Elongated along the Danish coast, Ærø is a Baltic Sea island that forms part of the Southern Denmark Region. It’s home to three small towns that are clustered with colourful houses and museums and features a coastal route that forms part of South Funen’s long-distance Archipelago Trail.
Things to do in Ærø
Delve into the island’s seafaring past at the Marstal Maritime Museum, which occupies five buildings near the town’s harbour. Its collection includes more than 200 model ships, maritime paintings and navigation gear dating from the 17th century to the modern day. After your visit, stroll around Eriksen’s Boatyard, which has been the site of wooden shipbuilding for centuries.
If you want to explore the island on foot, follow the 36-kilometre-long section of the Archipelago Trail that hugs the coast of Ærø. It takes in scenic countryside, historic monuments and winding roads on its way from Marstal Harbour to the dam at Gråsten Nor before ending in the picturesque village of Søby.
Golfers can test their skills on one of Denmark’s most beautiful golf courses, which occupies a stunning setting at the base of Skjoldnæs Lighthouse. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the Ærø Golf Klub features 18 holes that offer spectacular views of the sailing ships cruising through the South Funen Archipelago. At the end of your round, you can mingle with the locals in the charming clubhouse, which occupies the old lighthouse keeper’s residence.
Getting around Ærø
Ærø is connected by regular ferries to the Danish islands of Als and Funen while flights from Copenhagen’s Roskilde Airport land at Ærø Airport. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the island and free buses travel between its towns and villages. Bicycle rental shops are available in Ærøskøbing, Marstal and Søby.