Hjortø

Photo: VisitSvendborg

Hjortø

Photo: VisitSvendborg

Hjortø

Photo: VisitSvendborg

Hjortø

The Island's Characteristics

You see water everywhere, as you are never more than a few hundred meters from the shoreline. The island covers an area of 0.90 km² and consists of a total of 13 residences, including five farms and eight houses. Hjortø is not just one of the islands with the fewest permanent residents in the Archipelago Sea but in the whole of Denmark. Five people live permanently on the island. The other houses, however, are inhabited for a large part of the year by vacation home owners. The island is car-free and there is no grocery store, inn, or other shops. For nature lovers, the island is therefore a truly unique experience.

The western tip of Hjortø is a bird sanctuary, and access is prohibited from March 1 to July 15. Outside of this period, it is a fantastic experience to venture out to the tip and settle down a stone's throw from the Høje Stene fairway, where the Ærø ferries and many yachts glide by. If you fancy a very special experience, you can wade over to the neighboring island of Hjelmshoved and take a walk on the beach, listen to bell frogs in June, or pick the beautiful Hindebæger flowers on the island. Note that the northern tip of Hjelmshoved is protected.

The flora on Hjortø includes something as rare as the many-flowered buttercup, and among the animal species, the rare bell frog can be mentioned, which has survived in the South Funen Archipelago due to the many ponds and the mild climate.

The Ice Age Landscape on Hjortø

The coastal landscape is dynamic and looks different today than when the flooding created the Archipelago and thus the islands. The sea breaks down the coast with great force, and the currents carry the loosened materials further, which are then deposited in calmer and shallower water, creating new land - marine foreland. The entire south coast of Hjortø consists of Holocene marine foreland, including a minor spit formation. To the northwest, there are formations of headlands with cut-off lagoons and small barrier islands.

Families on Hjortø

Residents of Hjortø, together with the Svendborg Museum, have created a unique family tree of the island's inhabitants over the past 400 years. In the beginning of the last century, the island flourished with around 50 residents, and there were investments in new construction. Some of the construction was also caused by a fire in 1917. As people moved away from the island, some of these "new" houses were taken over by vacation home owners. However, the family tree shows that descendants of the island's residents from the fifteenth century are still on Hjortø.

Hotels nearby of Hjortø

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    Brobyværk Kro is situated where the road between Odense and Faaborg crosses the stream Odense Aa. The idyllic inn with the river in the backyard has traditions for receiving guests. Naturally it has been modernised, but the spirit and the cosiness still preserve here, and the cuisine has a good reputation.

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    Minimalism can certainly equate to outstanding service and quality. At Hotel 6400 in Sønderborg, there are no superfluous frills, and even the hotel’s name has been reduced to the bare essentials – the city’s postal code.
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  • Hotel Odense - SDH Partner Hotel

    45.35 km

    Cozy Hotel Close to Nature and City Life in Odense
    Hotel Odense - SDH Partner Hotel is centrally located on Funen, close to both lively city atmosphere and peaceful nature. Here, you have the opportunity to experience a wide range of family-friendly attractions, concerts, and enjoy the serene nature surrounding you. The hotel serves cold drinks in the lounge area and restaurant, where local Funen ingredients take center stage.
    The hotel is part of the alliance with Best Western Hotels & Resorts - The Hotel Alliance.

    Read more : Hotel Odense - SDH Partner Hotel
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    Experience unique moments at Hotel Sønderborg Strand! Our fantastic location directly on the beach ensures that you can enjoy the best of both nature and history. With just 250 meters to the vibrant center of Sønderborg, you get the best of both worlds – a tranquil oasis close to the city's life and charm.

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  • Hotel Knudsens Gaard

    46.85 km

    Hotel Knudsens Gaard in Odense emphasizes personal service, high quality and a peaceful atmosphere. The uncontested attention is on the guests, who must be able to enjoy a relaxed stay in green surroundings. The hotel rooms have a homely feel and the restaurant delivers fantastic culinary experiences.

    Read more : Hotel Knudsens Gaard
  • Munkebo Kro

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    Experience the cozy atmosphere at Munkebo Kro, located right by the water with a view over Kertinge Nor. Here, you can enjoy well-prepared dishes and explore the harbor town of Kerteminde and the capital of Funen, Odense.

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    Kerteminde, on the island of Funen, is the quintessence of rural idyll, featuring fishermen’s cottages and fine merchants’ farms. In the heart of Kerteminde, you will find Tornøes Hotel. The hotel is full of atmosphere, charm and good cheer, with lovely rooms, excellent food and a magnificent view.
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  • Sivgaarden Boutique Hotel

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    Sivgaarden Boutique Hotel is beautifully situated on the highest point at Flensborg Fjord, and the nearest neighbour is the golf course. The old family farm has undergone a very tasteful rustic-style renovation. The chefs cook the menu of the evening following the old traditions but adapted to the palates of the present time.

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  • Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference

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    Welcome to Fjelsted Skov Hotel and Conference - a unique refuge in the midst of nature. We offer an exclusive experience where tranquility and charm blend with modern comfort surrounded by the breathtaking Fjelsted Skov. The ideal place for both business travelers and holiday guests.

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