Kayaking adventure in Denmark: 4 days around Langeland in the South Fyn Archipelago
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
115 kilometers by kayak, four days on the water, dotted with small islands, turquoise seas, and nights in a shelter : What was supposed to be a relaxing tour through the South Fyn Archipelago in Denmark turned into a kayak race with 50 other boats around Langeland – amidst storms, sunshine, and an adventure that was far wilder, but also more amazing, than we had planned.
Stormy start in the archipelago
Waves several meters high are crashing over our kayak. Even though I've secured the cuffs of my rain jacket with extra elastic, seawater is gushing up the sleeves to my elbows. Our warm-up day on Funen has caught us completely off guard.
The wind is blowing from the south at over 38 kilometers per hour, and white spray forms menacing crowns on the waves.
Frederik Laursen from the kayak rental company "Lifeplan Kajak & Friluftsliv" doesn't actually want to let us out on the water.
“You can drive a little way to Rønnov and back. Then the journey home will be easier, and you'll be in the lee of the island,” he says.
However, we definitely want to spend the night in the Hegnet Shelter and paddle on to Rudkøbing the next day – in time for the start of our real adventure: the four-day race around the island of Langeland.
Here you will find a detailed description of this two-day paddling tour including GPS data.
How a relaxed tour turned into a race
Actually, I only wanted to go paddling for a few days with my "little" nephew Lars (33, strongly built - thankfully) in the South Funen South Sea.
"Come on, Denmark is beautiful. We'll paddle leisurely from island to island," I had said. And just like that – suddenly we were participants in a four-day kayak race.
Four years ago, Frederik Laursen launched the circumnavigation of Langeland. The first official race took place in 2024: twelve participants, six of whom reached the finish line. A year later, there are already 50 registrations – including us.
"This isn't about luxury, it's about experiencing nature. It's not about a race, it's about experiencing something together."
Frederik explains. That sounds good – at least in a warm room at home. Not out on the water in wind and waves.
Start your adventure around Langeland
The sun shines the next day. Finally, it begins.
In the mass start, the 50 participants pull their boats from the beach into the sea.
"Like a Viking invasion, only backwards"
Lars jokes.
Click on the first image to start the photo gallery:
Suddenly, the water is covered with splashes of yellow, red, green, and blue paint.
At midday we reach a narrow strait between Langeland and Storeholm . Only a narrow channel is navigable. The water shimmers turquoise blue above the light sand.
At this point, it becomes clear why the South Funen Archipelago is also called the "Danish South Sea".
Nature experience instead of competition
For most participants, the race is not a classic competition. Many are here to experience nature, to be out and about together, and to take on the challenge.
And then there are the others.
For example, Claus Kolbe , a true Langeland native and record holder for circumnavigating the island.
While most have completed the 115 kilometers after four days, exhausted but happy , he has long since returned.
He beats his own record and circumnavigates the island in 17 hours and 2 minutes – and is thus back in Rudkøbing on the very first day .
Tips for your kayaking adventure in the South Funen South Sea
Kayak races around Langeland
“Around Langeland by kayak” takes place annually around Ascension Day (2026: May 14–17).
Complete circumnavigation (4 days): approx. 2,495 DKK
Participation is also possible for 2 days.
including meals, accommodation and land transport
Contact organizer (Frederik Laursen): Tel.: +45 60723900 E-mail: info@kajakfriluftsliv.com
Equipment can be rented on site.
I've also uploaded the GPS data and a more detailed description to Outdooractive for you.
Kayak rental and kayak vending machines
At the port of Svendborg there is a kayak rental machine where you can rent kayaks around the clock.
Other locations on Langeland:
Port of Rudkøbing
Port of Ristinge
Accommodation: Shelter and Camping
Hegnet Shelter (Tåsinge)
simple cabins right on the coast
No reservation possible (“first come, first served”)
Toilet and firewood available on site
Svendborg Sund Camping
Located directly by the sea
Cabins, glamping or pitches
More information about the Funen region
General information and tips on activities, accommodations and restaurants:
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