Middelfart, Denmark: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Visiting Middelfart, nestled on the narrow strait between Funen and Jutland, gives you the perfect taste of coastal Danish charm combined with laid-back town life. The town's scenic waterfront promenade is ideal for leisurely walks, offering stunning views across the Little Belt and of the iconic old bridge. Middelfart's compact center boasts a selection of cafés, boutiques, and traditional bakeries—perfect for sampling local delicacies and exploring at a relaxed pace.

Middelfart is well known for its outdoor and nature-friendly activities. Whale-watching tours on the Little Belt are popular from spring to autumn, and you might spot porpoises playing in the waters below. The nearby forests and trails offer excellent cycling and hiking opportunities, particularly through the Hindsgavl Peninsula and along coastal paths. With so much nature right on its doorstep, Middelfart strikes a great balance between activity and relaxation.

Food lovers and culture seekers will find plenty to enjoy in Middelfart too. Several harborside restaurants serve freshly caught seafood, while quaint wine bars and modern bistros offer tasting menus and relaxed tapas. The town also hosts seasonal festivals and markets—such as the Middelfart Food Festival—that showcase regional produce and crafts, adding a touch of local flair to any visit.

History of Middelfart

Middelfart in the Middle Ages

Middelfart first appeared in written records in the late 13th century, growing from a small fishing village into a vital ferry and trading post. Its name, derived from “Melfar,” suggests its original role as a crossing point on the Little Belt. During the Middle Ages, Middelfart developed into an important link between the islands and the mainland, with ferries and trade shaping its local economy. Fishing—particularly for porpoises—became a distinctive and long-standing tradition, essential to both the livelihood and culture of the town.

Middelfart in the Early Modern Period

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Middelfart benefited from its strategic location on the waterway, continuing to serve as a key port for merchants and travelers. Though it remained a small town, Middelfart gained importance for its ferry services and tolls collected from shipping traffic. During this era, the town saw the construction of important civic buildings and the growth of local crafts. However, Middelfart, like many Danish towns, experienced economic fluctuations caused by war and shifting trade routes.

Middelfart in the 19th and 20th Centuries

With the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, Middelfart entered a new phase of development. The town expanded rapidly, modernized its harbor, and began attracting more industry. The construction of the Old Little Belt Bridge in 1935 cemented Middelfart’s role as a major crossing point between Funen and Jutland. The 20th century brought continued growth, and Middelfart evolved into a thriving town blending maritime traditions with modern commerce, tourism, and cultural institutions.

Visiting Middelfart for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Middelfart on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Middelfart Bridgewalking

Bridgewalking Lillebælt is one of the most exhilarating experiences in Middelfart. This guided tour takes visitors across the top of the Old Little Belt Bridge, 60 metres above sea level. The view over the fjord and across Funen and Jutland is unforgettable, and the commentary offers insight into the engineering and history of the bridge. The walk is safe, guided, and suitable for anyone over the age of 140 cm.

Bridgewalking tours run daily from spring to autumn, with limited winter slots. Prices are approximately 315 DKK for adults and 255 DKK for children. Pre-booking is highly recommended due to popularity.

2. Hindsgavl Deer Park (Hindsgavl Dyrehave)

This tranquil forested park is home to a large population of roe and fallow deer that roam freely through the landscape. Walking trails meander through meadows, woodland, and coastal cliffs, offering peaceful nature experiences just 2 km from the centre of Middelfart. There are picnic spots, panoramic viewpoints, and even the chance to see wild animals up close without fences.

Entry is free and the park is open year-round. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for deer spotting, especially during autumn rutting season.

3. CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art

Located by the waterfront, CLAY is Denmark’s national museum for ceramic art and design. It features a permanent collection of Royal Copenhagen porcelain, as well as rotating exhibitions that showcase contemporary ceramics and Nordic design. The museum’s architecture is a stunning fusion of old and new, with a subterranean extension that opens onto the sea.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, typically 10:00–17:00. Entry costs around 110 DKK for adults and is free for under 18s. The café and shop are also worth a visit, offering locally crafted ceramics and design gifts.

4. Kongebrogaarden and the Kongebro Forest

This scenic part of Middelfart includes a marina, upscale hotel, and walking paths through ancient beech forests along the Little Belt. Kongebrogaarden is a former royal guesthouse and today hosts cultural events and fine dining. The surrounding area is perfect for coastal walks, photography, and watching ships pass under the bridges.

Free to explore at all times, the area combines natural beauty with cultural refinement. It’s especially lovely in spring and autumn when the forest is bursting with colour.

5. Whale Watching on the Little Belt

Middelfart is one of the best places in Europe to spot harbour porpoises. Several tour operators run daily boat trips from the marina to search for these small whales, which are common in the fjord. The guides also provide information on the marine life and local maritime history, making it an educational as well as exciting outing.

Trips typically run from April to October. Prices range from 150 to 250 DKK depending on boat type and length. Tours depart from the waterfront in central Middelfart.

6. KulturØen (The Culture Island)

This modern cultural centre sits on Middelfart’s waterfront and includes a library, cinema, tourist information centre, and restaurants. Its striking architecture and harbourside setting make it a central hub for visitors. The rooftop offers panoramic views of the fjord and the bridges, especially beautiful at sunset.

KulturØen is open daily, with different sections operating separate hours. Entry to the building is free, and some exhibitions or performances may have a charge.

7. Strib Lighthouse (Strib Fyr)

Located just across the Little Belt from Middelfart (around 5 km), Strib Lighthouse offers a scenic spot for photos, sea breezes, and quiet contemplation. The lighthouse is not open for climbing, but the area around it provides coastal views and walking paths popular with birdwatchers and locals.

The site is accessible at all times and free of charge. A visit can be combined with a walk through Strib town, which has cafés and a marina of its own.

8. Middelfart Marina

The modern marina in Middelfart is a hub of summer activity. Yachts, sailboats, and fishing vessels come and go, and the harbour is lined with eateries offering fresh seafood and sea views. It’s also a starting point for various boat tours and kayaking excursions. In summer, open-air concerts and events sometimes take place on the promenade.

Strolling the marina is free, and boat rentals or tours vary in price. It’s a great place to soak up local life and enjoy a casual meal or drink by the water.

9. Naturpark Lillebælt

The Little Belt Nature Park stretches along the coastline and includes sea, forest, and meadow habitats. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching in one of Denmark’s largest marine protected areas. Information boards and waymarked trails help guide visitors through the natural environment with minimal impact.

The park is open year-round and free to explore. Guided nature walks and outdoor experiences are available from local operators for a fee.

10. Galleri Arte & GALLERI M

These two art galleries, located near Middelfart’s town centre, highlight contemporary Danish and international artists working in painting, sculpture, and ceramics. The exhibitions change frequently and include both emerging talents and established names. Art lovers will enjoy the curated collections and peaceful gallery environments.

Both galleries are generally open Tuesday to Saturday, with free entry. Visitors can also purchase works or browse limited edition prints and local crafts.