Some while ago, I have visited the island of Langeland, which you can read about here. Another Island nearby is Ærø. I explored this beautiful island, which measures 20 km from northwest to southeast and varies in width from around 4 to 8 km. There are three small towns on the island; the largest is Marstal with a population of 2111. The other two towns have 942 and 438 inhabitants. So it is pretty peaceful! The island is easy to reach by Ferry from Svendborg to Ærøskøbing. A very scenic boat trip, but do not forget to make a reservation at least one hour before departure. To arrive in a beautiful little paradise!
arriving in Ærø
When you arrive at Ærøskøbing, you will notice the beach houses at Vesterstrand straight away. They are situated in two places on Ærø: at Erikshale near the village of Marstal and at Vesterstrand in the village of Ærøskøbing. Both villages have a thriving business community with many restaurants. Ærøskøbing is a fairytale town with its narrow lanes, cobbled streets and picturesque, 18th-century houses. The village was historically Ærø’s chief town and remains the primary port for ferry connections. Marstal is the home of many sailors and captains, is nowadays the largest town and the commercial and shopping centre.
The beach houses are beautiful, they all have their own design and are well maintained down to the finest detail.
Time stands still at the Vesterstrand, everything is as it has been for the last 100 years.
The nature of Ærø
The countryside is fort he most part gently undulating and there is a several-kilometre-long stretch of 33-metre-high cliffs at Voderup Clint, at the west coast. Because of the low traffic density, the island is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, while the beaches attract artists, anglers and swimmers.
Passing through pastoral landscapes with magnificent landscape sceneries, as you drive from one side to the other side of the island.
quiet beaches
Ærø may be a small island, but for nature lovers, there is so much to do and see here. There are several quiet beaches with clear waters, which are perfect for children, because of the calm waters. This is truly a perfect place to just relax for a few days.
As the dark sky is approaching, the scene gets more tranquil. Silence is heard everywhere...
Hiking on the island
If you get enough of the waters, you can make your way among the island’s many hiking trails to keep yourself entertained for days! There is a beautiful hike around the Vitso lake, that is about 5 km long. Or take the seaside trail outside Marstal, where it starts at the Archipelago Trail and runs for 30 km along the southern part of Ærø, and ends at Vitsø. The seaside trail can be divided into smaller parts, by spending the night in a tent or bed & breakfast. This way, you can enjoy several days of walking through the beautiful nature of Ærø.
Ærø is like a fairytale island, not only in its historical villages, but also in nature.
Voderup Klint
Not to miss is the impressive moraine cliffs Klint in Voderup. It is a natural reserve with meters high cliffs leading down to a beach and easily accessible via a staircase. It is a sight you will never forget, with the sheer scale of things, blowing your mind! The cliffs are 33 meters high, and because the cliff faces south and is on the southernmost area of Denmark, it is warmer than a lot of other parts of Denmark and harbours a lot of animal and plant life. Other beaches that definitely are worth a visit, are Vesterstrand, Erikshale of Soby beach. If swimming or sunbathing is not your thing, you can always try your luck fishing. You do need a fishing license for this, though. You can get it at the Tourist Office in Ærøskøbing.
The cliff was classified as a special/unique landscape in 1991, and is now a geological-protected area
Manor House Søbygård
Don’t miss the beautifully restored Manor House at Søbygård. Also known as the island’s ‘castle’, There is a lot to do and see here. For example, the museum, where you can see how the people in Denmark used to live a long time ago. It holds collections from the market town, maritime and agricultural environments. Next to Søbygaard you can walk to the preserved castles from the Middle Ages and enjoy a beautiful panorama view up to the island’s north end and over the belt to Als and Fyn. It is great fun for children too!
The manor Søbygaard was built by Duke Hans the Younger around 1580.
Eriks hale beach houses
Just south of Marstal lies Eriks Hale, Ærø's most famous beach, with idyllic beach houses and beautiful, fine sand. An enchanting place where your heart rate drops and your smile appears. They are not just beach houses though. It is a gathering place for families, traditions and good times. The beach houses are the same as they have been for the last 100 years, which means no electricity or running water. This allows you to get back in touch with nature. No laptops, no cellphones, no interference. Just a day at the beach, where you can take a dip in the calm waters, and watch your children play in the sand or in the water. Nothing beats a day of just relaxing.
Everything shall stay as it was - only moderate improvements are allowed.
The beach houses are well-maintained, painted in the happiest colors.
The beach houses are for rent! You can rent one of these houses for a weekend, or a week and enjoy all that Ærø has to to offer.
An island to relax
Ærø is made for relaxing, hiking, getting back to nature and.. swimming! Because of the calm waters in the bay at one side of the island and the waves of the sea at the other side, there is always a place to swim, surf or snorkel that will be to your liking. All over the island, you will find jetties with steps leading down to the waters, inviting you for a swim.
The calm waters of the bay is ready for a dip.
After spending an afternoon in the water, enjoy the ‘don’t finish today, what you can leave for tomorrow’ mentality of the friendly folk of Ærø. Just enjoy today, the moment you are in, the people you’re with, and just know, Ærø will be here waiting for you, the same as it was 100 years ago...
I would like to thank Visit Fyn for the many wonderful recommendations on the island of
Ærø and of course, VisitDenmark for making this trip possible. Check out their websites to find lots of travel inspiration!
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