Bjørnø

Bjørnø is situated in the South Funen Archipelago, 3,5 km. south of Faaborg, whence it can be reached by a small, brand new ferry. The island measures but 150 HA, so it is possible to walk all around the coast within two hours. The walk offers flat beach meadows with a rich bird-life, and tall cliffs with astounding views of Funen and the other neighbours in the archipelago. There are hedges, stiles and beautiful old half-timbered farm houses in the small village.  The water around Bjørnø attracts fishermen as well as bathers. There is no actual harbour on the island, but a pier with 10 mooring booths. In the evening, the locals meet for the traditional "pier-coffee"; while watching the sunset and the lights in Faaborg they discuss the events of the day. Anyone bringing a tent along is allowed to camp at the nearby camping-ground, but also rooms or holiday-apartments can be rented.

Toads' Paradise.
Bjørnø's is a very undulating landscape, the highest point of which is 24 meters above sea level. A great many species of ducks and waterfowl breed in the beach meadows and in the bog in the middle of the island. This island is the protected home of the rare green-spotted toad, the beach toad, and the common garden toad.

Powder and shot
In the middle of the 1700s, the Bjørnø residents frequently fell out with the authorities, who - probably justifiably - suspected the islanders of smuggling. Whenever costums officials attempted landing on the island with an intent to investigate, they were harassed and discouraged so badly that they were forced to give up the proposition.  The cunning costums officials, however, returned one fine day, when they knew that all the men were away from the island. They had not forgotten the unkind treatment they received during their first landing attempt, and by way of revenge, they were exceptionally harsh in their treatment of the abandoned women and children. The Bjørnø dwellers were so outraged by this, that they reported the incident, and the costums officials were fined 50 dalers to the islanders, and an additional 5 dalers to the State Treasury. Ever since, the authorities have treated the Bjørnø dwellers with respect.
During the English Wars in the beginning of the 1800s the Bjørnø dwellers witnessed a small-scale naval battle. Two English brigs had run aground, and Faaborg's small canon boat immediately attacked the sitting ducks. Very soon, however, it had to return to base for replenishment of ammunition, and on its return, the English were gone. The ingenious Bjørnø islanders collected the shot that had lodged in the cliffs - they were handy to grind mustard seeds with!
Ever since, however, Bjørnø has been a very peaceful island, also during the WW II German occupation, when several notorious freedom fighters took shelter here. They were quite safe here, as the Germans didn't even know of the island's existence.
The islanders are very fond of organisations: The island sports an evening school, gun-club, hunting-club, residents' association, boat league, and, as the latest initiative: A ferry company. Rather well done for an island with 36 residents, who also take the time to pamper visitors from all over the World.