Middelfart Gl. Havn (Old Harbour)

Gl. Havn in Middelfart has been designated as Denmark’s first cultural harbor by the Danish National Trust for Maritime Heritage. As a cultural harbor, Gl. Havn plays a central role in preserving Denmark’s maritime heritage. The harbor’s unique combination of historic ships, heritage buildings, and active maritime businesses creates a vibrant and authentic environment that tells the story of the past sea routes.

A cultural harbor like Gl. Havn is characterized by offering historic ships space and facilities for maintenance, while also allowing maritime businesses to thrive. The harbor protects and preserves traditional maritime elements such as mast cranes and slipways, making it a place where both the city’s history and the sailing heritage coexist with the city’s development.

As part of the Danish Wooden Boat Association’s free harbor program, historic ships can visit Gl. Havn and stay here without charge. The harbor is thus a permanent home for historic vessels, contributing to its authentic maritime atmosphere. Gl. Havn is marketed as an integral part of Middelfart’s cultural identity, where the city’s maritime DNA is clearly reflected.

Gl. Havn is not just a place for storing ships but a living cultural environment where the past and present meet, and where maritime heritage is incorporated into future urban and harbor development plans. This ensures that Middelfart’s maritime traditions are preserved for future generations.

Facts: Berths: Approx. 60. Depth: 3/6 Metres. Please note: The water depth is three Metres inside the harbour basin and 6 Metres on the outside of the pier and along the promenade. Access to electricity, freshwater, toilet/shower. Diesel: 500 Metres.

The Old Harbour consists of the harbour basin of the former commercial harbour. Here you find traditional harbour ambience combined with nice facilities. We offer toilet and bathing facilities as well as 230V and fresh water. Electricity and water must be paid for. The tokens for the pumps can be bought at a vending machine at the service building. Middelfart town centre with its narrow streets and small squares is located a stone's throw from the harbour. You can go shopping or go sightseeing in the town and it's museums. Middelfart also has a wide variety of restaurants with food for every taste and pocket.

During the summer there are always plenty of activities at the harbour. The harbour is visited by old vessels once a year, and the local Jazz Festival takes place here in August. The old boatyard just west of the harbour is a working museum, where you can get some good advice and a chat about ship construction and repair.

Gammel Havn was built in 1837 in connection with the ferries to Jutland and is today the starting point for Whale Watching tours and minicruises on the Little Belt with Aventura, Medicus, Marianne and Mira3 - Queen of the Little Belt.