Ballen’s beach and harbour are side by side; west of Ballen Havn, the Syltemade Å flows through grazed meadows and natural areas. Nearby, you’ll also find the Syltemade Valley, a marked section of the Øhavsstien and traces of cultural history. You can get to know Ballen through its coastal setting as well as its landscape and history.

Beach, harbour and river mouth

Ballen’s beach is next to the harbour. There is parking immediately behind the beach, at the harbour, on an open grassy area. Check the parking situation before your visit. Ballen Marina lies directly east of the mouth of the Syltemade Å. Ballen Åhavn, a well-preserved river harbour, is also located at this river mouth. The beach, harbour, marina and river harbour give you different points of reference for understanding the coastal and estuary area.

Syltemade Valley and coastal landscape

Near Ballen, the Syltemade Valley is a 20-metre-deep erosion valley formed by meltwater. West of Ballen Havn, the river runs through grazed meadows and natural areas. This means that both the open landscape by the water and the valley’s geological formation are notable features of the area around Ballen.

West of the mouth of the Syltemade Valley is a small coastal cliff made of grey and brown moraine clay. The protected coastal woodland of Præstens Skov is also west of the river mouth. The valley and the cliff represent different geological features: the valley was formed by meltwater erosion, while the coastal cliff consists of moraine clay. If you’re interested in geology, you can compare these two landforms.

Hiking in the Syltemade Valley and coastal woodland

Near Ballen, a marked 4.5-kilometre section of the Øhavsstien runs through the Syltemade Valley. The southern half of the valley is protected and can be reached on foot from a car park on the road Langegyde. These details provide two concrete points of reference for planning: the length of a marked section and access to the protected southern part of the valley.

The Øhavsstien also runs through Præstens Skov. So in the area, you’ll find both the valley section and a path through the protected coastal woodland; this does not imply that these details refer to a single route section. Trail conditions may vary seasonally. Check them before your hike.

Wreck diving at Ærøsund

Near Ballen Havn, divers use the wreck of the sunken ferry M/F Ærøsund as an artificial reef; wreck diving at Ærøsund is possible from the coast at Ballen. This is a different focus from a walk through the valley or woodland. If you’re planning this activity, check the local diving conditions.

Traces of history

Historically, Ballen served as a shipping point. The town was first mentioned in 1551 under the name “Skerningballe”. The cultural landscape of Ø. Skerninge and Ballen was created through land reforms at the end of the 18th century. The two dates refer to different developments: 1551 marks the first mention of the name, while the end of the 18th century marks the creation of the cultural landscape through land reforms.

Ballen offers several different interests for planning a trip: the beach and harbour, the landscape and geology of the Syltemade Valley, marked trails, a diving opportunity and traces of history. Choose your focus according to what you’d like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hesselager, Skårup Fyn, Svendborg, Vemmenæs, Vårø, Vindeby, Vejstrup, Lundby

For the main travel overview: Svendborg Municipality.