south to north, making the route from Bellinge to Stige Ø the perfect full-day trip for those wanting to experience the river in its entirety.

The Most Popular Routes

City Route (2–4 hours):
The best route for beginners and for those who cannot arrange transport to and from start or end points.

Half-Day Tours (4–5 hours): The most popular half-day tours are:

Bellinge to Munke Mose (only after June 1st)
Skovsøen to Ejby Mølle
Munke Mose to Stige Ø

These routes offer beautiful surroundings and cozy stops along the way.

Current Conditions

The current on the Odense River flows from south to north. This means most routes are planned with the current. An exception is the route from Munke Mose to Skovsøen, where the river is wide and deep enough to paddle against the flow.

We Recommend

City Route – The Perfect Tour for Beginners

The City Route is ideal if you're looking for an easy and accessible canoe experience without the hassle of organizing transport to drop-off or pick-up points. The route starts and ends in Munke Mose, in the heart of Odense. From here, you paddle through idyllic scenery, passing Odense Zoo, where you might spot kangaroos from the water. The tour continues to Skovsøen, where you can take a break and enjoy a picnic or an ice cream from the kiosk before gently paddling back to Munke Mose.
This route is perfect for beginners and those seeking a relaxing day on the water with minimal planning.

Bellinge Route – An Adventure Through Odense’s Nature

For a truly unique canoe experience, we recommend the Bellinge Route. Starting in Bellinge, you follow the current through stunning nature and rich wildlife as you peacefully paddle toward Munke Mose in the center of Odense. Along the way, you navigate narrow passages surrounded by trees, giving you a special sense of being completely immersed in nature.
The route also features historical and exciting landmarks, such as the old Paper Mill in Dalum. You pass Skovsøen, where you can pause for a break, and continue past Odense Zoo before reaching Munke Mose. If you feel like extending your trip, you can continue to Ejby Mølle or even further to Stige Ø.
This route is perfect for more experienced paddlers and for those seeking a scenic and relaxing experience with opportunities for adventure along the way.

Morten & Eva
Aafartens Canoe Rental

Need Help Choosing a Route?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help selecting the right route.