After the HCA Marathon: Egeskov Castle

The Route: Odense → Egeskov → Odense Logistics: A direct bus stops at the castle gate. By car the road runs towards Svendborg on Route 9. Marathon Month: September Duration: Day trip

Odense ──(bus 920 toward Nyborg, Ringe and Faaborg, or by car)──> Egeskov Castle, Kværndrup ──(same route)──> Odense

The marathon finishes in a stadium in Odense. Egeskov sits in the countryside to the south, on Funen's flat farmland, and the castle stands in a lake. The grounds are large and mostly level, with a lot of places to sit down, which makes the visit a good fit for the day after.

September in Egeskov. The castle's own website describes a seasonal summer operation, with current hours of 10:00 to 17:00 daily. Late September may fall outside the season for the castle, the gardens or particular attractions, so check the dates and the current hours before you go. Dress for a cool breeze off the water.

Getting there

The castle address is Egeskov Gade 22, Kværndrup. From Odense, the castle's website recommends bus route 920, heading towards Nyborg, Ringe and Faaborg, which stops at the castle entrance. You can also take a train to Kværndrup station and walk or board route 920 for the remaining 2.5 kilometres. Use the Rejseplanen journey planner to check the timetable for your day, since services vary.

By car, follow Route 9 towards Svendborg from Odense, take exit 14 for Kværndrup and follow the signs to Egeskov.

At the castle

Buy tickets online, which the castle says is cheaper than at the gate. Wheelchairs are free to borrow, and electric scooters cost DKK 70 per day, so a runner who finds the grounds too long can hire a scooter. Reservations are on +45 6227 1625.

Allow a half day. The castle building has steps and narrow rooms, and the grounds are a long walk. Plan a route on level paths and keep the distance short.

Back to Odense

Check the last bus on route 920 before you set off, and keep it on your phone. A taxi is the backup.