Bellinge

Routes Starting from Bellinge (from June 1st)

The route from Bellinge is undoubtedly one of our favorites when it comes to experiencing beautiful nature. The canoes are launched at the canoe bridge on Brogårdsvej, where the adventure begins. From here, the Odense River gently winds its way through the scenic Funen landscape. On both sides, the landscape rises into soft hills where grazing animals, forests, and meadows blend seamlessly with open fields. This route brings you up close to nature, with narrow passages and dense trees that almost embrace the river.

Remember to plan ahead whether you will take the bus to Bellinge or need a car to pick you up at the endpoint of your trip.

You have the canoes available from 9 AM to 6 PM, giving you plenty of time for both relaxation and exploration. If you're ready for a full day on the water, you can paddle all the way to Stige Ø – an experience you won’t soon forget. This trip takes 8–9 hours. If you prefer a shorter trip, the 4–5 hour routes are perfect and among our most popular.

4 Possible Routes Starting from Bellinge

Bellinge - Skovsøen

This route is perfect for those who want to experience the beautiful path from Bellinge but don’t have much time available.
The canoes are returned on the grass by the canoe bridge at Engen near Skovsøen.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty Level★★☆ (Moderate)

Bellinge - Munke Mose (Most Popular)

Sail from beautiful Bellinge towards Munke Mose in the center of Odense. On this trip, with the current, you can sail through stunning nature and rich wildlife, with the chance to see the kingfisher and heron enjoying the beautiful surroundings. In addition to the lovely nature, you will also pass by the old paper mill and Odense Zoo, where you might spot some of the animals from your canoe.

You will paddle past Skovsøen, where you have the opportunity to take a break. Here, you can enjoy your meal outdoors. There are also restroom facilities available. If you’re craving something sweet, you can treat yourself to an ice cream at Skovsøen’s Ice Cream Kiosk.

At Munke Mose, you can also buy traditional ice cream cones, slush ice, coffee, and more at Odense Aafart's outdoor café.
The canoes are returned on the grass at Aafarten’s Canoe Rental on the left side of the river, just after Kastanjevej.

Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty Level★★☆ (Moderate)

Bellinge - Ejby Mølle

From here, you continue from Munke Mose towards Ejby Mølle. On this stretch, you must bring the canoe ashore at the portage point in Munke Mose. Here, you will use the provided canoe trolley.
From Munke Mose, you paddle into Eventyrhaven, a beautiful park in the heart of Odense, flanked by St. Canute's Cathedral on the left and a statue of H.C. Andersen overlooking the garden.

The river then winds through idyllic surroundings with old gardens and charming urban buildings close to the water.
The canoes are returned on the grass by the canoe bridge just before Ejby Mølle.

Duration: 4–6 hours
Difficulty Level★★☆ (Moderate)

Bellinge - Stige Ø

This is the longest route on the Odense River and requires starting around 9 AM to reach the finish before 6 PM.
At Ejby Mølle, there is another portage where the canoe must be brought ashore and pulled on the trolley past the wastewater treatment plant.
After Ejby Mølle, the landscape opens up, and the buildings disappear as forests and meadows take over.
You will paddle past the Cultural Botanical Garden, where you can take a break. After that, the route continues through a beautiful but more open landscape, passing through Åsum and reaching Stige Ø.
The canoes are returned on the grass by the canoe bridge at Det Varme Vand on Havnevej.

Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty Level★★★ (Challenging)

Note

Please note that the canoe trip from Bellinge can be difficult and challenging during low water levels (in periods of very little rain). You will encounter sections with low water levels, and near the motorway, you will face a stone barrier where you must get out of the canoe to pass.

You are in the open nature, and you may be unlucky to encounter a fallen tree or dense bushes.

Odense Aafart's tour boats operate on the stretch between Skovsøen and Munke Mose, so you may experience some traffic on the river. When you encounter the tour boats, please move to the side, as the tour boats cannot do so. The navigation channel is located in the middle of the river.

Find your way to the canoe bridge in Bellinge

Practical Information for the Trip

We have gathered the frequently asked questions below to prepare you well for your upcoming canoe trip.

How many people can fit in a canoe?

The canoes have 3 seats and can hold a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children (max. 35 kg per child). It is your responsibility to assess whether your children can share the middle seat. However, for optimal stability, we recommend having only 2 people in the canoe, as a higher weight can make the canoe unstable. The maximum load capacity of the canoe is 400 kg, including luggage. Dogs are welcome but at your own risk.

Where are the canoe portage points?

Canoe portage means that you need to bring the canoes ashore and pull them past an area where paddling is not possible. There are no portages between Bellinge and Munke Mose, but if you go further north, you may encounter two portages. One is after Munke Mose, and the other is at Ejby Mølle. A canoe trolley is provided on these routes.

Is bus transport available?

It is possible to take a bus to Bellinge. The bus stop is at Brændekildevej (Odense Municipality) / Bellingevej (Odense Municipality).

Find your routes on Fynbus here..

How do I find the drop-off points?

Here you can find maps of the various drop-off points:

Skovsøen
Munke Mose (Aafarten's Workshop)
Ejby Mølle
Stige Ø (Det Varme Vand)

How do we find our reserved canoe?

Your canoe will be ready at the chosen pickup location at the agreed time. Please note that especially in Bellinge, there may be many canoes, some of which do not belong to us. To avoid confusion, your canoe will always be marked with our logo. Inside the canoe, you will find the life jackets you ordered, along with a delivery slip containing your name and the equipment you booked.

Is it allowed to play music in a canoe?

We recommend not bringing any music systems on your canoe trip. They do not belong in the forest and natural surroundings. Soundboxes are not allowed in the canoes. Please respect this rule and be considerate of other guests.

Please note that, out of respect for neighbors, playing music is not allowed at the drop-off point in Munke Mose.

Need Help Choosing a Route?

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