The Baltic Sea Cycle Route Stage 1: Sønderborg - Ærø - Svendborg

Starting in Sønderborg on Stage 1 of the route, you cycle towards Høruphav, through the Sønderskov forest. Here, you ride through several quaint countryside villages on Als before arriving at the ferry in Fynshav. This is the ferry to Bøjden, on Fyn and to Søby, on Ærø.

Jump on the Ærø ferry and set course for Søby. After an hour on board, you arrive in the town of Søby, which has a lovely, child-friendly beach. Should you fancy riding a few extra kilometres, the impressive Skjoldnæs Lighthouse and the beautiful Ærø Golf Course, are both close to the Route.

The Baltic Sea Cycle Route stretches from Søby to Ærøskøbing and is nearly 18 km long. You will ride through the beautiful Danish countryside, passing the old manor house of Søbygaard and the cosy little town of Skovby. Here, you will also find yourself on ‘Ærø’s Alps’ where even experienced cyclists are put to the test. Your reward is the view!

For most of the journey, you are accompanied by a spectacular view over the archipelago towards Fyn. On the route near Ærøskøbing, you ride along the beautiful Borgnæs Bugt (Borgnæs Bay). Once you reach Ærøskøbing, you can venture through the cobbled streets on a little journey of discovery. From Ærøskøbing you have another ferry journey, which this time takes you to Svendborg on Fyn.

It is also possible to start Stage 1 in Svendborg, sail from here to Ærøskøbing and follow the Baltic Sea Cycle Route to Søby and Sønderbog, eventually picking up Stage 14 of the route here.

Taste experiences on Ærø

Unleash the senses of taste at the Faroese farm shops, microbreweries and gastronomic entrepreneurs. Den Gamle Købmandsgaard in Ærøskøbing is a cozy shop and café with delicious, local products, where you can also enjoy a lunch. Remember to look into the former washhouse. This is where the micro-distillery Ærø Whisky is housed.

Many Danes love a small, square, brightly colored confectionery with licorice in the middle, called licorice confectionery. At Hattesens Konfektfabrik it has been reinvented in a special quality version.

Nature on Ærø

Nature is Ærø's main attraction with the combination of gentle shorelines towards the South Funen Archipelago and the more wild, rugged coasts towards the Baltic Sea. A hike on Ærø is obvious. Visit Vitsø, where there are salt marshes, ponds and lots of bird life. Or explore Voderup Klint, where the geology is very special and large blocks of landscape have slipped down like giant steps.

On the northern tip of Ærø stands Skjoldnæs Lighthouse. The lighthouse can be seen all the way to Kiel in Germany and was built as a greeting to lost friends and family after the Danish defeat in 1864. Around the lighthouse is one of Europe's most beautifully located seaside golf courses. By the way, angling on Ærø is world-class! You are almost guaranteed sea trout catch all year round.

Download the map Stage 1 >