ÆRØXPRESSEN
Welcome to Ærø
Ærø is a vibrant Island located in the South Funen Archipelago. It is a place where time stands still and flies by, where you are able to breathe fresh sea air in and lower your shoulders. The maritime authenticity of the Island makes you want to go exploring.
Here you will find everything from gourmet restaurants to hot dogs, Cycling- and hiking routes in the breathtaking nature, beautiful sandy beaches and a wide range of shops. Whether you prefer to sleep in a shelter by the sea; in a comfy hotel bed – or something in between, you will find it on Ærø. Read more and get inspired on www.visitaeroe.com
Marstal, Ærøskøbing and Søby are very different but all authentic and evocative.
EXPERIENCE ÆRØ
Tours on Ærø
Ærø on foot, by bike or by free bus
How you would like to experience Ærø is completely up to you. Whether you choose to bike, hike or go with the bus there is no place like Ærø.
On bike you can follow the official routes 91 and 92 or the national route 8 but all small roads are bike-friendly and will lead you past the most beautiful places on Ærø with views over the Baltic Sea and the South Funen Archipelago.
On foot you can hike the famous Archipelago Trail which begins in Søby on Ærø and ends in Falsled on Funen, 220 km beautiful nature. You can also hike the Seaside Trail which is marked with marking alleys. If you prefer to enjoy the changing landscapes of Ærø by bus then just leave your money at home. On Ærø the buses are free so there is no excuse not to experience the cozy villages and small road stalls around the Island. We will guarantee beautiful nature, coastlines, open landscape and winding paths whether you are exploring the Island on foot, bike or by bus. Find more inspiration on the Hiking & Cycling:
Voderup Klint
”It’s like standing on the steps of a giant amphitheater where the sea is the arena”.
This is how Achton Friis describes Voderup Klint in “The Danish Islands” from 1921.
Voderup Klint is one of the greatest nature experiences on Ærø with its special geology that looks like giant steps.
The cliff is 33 meters tall and 3.5 km’s long and is the home of rare species such as Carabus auratus which is only to be found in Denmark on this specific spot.
See where you can find Voderup Klint
Skjoldnæs Lighthouse
Skjoldnæs Lighthouse is built in 1881 in granite from Bornholm, it is 22 meters tall and is placed nearly 32 meter above the sea. Right next to the beautiful lighthouse is the old lighthouse keeper’s residence which today is the home of Ærø Golf Club. On the opposite side of the lighthouse is a dent called The Queen’s Cave. Legend has it that the son of King Ure and the King of Lyø's daughter were married, but when the newlyweds sailed from Ærø, they ran into a heavy autumn storm. In the storm, the ship sank and the young couple drowned. The Queen's body washed up at Skjoldnæs, where she was buried and hence the name The Queen's Cave.
Ærø Brewery
Most of the larger Danish Islands have their own brewery and Ærø is no exception. Ærø Brewery, formerly Rise Brewery, has a wide variety of beer with e.g. Hertug Hans, Seaweed, Easter Ale and Grolle as well as several organic variants.
Try a beer tasting on the brewery or eat a lovely lunch in the café during summertime.
Sankt Albert Fortress and Church
When you visit Sankt Albert it is not difficult to imagine robbers approaching by sea while the locals guard their island.
The discovery of skeletons with split sculls and missing arms and legs indicates that outsiders have tried to take over the fortress on their raids, but as described in an article from Fyns Amts Avis, the strangers never managed to invade. “There is no trace of fire which would be the first sign of warfare from enemies. The locals was undefeated.”
Close to Sankt Albert is Havmarken where a large Viking settlement was found, a stop between Hedeby and the Baltic countries.
Marstal Maritime Museum
”A maritime experience in maritime surroundings” is what you can expect when visiting Marstal Maritime Museum. Everyone should treat themselves with a visit in this exceptional museum if they love history, maritime traditions or exploring.
The museum will take you through Danish maritime history from the 17th century till today and our own ferry is even to be found in the museum. In addition to the model of ÆrøXpressen we also love all the brought home cases from the 7 seas.
Look up opening hours and other information here
Søbygaard
Søbygaard was built around 1580 as a hunting lodge by Duke Hans the Younger. The manor is one of the smallest of its kind in Denmark but the place still offers an exciting history and of course also has its own “White Lady”.
The concert hall is decorated with church mosaics by the artist Sven Havsteen-Mikkelsen. The Søbygaard concerts and Ærø Festspil are annual events on Søbygaard.
You can bring family or friends to Søbygaard to do various Kiss the Frog-activities based on the nature and cultural heritage of Ærø.
The Beach Houses on Ærø
Ærø has 90 unique beach houses, 19 at Eriks Hale in Marstal and 71 at Vesterstrand in Ærøskøbing.
Most of them is dated after 1920 and was built to prevent curious glances when changing from clothes to swimsuit. But the beach houses eventually became a place for Sunday lunch or coffee by the beach.
The beach houses are not summer houses and can therefore not be used for accommodation but you can still enjoy the Danish summer nights in the houses as long as it does not involve sleeping. Learn more about the history of the beach houses...
Read the Ærø Guide 2023
Get inspiration for your stay on Ærø. In The Ærø Guide you will find everything you need to know when you visit Ærø.
From accommodations and restaurants to attractions and beautiful Hiking and Cycling routes
Read Ugeavisen Ærø
See current events on Ærø and read the many positive stories from the Island.
