Located on the banks of the Little Belt strait, Middelfart is a historically and culturally important destination in Denmark and Europe.
Chosen as the 2022 European Destination of Excellence, this award is a public acknowledgment to Middelfart’s efforts towards sustainable tourism and green transition. Despite its small size and population, Middelfart offers world-class sustainable tourism experiences, from hotels with certified climate friendly accommodation to nature tourism and cultural events – aimed at creating environmental awareness.
The city offers its visitors several options for ecotourism thanks to its proximity to the Little Belt Nature Park, the biggest marine nature park in Denmark and home to the world’s densest population of porpoises (small whales).
Visitors can enjoy activities such as whale safaris, cycling and hiking through the nature park’s varied landscape and along the 117km of coastline. While delivering a unique tourism experience, Middelfart is also integrating sustainable thinking into its decisions, in particular with the “Belt in Balance” initiative, in an attempt to boost tourism while fostering awareness of marine and coastal ecosystems.
People that love heights will find in the Old Little Belt Bridge a noteworthy attraction, for tours 65 meters off the ground, with spectacular and unimpeded views of the sea, forest, and the town.
There is more than just nature to inspire visitors to Middelfart. Depending on the time of the year, visitors can make marry at several cultural events and festivals organised in the city. The audience can enjoy big band music and swinging jazz rhythms at the Middelfart Jazz Festival from August 4th to August 6th, 2022, followed shortly afterwards by the Nordic Yoga Festival on August 14th, 2022.
As part of the Climate Lab – Next Generation concept, the city is to host the national People’s Climate Meeting (Klimafolkemødet), an annual event that puts climate at the top of the agenda for three days in early September. Interviews, music, and speeches will be transmitted into space via satellite to use art as a unifying force for climate change.
Middelfart representatives have been guest speakers at the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, the podcast series about smart tourism and the future of the tourism industry in Europe, sharing their experience as a sustainability pioneer.
Along with the 2022 European Capitals of Smart Tourism València and Bordeaux, Middelfart is defining the future of tourism in Europe by being more accessible, digital, sustainable, and creative. Be sure to check this Danish destination out when looking for your next escape and use the opportunity to see the future.
