Located between the Great Belt and the Bay of Kiel, Langeland is a scenic Danish island that has become a popular recreational and wellness destination. It is famed as the birthplace of former Danish prime minister Anders Sandøe Ørsted and 19th-century chemist Hans Christian Ørsted, who discovered that electric currents create magnetic fields.
Things to do in Langeland
Perched on the west coast of Langeland is the charming market town of Rudkøbing, which is clustered with beautifully preserved merchant houses. Admire the 1820-built Rudkøbing Mill and stroll around the yacht-filled harbour before delving into the island’s 10,000-year-history at the Langelands Museum. The museum also manages the Langelandsfort, a Cold War-era sea fort located south of Langeland.
In the summer months, you can relax on the sands of Hesselbjerg Strand, which is one of several wild beaches on Langeland. Backed by rolling dunes, it stretches for more than one kilometre and is popular with local families. Overlooking the beach is the Strandcafeen Hesselbjerg where you can purchase ice cream, waffles and hot drinks.
En route between Rudkøbing and Hesselbjerg Strand is the Skovsgaard Estate, a sprawling property dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. It combines a restored mill with a nature museum and an organic farm where you can learn how vegetables are cultivated. Occupying the old stables is a collection of vintage tractors, coaches and wagons while art exhibitions are regularly showcased in the main building.
Getting around Langeland
Langeland is just over an hour’s drive from Odense and Hans Christian Andersen Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Copenhagen Airport is 2.5 hours away. Ferries connect from Langeland to Ærø, Strynø and Lolland while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the island.