From "The Rotten Banana" to an Attractive Destination

Svendborg’s development over the past 30 years is the story of a city that has managed to turn
adversity into new opportunities.
On this walking tour, we’ll follow the traces of the transformation that has made Svendborg one of
Denmark’s most attractive cities to live in. The tour begins at the historic market town
, winds through the city center, and heads down to the harbor, where some of the most significant changes have
taken place.

Along the way, the story is told of the visions, investments, and urban development projects that
have transformed the city. But it also explores the dilemmas, conflicts, and difficult trade-offs that always
accompany a city’s search for a new path. Should culture or business take priority? Should old
buildings be preserved or make way for the new? How can the harbor be developed without losing the city’s
soul?

The Town Square and the Old Market Town

Møllergade: From Retail to the Experience Economy

From Havnetrappen to Nordre Kaj with SIMAC and UCL: The New Waterfront

Gain a unique insight into Svendborg’s transformation from a struggling provincial town to a modern market town.

The stories are based not only on the final outcome, but also on the many
discussions and decisions that took place behind the scenes and in the political inner workings. Listen to
the stories—as they were experienced from the city hall. Narrated by Erik Bendorf—former
city manager for 22 years.

Book "Erik Bendorf and Svendborg"

Erik Bendorf

Caption

From Market Town to Crisis

The story of this proud seafaring and trading town begins at Torvet, but it also tells of the years—
—when shipyards closed, jobs disappeared, and Svendborg found itself in the middle of the
area that the media dubbed “The Rotten Banana.”
Back then, the future was anything but certain.

Møllergade: From Shopping Street to Experience City

Møllergade illustrates how the character of the city center has changed. Whereas the street was once first and
foremost a commercial district, today it is also a hub for experiences, culture, café life, and
urban life.
But this transformation did not happen on its own. What strategies work when the retail sector is under pressure?
And which ones don’t?

The Harbor Stairs and the New Waterfront on Nordre Kaj

At the Harbor Steps , it becomes clear how the connection between the city and the harbor has been
rebuilt.
Whereas the harbor was once a workplace for the few, today it has also become an urban space for
the many. Here, the story is told of the transition from industry and cargo to education,
knowledge, and new maritime professions.
With SIMAC and UCL , Nordre Kaj has changed its character and function. From cargo across the quay to knowledge
across the quay.

Jessens Mole: When the City Turned Toward the Water

At Jessens Mole, Svendborg’s transformation is almost etched into the landscape.
The former port areas have been transformed into attractive urban spaces, housing, and gathering places. At the same time,
the site raises the question of how development and identity can go hand in hand without
erasing the past.

Sdr. Havn: The Dilemmas of the Future

In Sdr. Havn, attention is focused on the projects that have not yet been realized.
Here, discussions center on the development of the ferry terminal, Ribers Trælast, flood protection, and the many
considerations that must be balanced as the future of Svendborg takes shape.

A city that has reinvented itself

The tour ends at Torvet.
Svendborg’s success is not due to the city having left its history behind, but to the fact that it has
managed to actively draw upon it. Shipping, shipyards, cultural life, entrepreneurs, passionate advocates, and
newcomers have all left their mark.
This walking tour is therefore not just about buildings and urban spaces, but about the choices,
people, and decisions that have shaped modern Svendborg. It is the story of a city,
that has had to reinvent itself time and again and is still in the midst of doing so.

That's what our guests say

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Emma Gad

Michael Laudrup

Poul Nyrup

B.S. Christiansen

Karen Blixen

Anton Berg

Erik Bendorf and Svendborg

A fascinating look at Svendborg's development, as seen from the city hall's engine room