The Baltic Sea Cycle Route Stage 1: Søby - Ærøskøbing
Embark on an 18 km cycling adventure along Ærø’s stretch of the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. Ride from maritime Søby with its lively harbour and sea-view golf courses to fairytale Ærøskøbing with beach huts and cobbled streets.
Do you prefer digital navigation?
Open the route in the cycle node planner, where you can view the map in full screen, zoom in on details, and download the route as a GPX file for your bike computer, GPS, or navigation app.
If you prefer navigating without digital aids, the route is signposted all the way, making it easy to find your way.
About the national route
The Baltic Sea Cycle Route (National Route 8) is Denmark’s longest national cycle route, stretching over 820 km. Along the way, you’ll discover some of Southern Denmark’s most scenic landscapes, cosy coastal towns, and unique experiences all year round.
Even outside the peak season, the route has a special charm. Here, you can get close to local life and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature in spring, autumn, and winter.
Experiences on the route
Ærø is a true gem in the South Funen Archipelago. Join a journey through 15 unique experiences across the island – from coast to market town.
Whether you're into history, art, culture, stunning nature, or gastronomy—you’ll find it all on Ærø. We’ve gathered five experiences you simply can’t miss.
Ærø’s food scene is ambitious and experimental, always rooted in local ingredients. Here, you’ll find everything from classic Danish dishes to international cuisine.
From maritime Søby to fairytale Ærøskøbing
From Søby, the route begins at the harbour, home to Ellen – Denmark’s most advanced electric ferry. From here, it passes the idyllic Søbygaard manor and continues through the cosy and authentic village of Skovby.
Next come the “Ærø Alps”, where even experienced cyclists can get their heart rate up. The effort is well rewarded, however—with much of the route offering breathtaking views of the South Funen Archipelago when it’s time for a break.
Near Ærøskøbing, the route follows the coast along Borgnæs Bay. In this fairytale market town, you can explore cobbled streets, charming houses, and the iconic beach huts at Vesterstrand.
Taste experiences on Ærø
Let your taste buds run free at Ærø’s farm shops, microbreweries, and passionate food entrepreneurs. At Den Gamle Købmandsgaard in Ærøskøbing, you’ll find a cosy shop and café where you can enjoy local specialties or a delicious lunch in the charming courtyard. You can also visit the former washhouse, now home to the micro-distillery Ærø Whisky.
Nature on Ærø
Nature is one of Ærø’s greatest attractions. Here, the gentle shorelines of the South Funen Archipelago meet the more rugged and dramatic coasts of the Baltic Sea.
Cycling is an ideal way to experience the island’s unique landscapes. Visit Vitsø, with its salt marshes, ponds, and rich birdlife, or explore Voderup Klint, where unique geology has created a dramatic landscape of massive earth formations cascading like giant steps.
At Ærø’s northern tip, Skjoldnæs Lighthouse rises above the sea. Surrounding it lies one of Europe’s most beautifully situated seaside golf courses. If you enjoy angling, Ærø is also an excellent choice – the island is known for its outstanding sea trout fishing, attracting anglers year-round.
