1882

Aafart is established 

Odense Aafart was established in 1882, but to understand why we sail up the river, we need to go back a few decades. It was already in 1828 that it had become very fashionable for the upper middle class to go on picnics or to forest balls out in Fruens Bøge. However, only the noble bourgeoisie were allowed to attend these events. Women in service, coachmen, waiters and glassworks workers had to stay at home.

At this time, the easiest way to get from Munke Mose to Fruens Bøge was by boat. Odense Aafart was therefore established in 1882 to meet the demand. It was soon realised that rowing up the river was hard and tiring, so in 1883 the first steamboat ‘Kvik’ was introduced. This was followed by the ‘Pilen’ in 1886. There was also ‘Odin’, ‘Skt. Alban’ and finally ‘Benedict’ in 1890.

1899

Things were going well here

During these years, Odense Aafart was doing very well. In 1899, 150,000 passengers travelled on Aafarten's steamships. There was also a good turnover. At that time, it cost 15 øre for adults and 10 øre for children to sail with Aafarten from Munke Mose to Fruens Bøge. To return home, it cost 25 øre for adults and 15 øre for children.

1930’erne 

 The revival of Odense Aafart

However, no one had given up on Aafarten completely. In the interwar period, especially in the 1930s, Odense Municipality made many attempts to revive people's interest in sailing up and down the river. They did this by, among other things, establishing new restaurants in Fruens Bøge. These included Restaurant Skoven and Carlslund, which had long been popular eateries. Of these eateries, Carlslund is the only one that still exists in its original location. The revival was a success, and Odense Aafart began sailing again, albeit with fewer passengers than before.

1940-1945

The war also affects Aafarten

World War II was another tough period for Aafarten. Just like during the First World War, resources were in short supply and not as many people were in a festive mood. During this period, Odense Aafarten had to temporarily stop travelling on the river.

1973

From Aafart to Åfart

Odense Aafart has had a few different owners. Among them is Knud Laursen, who in 1973 informed Odense Municipality that he was interested in buying Aafart from the previous owner. Knud Laursen had stood in his hot dog stand for a few years and observed the sailing, and believed that he would be able to make it all work. With Knud Laursen's purchase, Aafarten changed its name to Åfarten. The purchase also included the motorboat ‘Benedikt’, 12 rowing boats and an ice cream parlour. In the spring of 1974, Knud Laursen was ready to sail on the river again.

2009

New owners

It was soon time for a generational change - quite literally. In 2009, Knud Laursen's daughter Trine Laursen and son-in-law Morten Skytte took over Odense Aafarten. They continued to offer new events and wonderful sailing trips to Odense residents and tourists.

2017

Morten takes over 

Not long after, Aafarten had to change management again. However, this was not a dramatic upheaval. In 2017, Morten Skytte took over as director of Odense Aafart.

2020  

Corona fighter of the year 

In spring 2020, Odense Aafart, like the rest of the country, will be affected by Covid-19 lockdowns, and the season on the boats will start two months later than usual. This caused many headaches for the small seasonal business, but the challenges are being turned into opportunities. A wide range of initiatives are launched, including support posters, pedal boat events, children's treasure hunts and community singing from a garden on Langelinje. As a result, Aafarten makes it through a very challenging year and is recognised for its diligence and ingenuity when it is named ‘Corona Fighter of the Year’ in Best of Odense in 2020. Best of Odense.

2022 

140th anniversary and annual pass

In 2022, Odense Aafart celebrated another milestone: its 140th anniversary. Despite the great success, Aafarten has no plans to slow down. On the contrary, 2022 has seen the development of a number of innovative and exciting concepts, including the launch of the long-awaited annual pass and an app focusing on teambuilding and thrills all year round.