Svendborg is reachable by highway route 9, which branches of the main highway (E20) across Funen south of Odense, it's about a 25 minute drive. Though the Fynbus'[1] regional bus lines; 121, 162 and 163 mainly uses local roads and take about 1½ hours to do the trip. Trains [2] are faster and the locals prefered choice, they take 42 minutes from Odense. If you are travelling from Copenhagen, you might want to consider switching to a bus in Nyborg instead, as this might be faster, depending on how long the stop over is.
Svendborg harbour [3] is open to both leisure sailors and commercial ferry traffic, routes out of Svendborg goes to Ærøskøbing on Ærø and to serveral small islands in the South Funen archipelago. All ferries depart from the ferry terminal at Havnepladsen square.
Svendborg Cykeludlejning, Jessens Mole 9B, ☎ +45 30 17 69 27 (postmaster@svendborgcykeludlejning.dk), [8]. June-August 9-13. Bike rentals right on the harbour in Svendborg, in cooperation with the tourist information desk.80 DKK first day then 60 DKK/day. edit
International Clown Festival[9]. Svendborg has hosted an International Clown Festival for over a decade. For a week in mid May the town is full of exciting street performances. There is also a grand parade and a theatre gala show which is well worth trying to get tickets for. Clowns from all over the world gather the festival and perform around the town in various venues throughout the week as well as in the streets.
Svendborg is located at a beautiful fjord, or in correct terms the Svendborg Sound, and is a good starting point to explore the Sydfynske Øhav archipelago. Several ferries connect to some of the islands from Svendborg, and there are also some pretty veteran tour boats to take you on short cruises in the area.
M/S Helge (Tour boat), Centrumpladsen 4 (Tourist Information Desk), ☎ +45 62 21 09 80, [10]. 16/5-13/9 9-17.30. 1 hour tour to Valdemar Slot (pictured) or a 2 hour return trip, also available for charter.25-50 DKK. edit
Maritimt Center Danmark, Havnepladsen 2, ☎ +45 62 23 30 23. Does cruises around the archipelago south of the city, in beautiful old wooden ships during the summer (June-August) mainly in the weekends, but you can be lucky to catch a tour on other days, reservations is recommended. Also charters old sail ships to groups of >20 people. 150-250 DKK. edit
Nicus Nature (Sea Kayak rentals), Vindebyørevej 31b, ☎ +45 40 41 89 82 (booking@nicusnature.com), [11]. Sea kayak rentals and guided tours in the archipelago.300/450 DKK 3 hours/day. edit
Sydfyns bådudlejning (Boat rental), Pengekrogen 52, ☎ +45 62 21 24 26, [12]. Rents out serveral sail boats ranging from 7,77m to 8,30 mweekends: 1995-5995 DKK, Weekly: 3995-6495 DKK. edit
