Middelfart - right in the Middle
We look forward to welcoming particpants at the European Cetacean Society's 31st Annual Conference. Middelfart is surrounded by water. The Little Belt winds its way between the Jutland peninsula and the Island of Funen creating stunning land- and seascapes. Due to the complex current and tidal system of the belt the waters are a favourite feeding ground for harbour porpoises. Middelfart is right in the middle of Denmark. We are only two hours away from Copenhagen by train and less than 1 hour by car from Legoland.
The following information can also be downloaded here.
Also, download information about activities during conference days here.
While in Middelfart don't miss the following:
Bridgewalking
One of the only places to walk on the top of a bridge. 60 meters above the surface of the sea. The walk is 2 km long and takes about two hours. An unforgettable tour, often with a good chance to spot harbour porpoises from above. Tours happen daily - buy tickets online here.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 279
Children: DKK 209
Whale Watching
Get close to Denmark's small cetacean - the harbour porpoise. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Available tours:
Duration 3 hours
Friday 28 April, departures: 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm
Sunday 30 April, departures: 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm
Thursday 4 May, departures: 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm
Prices:
Adults: DKK 300
Children < 12 years: DKK 150
Duration 2 hours
Sunday 30 April, departure: 1:30 pm
Thursday 4 May, departure: 1:30 pm
Prices:
Adults: DKK 200
Children < 12 years: DKK 100
Sailing on The Little Belt
Great ways to explore the Little Belt, in a fast sail boat or by RIB Boat, even including a picnic stop at an island. Available tours:
Friday 28 April, Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April - Departure at 11 am
Prices:
DKK 200 per person
Friday 28 April, Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April - Departure at 10 am
Thursday 4 May - Departure at 1, 2 and 3 pm
Prices:
DKK 100 per person
Friday 28 April, Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April - Departure at 10 am
Prices:
DKK 295 per person
CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark
A collection of fine ceramics arts and crafts - including an extensive collection of Royal Copenhagen porcelain throughout 235 years as well as changing exhibitions of contemporary pieces. The café serves delicious lunches, coffee, tea and cakes. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. Click here to visit their webpage.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 80
Children < 18: Free
Tree Climbing
In Middelfart the shores of The Little Belt are dotted with small woods. Many of the trees are tall beches, ideal for climbing. Get to the top of a tall tree - all climbing equipment is supplied and examined by instructors. Tickets must be purchased in advance online here.
Climbs:
Saturday 29 April at 12 pm - 4 pm
Sunday 30 April at 10 am - 2 pm
Prices:
Adults: DKK 150
Children: DKK 150
Henner Friisers Hus - Porpoise hunting history
Henner Friisers Hus in Brogade is a well-preserved half-timbered gabled house from around 1580 that was converted into a museum in 1928. The museum displays exhibits from Middelfart, Brogade, the old town, stories from Middelfart, harbour porpoises and whalers. Normally the museum is closed in April/May but it will be open specially for ECS conference guests. Sunday 30 April from 2-4 pm. Click here to visit their webpage.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 40 (including entrance to Middelfart Museum in Algade)
Children < 18: Free
Snorkelling and Diving
There are several excellent diving and snorkelling spots around Middelfart. The variation below the surface is unique. The possibilities of wall diving, current diving and depth diving directly from the beach make The Little Belt one of the best diving spots in northern Europe.
Diving Trails:
Marsvinet: 50 meters long, 12 meters deep. Easy access from the Diving Club Marsvinet clubhouse.
Søbadet: 50 meters long, 20 meters deep. Easy access from Søbadet behind Hindsgavl Camping.
See more recommended diving spots here.
There will be a limited number of wet suits (suits, boots, fins, masks & snorkels) available for conference participants. You can borrow these at the ECS Conference office at Hindsgavl Castle when you arrive.
NB: The waters of The Little Belt can be quite cold in April/May. If you would like to do some of the deeper dives dry suits are recommended. You can check the water temperature for The Little Belt here.
Kayaking
Kayaks can be booked online. A perfect way to explore the waters around Middelfart. Daily from 8 am - 9 pm
Prices:
From DKK 200
Canoeing
Canoes available at the Gamborgen Bådelaug (Boat Club), South of Middelfart. Click here to visit their webpage. Daily from 8 am - 4 pm. Click here to visit webpage.
Prices:
DKK 375 per canoe for up to 3 people
Hindsgavl Deer Park
The nature reserve Hindsgavl Dyrehave (Deer Park) is 165 hectares (320 football pitches) large, and offers wide open plains as well as woodlands. It is surrounded by a 7 km long fence with 38 gates. The gates allow visitors and cars free passage to the park and the Hindsgavl Castle, while at the same time stopping the deer from wandering out onto the streets and neighbouring residential areas. There are three species of deer in the park: Red deer, Fallow deer and Roe deer. The park has many trails ideal for hiking, running, cycling and horseback riding. Open daily - no admission. Click here to visit their webpage.
See more attractions in Middelfart here.
Attractions outside Middelfart
Legoland - 60 km, 50 min by car
One of Denmark’s most popular attractions, and an absolute “must see” when in Denmark. You’ve probably heard of it. Daily from 10 am – 6 pm. Click here to visit their webpage.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 349
Children (3-12): DKK 329
Egeskov Castle - 75 km, 50 min by car
The Island of Fyn is also known as the Island of Castles and Manor Houses – there are 123 of them. Only a few, however, are open to the public. Egeskov Castle was built in 1554 and here you can enjoy the parks and gardens, marvel at the majestic rooms and take a look at vintage cars, motorcycles and airplanes. Lunch and snacks are available at the restaurant or at one of the cafés. Open from 29 April, daily from 10 am – 5 pm. Click here to visit their webpage.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 190
Children (4-12): DKK 95
Hans Christian Andersen House – 50 km, 47 min by car
The birthplace of the writer of fairytales lies in the old city precinct. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum opened in 1908 as a museum focusing on the life and work of the writer, making it one of the first writer museums in the world. Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. Click here to visit their webpage.
Prices:
Adults: DKK 90
Children < 18: Free
All information above was provided by VisitMiddelfart.