The Coastal Path on Ærø Island (30 km)

From Marstal to Vitsø along Ærø’s coast

The Coastal Path lets you experience Ærø from the coast. The approximately 30 km hiking route takes you from Marstal to the Vitsø nature area near Søby, following the coastline for much of the way.

From Marstal, the route takes you through the southern part of Ærø, where the landscape alternates between coast, open fields and small villages. Along the way, you’ll pass through several of the island’s nature areas and places that tell the story of Ærø and life by the sea.

One of the highlights of the walk is Voderup Klint. Here, you’ll find a striking coastal landscape with terraces sloping down towards the Baltic Sea. Further west, the route turns north before the Coastal Path ends at Vitsø, close to Søby.

You can walk the entire route or divide it into shorter sections. This gives you plenty of time for breaks and small detours along the way.

Top 5 experiences along the way

1. Start your walk in Marstal and explore the town’s maritime atmosphere.
2. See the small beach huts at Eriks Hale near Marstal.
3. Walk through the open meadow landscape at Gråsten Nor.
4. Experience the coastal landscape and views across the Baltic Sea at Voderup Klint.
5. Finish your walk at Vitsø, where wet meadows and ponds provide a rich habitat for birdlife.

One of Ærø’s waymarked walking routes

The Coastal Path is one of Ærø’s waymarked walking routes and is designed for walkers. Waymarking posts guide you through the landscape along the route.

The Coastal Path mainly follows Ærø’s southern coast and gives you the chance to discover the side of the island facing the Baltic Sea. Along the way, coastal stretches alternate with nature areas, small villages and open countryside.

Practical information about the route

The Coastal Path is approximately 30 km long and runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby. You can walk the entire route or divide it into shorter sections.

As much of the route follows the coast and passes through open countryside, there are only a few places to buy food and drinks along the way. It’s therefore a good idea to bring provisions and plenty of drinking water in your rucksack.

You’ll find restaurants, shops and most accommodation further inland and in the larger towns. There are also shelters and simple campsites along the route.

If you prefer to stay in one place and walk the Coastal Path in shorter sections, you can use Ærø’s free bus service. Bear in mind that the bus mainly runs along the main road and does not follow the walking route itself.

Map and GPX

Follow the Coastal Path waymarking posts along the route. A digital map and GPX file are useful additions to the waymarking and make it easier to keep track of the route from Marstal to Vitsø.