A guide to magical Ærø
Ærø is a gem in the South Fyn Archipelago with salty sea air, stunning nature and a unique sense of calm. Join us on a journey through 15 unique experiences across the island – from coast to cobblestone streets.
Marstal Søfartsmuseum
Embark on a journey through Danish maritime history – from 17th-century sailing ships to today’s maritime life – and gain deeper insight into the history of this old skipper town. Explore authentic ship environments, climb a mast, take the helm of a coaster, experience life aboard and let the kids run free on the good ship Martha. Ready for salty sea air and rolling waves? Then Marstal Maritime Museum is a must-visit.
photo:Robert Lacy
Eriks Hale
Discover Ærø’s iconic beach with its charming, colorful bathing huts lined up like pearls on a string. The narrow sandbar – Marstal’s ‘tail’ – connects two very different seas: The Little Sea, a shallow bay between the marina and the beach, and The Great Sea with the Baltic’s fresh waves and small lagoons offering exquisite views. Stroll past the colorful huts, feel the sea breeze and take a refreshing dip in the blue waves.
photo:Freja Kock Christlieb
Aggershøj Pensionat
Step into a historic sailors’ widow’s home from 1908, now housing the charming Aggershøj Guesthouse with a soul full of history. Here, Line and Carsten welcome you to a stay filled with indulgence, local ingredients and a homely atmosphere where the spirit of the past is felt immediately. In summer, the garden buzzes with life as Café Forhaven invites you to yoga and cold drinks served from the Chinese-inspired pavilion.
photo:Aggershøj Pensionat
Teglværkspladsen
At Thea’s place on Teglværkspladsen, on the outskirts of Marstal, you can sleep under the open sky in comfort. Here, luxurious glamping tents await, along with a wilderness hot tub, sauna, tipi and a covered kitchen with a pizza oven. Go paddleboarding on the lake, stargaze by the fire and enjoy the silence of nature. With views of the lake, sea and fields, the setting is perfect for relaxation and cozy moments close to nature.
photo:24Copenhagen
Ærø Bryggeri
Visit Ærø’s charming microbrewery in the idyllic village of Store Rise. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the cozy beer lounge or under the apple trees in the green garden. Get close to the brewery’s craftsmanship and taste unique beers, all inspired by the island’s maritime culture. On the bottles, you’ll find names like Færgeøl, Grolle Pilsner and Tangøl – adorned with signal flags and an elegant maritime design.
photo:Freja Kock Christlieb
Flea markets and roadside stalls
Along Ærø’s winding country roads, you’ll come across cozy flea markets and charming roadside stalls. Here, you can discover nostalgic treasures and taste local delicacies – all built on trust and the special South Fyn charm that makes Ærø truly unique.
photo:Freja Kock Christlieb
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
In the middle of the square in the heart of Ærøskøbing lies Den Gamle Købmandsgaard – a place filled with local delicacies, Ærø’s artisan crafts, organic butcher’s goods and plenty of authentic atmosphere. Here, you’ll find everything your heart desires. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the atmospheric, historic rooms or have lunch in the cozy courtyard, which is also home to Ærø Whisky’s malting and distillery.
photo:Freja Koch Christlieb
Hotel The Monica
Looking for luxury and unique experiences? On Brogade, you’ll find the small, exclusive boutique hotel The Monica – an elegant retreat in the heart of Ærøskøbing. The hotel offers three rooms, a private restaurant and Monica herself, both chef and host, who lavishes care on every detail and every guest. Adjacent to the hotel is Monica’s shop, featuring beautiful ceramics and exclusive clothing in exquisite materials.
photo:Hotel The Monica
Franz Brød
In the middle of Ærøskøbing’s cobblestone streets lies Franz Brød – a micro-bakery where Andreas works magic with sourdough, organic flour and a generous dose of love. Enjoy crisp sourdough loaves and airy rolls to delicious swirls and sticky buns – all baked with the island’s wild yeast and a passion for true craftsmanship. Drop by, soak up the atmosphere and taste Ærø’s proud baking traditions.
photo:Camilla Jørvad
The bathing huts in Ærøskøbing
Visit the iconic bathing huts at Vesterstrand. Along the coast, a string of well-kept little houses has for generations framed sunsets, cozy moments and classic island traditions. With more than 70 huts, they are among Ærø’s most beloved sights – a must-see when visiting the island.
photo:Freja Koch Christlieb
Voderup Klint
Do you love dramatic nature, geology and breathtaking views? On Ærø’s west coast lies Voderup Klint – an impressive natural area shaped by the last Ice Age over 11,000 years ago. Here you can hike along the cliff and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and abundant wildlife, or follow the steps down to the beach to search for the characteristic holed stones of Ærø’s western shores. The sunset here is nothing short of magical.
photo:Daniel Villadsen Photography
Ærø Soap Company
In the idyllic village of Bregninge, you’ll find Ærø Soap Company – a farm shop and active soap workshop. Here, organic soaps and bath products are crafted from natural ingredients, Ærø herbs and flowers from their own garden. Experience the process as the soap takes shape and stroll through the lush garden where John and Susanna gather herbs and flowers for their fragrant soaps and bath salts.
photo:Freja Kock Christlieb
Vitsø
Tie your hiking boots and explore scenic Vitsø in northern Ærø. The area is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with coastal meadows, ponds and a large lake featuring three bird islands. Vitsø is also the final resting spot in Denmark for many migratory birds before they continue south. The beautiful route around Vitsø is about five kilometers long – and if you’re up for more, you can easily take a detour to the stunning Søbygaard.
photo:Bjørg Kiær
Søbygaard
Just before Søby, you’ll find enchanting Søbygaard – Ærø’s last ducal manor. Here, experiences await for all ages along with fascinating insight into the island’s history from the Ice Age to today. The manor is beautifully situated, neighbored by a medieval moat and a bird reserve. Søbygaard hosts everything from classical concerts and harvest markets to literature festivals and exciting cultural events all year round.
photo:Daniel Villadsen Photography
Skjoldnæs Lighthouse
At the tip of Ærø’s northwest coast lies Skjoldnæs Lighthouse – one of the country’s most beautiful, still sending flashes across the sea at night. Surrounding the lighthouse is Ærø Golf Club’s seaside course, known as one of Europe’s most spectacularly located golf courses. From the top of the lighthouse, a magnificent view awaits, where the Baltic Sea, Little Belt and the South Fyn Archipelago merge into one panorama.
photo:Lasse Hjort