Middelfart is a market town with a maritime history closely tied to the waters of the Little Belt, ferry routes, and the many porpoises that inhabit the area. Before the Little Belt Bridges connected Funen and Jutland, Middelfart was home to many small trading vessels and ferry services. Today, 10 historic ships are preserved in Middelfart's Gl. Havn.
Stroll down Brogade and consider stopping by Henner Friisers House to learn more about the daily life of porpoise hunters in the 19th century.
Gl. Havn in Middelfart is Denmark’s first cultural harbor, designated by the Danish National Trust for Maritime Heritage. This harbor plays a key role in preserving the nation’s maritime heritage. Here, historic ships, heritage buildings, and active maritime businesses come together in an authentic environment that tells the story of past seafaring.
At Gl. Havn, you’ll also find the local fish shop, offering freshly caught lunch on the waterfront, with a view of the bridge's architecture while the old wooden ships sway gently in the harbor. Continue past Gl. Havn, by the shipyard, to the boat houses that tell the story of the town’s former porpoise hunting and the porpoise hunters’ guild. The Hanging Gardens, which uniquely overlook the Belt, can be seen from both the harbor area and out on the water. Make a stop at the listening station to hear the clicks of the porpoises. During the summer, there are often daily boat trips from Gl. Havn with Mira3, Aventura, and MS Marianne. MS Sabine, located at Nyhavn2, also offers daily tours on the Belt.
The area is part of the Climate City project, where Middelfart is developing a more climate-resilient and beautiful town by redesigning parts of the area to direct increased rainfall away from the town and into the Little Belt, all in synergy with the development of the town's public spaces.
End your day with a stroll through Middelfart’s charming pedestrian street, filled with small specialty shops, or enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many cozy cafes or restaurants.
