Guided bike tour on Thurø

Maritime history, famous artists, and royal intrigue

Stories in the Pedals

Discover Thurø from the saddle of a bike with a local guide—a tour filled with coastal paths, maritime history, and tales of great writers. We’ll cycle along hidden paths by the water, through idyllic towns, and past places where Danish history unfolds in surprising ways.
According to legend, Christian IV lost Thurø in a card game to his mother-in-law, Ellen Marsvin, who subsequently built the church for the island’s residents—an act that left a lasting mark on the island.

Cycling along idyllic paths right by the water

A Visit to Trinity Church—a Unique Cultural Gem from the 17th Century

The Story of Ellen Marsvin – Denmark's Richest Woman

Magnificent view of Skårupsund

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Thurø Church
Fishermen's cottages at Gambøt

The cemetery with its dramatic life stories

At the cemetery, we encounter dramatic life stories. Here lies Karin Michaëlis, international bestselling author and master of the art of living, as well as Tom Kristensen, known for “Hærværk.” Also Valdemar Rørdam, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize but charged with treason after World War II, found his final resting place here.

The Weber family's connection to the author Tom Kristensen

We’ll cycle past the house by Svendborgsund, where both Michaëlis and Kristensen lived. You’ll also hear the story of the wealthy Weber family and their daughter Ingeborg’s connection to Tom Kristensen as we pass Christiansminde with its iconic Weber villas.

The House with the Incredible Story

Along the way, we’ll stop at the little half-timbered house “The Island” —a house with an almost unbelievable story of stubbornness and determination, which only gets better when told on the spot.
Karin Michaëlis's grave, Thurø Church
Tom Kristensen's grave, Thurø Church

Traces of Thurø’s maritime heyday can still be seen on the island

In the 1800s, Thurø became an important center for seafaring and shipbuilding. The island’s men built and sailed large sailing ships across the world’s oceans, while the women ran general stores back home. The island’s maritime heyday is still evident in the distinctive skippers’ houses along Rolf Krakesvej.

The tour takes you along trails that can only be discovered with a local guide

We're cycling toward Gambøt and Blåby along small paths that can only be found with a local guide. Here you can feel the island’s special atmosphere—between the sea, history, and vibrant local communities.

Newcomers from the capital and handball legends

Thurø has become a popular island. Svendborg has seen a net increase in population thanks to families with children moving there from Copenhagen—and they prefer to settle on Thurø! This guide will show you around the incredibly popular island, which is also home to national handball coach Nicolaj Jacobsen.

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

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.

Michael Laudrup

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.

Poul Nyrup

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.

B.S. Christiansen

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.

Karen Blixen

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.

Anton Berg

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Practical information

Meeting point: The tour starts and ends at Frederiksø 1, 5700 Svendborg
Please note: Bikes are not included in the tour price
You can bring your own bike or rent one from: Sydfyns Cykeludlejning.dk
  • The tour is done by bike at a leisurely pace (we’ll take turns leading in some places)
  • Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Dressing for the weather
  • The church may be closed due to religious services. In that case, we will visit the cemetery.
Tourguidefyn.dk

5700 Svendborg
CVR-44898640
Links
Contact Persons
Allan Mariager
Tel. 6120 8110
allan@tourguidefyn.dk

Karen Elberg
Tel. 6160 1103
karen@tourguidefyn.dk