Located where the Kerteminde Fjord meets the Great Belt, Kerteminde is a peaceful town on the Danish island of Funen. Nicknamed the “Garden by the Sea”, it boasts a wide sandy beach and beautiful natural surroundings and is home to Denmark’s only Viking ship burial.
Things to do in Kerteminde
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Johannes Larsen Museum to learn about his influential role in the Fyn School of Painters. Larsen once described Kerteminde as “the most beautiful little town in the world” and used its scenes as his inspiration. Constructed in the early 20th century, the property features a workshop studio, a plant-filled conservatory and a beautiful old summerhouse, as well as sweeping views across Kerteminde Bay.
A short drive from Kerteminde will take you to the Viking Museum Ladby, where Denmark’s ancient history is brought to life. Get up close to a warship ship in which a Viking king was buried and see objects uncovered at the site. Be sure to watch the film explaining Viking beliefs and Norse myths about the journey to the afterlife.
One of the most popular beaches in the region is the Kerteminde Nordstrand, which features soft sands and shallow waters that are ideal for families. In addition to beach volleyball and handball courts, there’s a mini-golf course backing the sand. In the middle of the beach is a kiosk where you can grab drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Getting around Kerteminde
Kerteminde is around 20 minutes’ drive from Odense and 30 minutes from Hans Christian Andersen Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Copenhagen Airport is just under two hours away. Buses are the main means of getting to Kerteminde while the town is small enough to explore on foot.