Langeland: Denmark’s cosy long island
With 152 kilometres of coastline, the Danish island of Langeland invites you to explore. Hygge is the order of the day here: whether on one of the many beaches or in one of the picturesque villages, cosiness and tranquillity are the name of the game on Langeland. Here you can find out how and when best to travel, what you shouldn’t miss out on and which accommodation is best suited!
Holidays on Langeland: relaxing on the beach
The name says it all: Langeland is a long and narrow island that is only 11 kilometres wide at its widest point. However, this ensures that you can reach the sea and beach quickly from any point. The 284 km² island in the Danish South Sea is therefore ideal for summer holidays. But you can enjoy more than just a beach holiday here – Langeland offers a number of picturesque villages that are just waiting to be explored, as well as beautiful nature that is ideal for hiking, cycling and fishing. The island is particularly suitable for travellers who really want to have it quiet – Langeland is not one of the typical tourist hotspots.
Where is Langeland?
Langeland is an island in the Baltic Sea and is located in the South Funen Archipelago. It lies between the islands of Funen, Æro and Lolland. Vejle, the centre of the region of southern Denmark, is around 140 kilometres away by car, and the Danish capital Copenhagen is around 200 kilometres away.
Weather on Langeland
Langeland has an ocean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are at their highest and there is hardly any rain. In July and August, the average temperatures are around 20° Celsius. The water temperatures are also at their highest during these two months, averaging 17-18° Celsius, although 20° Celsius is also sometimes reached.
Activities and sights on Langeland
Rudkøbing
Rudkøbing is the main town on the island and is located in the centre of the island on Primærrute 9. The largest town on the island not only offers numerous holiday homes, but also a beautiful harbour and many fishing boats. In the midst of the winding and cobbled streets, you can also discover many cosy and inviting shops and restaurants.
Worth a visit are Langeland’s museum, where you can learn about the long and exciting history of the islands of Langeland and Strynø, or the Rudkøbing town mill, which was built in 1820 and can be visited in summer.
Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Costau-Waldau was born in Rudkøbing.
Tranekær Castle
Tranekær Slot is located in the north of Langeland and was built in the 12th century. It is the oldest inhabited building in Denmark. It is owned by the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig family, who were raised to the rank of counts in the 17th century. Nowadays, the castle can be hired for meetings and conferences, and the grounds around it are mainly used for agriculture and forestry. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, visitors can visit the large English-style castle park.
Fishing on Langeland
Langeland is a favourite destination for anglers and anyone who wants to become one. You can fish all year round in many places along the island’s 152 kilometres of coastline and track down various species of fish. In total, over 20 different species are caught, including sea trout, garfish, cod and flatfish. There is plenty on offer for anglers, who can either hire a boat or take part in one of the guided fishing trips that depart from Spodsbjerg and Bagenkop on fishing boats. In addition to the harbours mentioned, other popular fishing spots are Dimesodde, Ristinge Klint, Tranekær Fyr and Lohals.
Langelandsfestival
The Langelandsfestival, Denmark’s largest family festival, has been held on Langeland for over 20 years. The music festival takes place every year in the last week of July and offers fun and entertainment for the whole family against a fantastic Baltic Sea backdrop. The festival includes numerous concerts for young and old, as well as its own amusement park. Sports and catering facilities are also on offer.
Accommodation on Langeland
Holiday cottages on Langeland
The most popular type of accommodation on Langeland is renting a holiday home. Holiday homes offer plenty of space and independence, especially for families, and in Scandinavia they are often close to nature. In contrast to camping, holiday homes offer a certain level of comfort, for example with their own cooking facilities and plenty of space to store luggage. Langeland therefore also has a large selection of holiday homes, with something to suit every budget.
Camping on Langeland
If you can do without comfort and want to be close to nature, camping is a great holiday option (more information here: Camping in Denmark). You can stay overnight on a campsite in a motorhome, caravan or tent, and many sites also offer mobile homes as accommodation. But campsites now also often offer a wide range of services and comfort, from glamping to simple tent pitches. Langeland has a total of four campsites spread across the island.
Travelling to Langeland
By car to Langeland
Langeland is well connected to the rest of Denmark and Europe. The Primærrute 9 motorway connects the island with the mainland and other islands. From Germany, you can reach Langeland by following the A7 motorway to Denmark and then changing to the A9 at Odense.
By ferry to Langeland
If you want to save time and avoid possible traffic jams, you can take a ferry. There is a ferry connection between the islands of Als and Funen, from where you can follow the A9 motorway westwards to Langeland. Alternatively, you can choose the connection Rødby-Puttgarden or Rostock-Gedser, if you are starting from Germany. From there, you can travel via the island of Lolland, where there is a ferry connection to Spodsbjerg in the village of Tars, and thus reach Langeland from the east.
Flights to Langeland
Langeland does not have its own airport. However, you can travel to Copenhagen or Hamburg and then continue your trip via rental car or train.
