M/S Helge is a 100-year-old veteran ferry that takes tours around the South Funen Archipelago from Svendborg Harbor every summer from From May 14 to 13. September 2026 A full tour takes approximately 2 to 2½ times, and you pay 150 kr. as an adult and 75 kr. as a child.
Key facts in a moment:
- Departure point: Jessens Mole, Svendborg Harbour
- Typical departures: 09:30, 12:40 and 15:30
- Duration of the tour: about 2 to 2½ hours
- Price: 150 NOK (adult) / 75 NOK (child) for the entire round trip
What is the story behind M/S Helge?
M/S Helge was built in 1924 at Ring-Andersen's Shipyard in Svendborg and originally operated on scheduled routes for the South Funen Steamship Company (SFDS). For decades, the ship was a part of everyday life for islanders and commuters in the South Funen Archipelago.
From the mid-1980s, Helge shifted its focus to tourist sailing, and since the mid-2000s, the ship has been owned by Svendborg Municipality. It is designated as of conservation value, which means it is maintained with respect for its original character.
Important years:
- 1924: Built at Ring-Andersen's Shipyard, Svendborg
- The 1980s Transition to pure tourist sailing
- 2005: Svendborg Municipality takes over ownership
- 2024: 100th anniversary
M/S Helge is a part of Svendborg's DNA. It is not just a ferry, it is a living cultural monument that connects the city's maritime past and present.
John Arly Henriksen, chairman of the Business and Tourism Committee in Svendborg Municipality, quoted by TV 2 Fun
Archived harbor materials confirm that Helge has sailed in these waters for generations., and the ship is one of the best-preserved examples of Danish coastal shipping from the interwar period.
Which route does M/S Helge sail?
Ruten starts and ends at Jessens Mole in Svendborg and takes you through some of the most beautiful archipelago in Denmark. Along the way, the ship passes under the Svendborg Bridge, which in itself is a spectacular sight.
The stopping order is as follows:
- Svendborg Jessens Mole → departure
- Vindebyøre First stop
- Christiansminde Beach and café
- Troense → charming village
- Grasten pleasant anchoring site
- Valdemar's Castle / Stella Maris Turning point
- Return via the same route to Svendborg
You can get on and off at most stops, so you decide how much time you want to spend on land. The price depends on which stops you use, and it is recommended to check the current price list at Svendborg Harbour for partial routes.
Example of the schedule for departure at 09:30:
The times are approximate. Check the current schedule on Svendborg Harbour's route page.
Tickets, prices, and boarding: what you need to know
The ticket prices are simple. An adult ticket for the entire round trip costs 150 NOK., and children pay 75 DKK. You can pay onboard with card or MobilePay, but it is recommended to book online in advance, especially during the high season.
Online ticket sales close 40 minutes before departure. If you haven't booked, you can try to purchase onboard, but only if there are available seats.
Do's and don'ts for booking and boarding:
- Book online well in advance, especially in July and August
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure at Jessens Mole
- Bring a foldable transport chair if needed (standard wheelchairs cannot be brought).
- Expect steps onboard, the ship is not fully accessible to everyone
- Don't buy tickets at the last minute and expect a seat during the peak season.
Price: 150 kr. (Adult) / 75 NOK (child) for the entire cruise. Online sales close 40 minutes before departure.
When does Helge sail, and how do you contact the harbor?
The season runs from May 14 to September 13, 2026There are typically three daily departures from Svendborg:
| Departure from Svendborg | Recommended for |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | Early birds and families with children |
| 12:40 PM | Those who want to combine it with breakfast in the city |
| 3:30 PM | Afternoon trip with good light for photography |
All departures start from Jessens Mole. You can also get on at a stopover, but the space is limited, and it is recommended to start in Svendborg.
Contact information:
- Address Jessens Mole, 5700 Svendborg
- Booking and timetable: svendborghavn.dk
- Onboard reservations are not possible in advance. It is first-come, first-served.
What do you experience aboard the veteran ferry?
There is both an indoor lounge and an outdoor deck onboard. The salon's wooden panels and the original interior create an atmosphere you won't find on modern tourist boats. The deck is the best place to sit when the weather is on your side.
The refreshments are limited to a vending machine with soda, coffee, and tea. If you plan to get off at a stop and eat there, it is wise to bring a lunch basket from home.
Practical tips for a good trip:
- Bring a windbreaker, even on warm days, as it can be windy on the water.
- Sit on the deck early, especially on popular departures
- Bring food and drinks if you want to have a picnic at a stop.
- Remember sunscreen and sunglasses for deck seats during the high season
Professional tip: Tomorrow's departure at. 09.30 is the calmest and provides the best light for photography. Afternoon departure at 15.30 often has the most beautiful light over the sea, but can be more crowded in July.
Which trips can you combine with a stop on the route?
Each stop on the route has its own character, and it is here that the Helge trip truly unfolds.
Valdemar's Castle its route's natural highlight. The castle from 1644 has a park, museum, and café, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours here. Go away, explore, and take the next holiday back.
Troense It is one of the best-preserved fishing villages in Denmark. A walk through the whitewashed streets takes 30–45 minutes and costs nothing.
Christiansminde It has a nice beach and Hotel Christiansminde with a café. Perfect for a half-day trip: get off, have lunch, and walk back to Svendborg along the coast path for about. 45 minutes.
Star of the Sea Valdemars Castle is a peaceful excursion destination. Svendborg Harbour also offers an audio walk called "The Silence of the Sound," which pairs well with a walk from this stop.
Three concrete hiking suggestions:
- Half-day trip with a walk Leave Christiansminde (around 10:05 AM at morning departure), have lunch by the beach, and walk back to Svendborg along the coastal path. Home by breakfast time.
- Slot Day: Leave from Valdemars Castle, spend 2–3 hours at the castle and park, and take Helge back with the afternoon departure. Combine with Cultural heritage sites in Denmark برای فقط الهام گرفتن.
- Round trip without alighting Stay on board all the way and enjoy the view and the atmosphere. Ideal for families with young children or those who just want to relax on the water.
What do other visitors say about the trip?
Reviews of M/S Helge paint a consistent picture: most highlight the scenic route, the nostalgic atmosphere, and the fact that it is an experience that stands out from modern tourist attractions.
Frequent rosé:
- Beautiful and peaceful sailing through the archipelago
- Authentic veteran ship atmosphere
- Suitable for families and couples
Frequent complaints:
- Space shortage during the peak season, especially on the deck
- Limited catering onboard
- The door can be blown open in bad weather because the deck lid spaces are unprotected.
Practical advice: Book early, arrive on time, and choose the morning departure at. 09.30 if you want peace and the best seats.
Why is M/S Helge important for Svendborg?
Helge is more than a tourist attraction. As reported by TV 2 Fyn at the 100th anniversary, local voices describe the ship as a part of the city's identity. Svendborg is a port city with a deep maritime tradition, and Helge is a living proof of that heritage.
Ownership by Svendborg Municipality ensures that the ship is preserved and operated with a focus on local cultural heritage rather than pure commercial operation. This means that ticket prices are kept reasonable and that the ship is maintained as a preservable vessel.
Helge is not just a ship. It is Svendborg's maritime soul on the water.
Local voice on Helge's cultural significance for Svendborg
Practical consequences for visitors:
- Municipal ownership means stable operation and preservation focus
- Anniversary events and local events are held continuously
- The ship is part of Svendborg's broader tourist identity as a port city.
Rejse Danmarks recommendations for different visitors
Familiar with children: Tomorrow afternoon at 09:30, bring a picnic basket, and get off at Christiansminde for the beach and play. The children's ticket for 75 kr. Make it one of the cheapest half-day experiences in the region. See also child-friendly attractions in Denmark to combine the trip with other family activities.
For art and culture enthusiasts: Choose the afternoon departure at. 3:30 PM, head to Valdemar's Castle, and have dinner at the castle's café. Combine with a walk in Troense for a perfect day on Tåsinge.
Photo enthusiasts: The morning shift provides the softest light and the fewest people on deck. The passages under the Svendborg Bridge and the arrival at Valdemar's Castle are the two strongest motifs.
Local history enthusiasts: Read about the ship's background on Wikipedia before the trip, and combine it with a visit to Svendborg Museum for full historical context.
Always remember:
- Book online well in advance, especially in July and August
- Bring a windbreaker regardless of the weather forecast
- Check the current schedule on Svendborg Harbour's website
- Bridge Rejsidanmark's day trip checklist to plan the whole day
Sources
Here are the most important places to check before you leave:
- Schedule for M/S Helge – Svendborg Harbour
- M/S Helge – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- High wave activity for 100 years: Legendary veteran ferry celebrates anniversary | TV 2 Fyn | Fynske news – local every day
- Web
Book your spot well in advance, especially if you are planning a trip in July or August. Seats are limited, and popular departures may be sold out online before departure.