The Archipelago Trail: 5 km - Siø - Rudkøbing
The route over Siø takes you over two bridges and along the coast of one the islands most rich in bird life in the South Funen Archipelago. Enjoy the view over the Archipelago from the Langelands Bridge.
One island, one farm and one school
Siø is a small flat island covering just 125 hectares. Originally, there were several islands here:
Skovø, Sidø and Store and Lille Fugleholm. The undrained islands were used for summer grazing for animals from Langeland.
In 1861, the islands were reclaimed to create arable land, and this marked the beginning of one contiguous island, Siø. A total of seven kilometres of dykes and several pumps now keep Siø dry. Today, the island is primarily characterised by seed production and pig farming. In the middle of the island is a family farm, whose current family has owned the island since 1922. The houses around the island were originally staff accommodation for the farm workers, and just behind the farm itself is the island's school building, where one teacher taught the island's seven or eight children.
Until around 1950, there was a school on Siø.
The bridges offer beautiful views of the archipelago
On your way to and from Siø, you will cross two bridges - Siøsundbroen and Langelandsbroen.
Siøsund Bridge is 558 metres long and connects Siø with Tåsinge. There is a dam at both ends of the bridge, and it is 1,400 metres long in total. It opened in 1959 and is a low beam bridge. The bridge is so low that only small vessels can sail under it.
With its characteristic arches, the Langeland Bridge can be seen from several places along the Archipelago Trail – even from Marstal. The bridge was inaugurated in 1962 and is 774 metres long. It is a combination of a beam bridge and an arch bridge. The clearance height under the arch is 26 metres, so there is a great view from the top!
Siø is one of the most bird-rich islands in the South Funen Archipelago.
A wide variety of coastal birds breed along the coast. In autumn and winter, thousands of brent geese, barnacle geese, greylag geese and swans rest here.
In the south-east of the island, there is a partially flooded area where many wading birds can be seen.
NB During the breeding season from 1 March to 15 July, the Archipelago Trail along the coast is closed to traffic and you must walk on the path along the main road. (see the red line on the map in the photos)
Practical information
Accommodation
In Rudkøbing, you will find hotels, B&Bs, campsites and hostels.
Shopping:
Rudkøbing
Places to eat: Rudkøbing