Ærø Municipality: Cliffs, Coastal Paths and Island History

Ærø Municipality offers a range of starting points for a trip: striking coastal landscapes, hiking trails and museums exploring the island’s history. The sights and routes each give your stay a different focus.

Cliffs, Lighthouse and Geopark

Voderup Klint is a natural attraction on Ærø, stretching about three kilometres and rising 25 to 33 metres high. At this landslide cliff, three large, terrace-like steps shape the landscape; an area about two kilometres long has slipped towards the coast. It offers points of interest for visitors interested in geology, as well as for those seeking viewpoints, sunsets and experiences in nature.

Another distinctive landmark is Skjoldnæs Fyr. The lighthouse was built from Bornholm granite in 1881, is 22 metres high and stands 32 metres above sea level. It is open around the clock for a small admission fee. Check current access and admission information before your visit.

Ærø, together with Svendborg, Faaborg and Langeland, forms the Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. In April 2024, it was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Søbygaard Geopark Visitor Centre shares knowledge about Ærø’s distinctive nature and culture and is free to enter.

Island History in Houses and Museums

In Ærøskøbing, Hammerichs Hus brings together architectural and collection history. The house was built in 1803 and became one of Ærøskøbing’s first holiday homes. More than 2,500 objects are still in the places Gunnar Hammerich intended for them. Since 1990, Hammerichs Hus has been part of the Ærø Museum. The museum itself is housed in a former bailiff’s residence in Ærøskøbing, dating from 1775.

The island history presented by the Ærø Museum spans the period when Ærø was part of the Duchy of Schleswig, before the defeat at Dybbøl in 1864, through to today’s wedding tourism. Children aged four to eight and their adult companions can enjoy a free cat treasure hunt with the house cat Storm; programme details may change.

In Marstal, the Søfartsmuseum focuses on the town’s maritime development, from the golden age of sailing ships to the era of steamships and motor ships. Exhibits include ship models, ships in bottles, maritime paintings and objects that sailors brought home from far-flung places. Children can enjoy activities and challenges, as well as the play ship Martha. Since 1943, Ærøskøbing’s former poorhouse has housed the collection of the Flaskeskibsmuseet, featuring ships in bottles and ship models. Its context also includes the work of Flaske-Peter, who built more than 1,700 ships in bottles, 50 large model ships and about 70 cigar boxes.

Søbygaard also brings history together with things to see and do today. The historic ducal estate is connected with Ærø’s former ties to the Duchy of Schleswig, which lasted until 1867. Beside the estate are a medieval castle mound and a bird area. Søbygaard is a seasonally open visitor centre with exhibitions, children’s activities by the moat, classical concerts and guided tours. It is open from May until the autumn holidays; exact dates may change.

Hiking and Trip Planning

Several different routes are worth considering for hiking. The Øhavsstien is 220 kilometres long in total; its section on Ærø covers 36 kilometres. There, the trail is a footpath reserved for hikers, marked with posts and blue pictograms. By contrast, the Ø-CAMINO Ærø is a 64-kilometre circular hiking trail around Ærø. These distances provide a practical guide when choosing a route, without specifying how long the walk will take.

The Kyststien runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby and follows the coast for most of the way. Its endpoints and coastal route distinguish it from the information given for the other two hiking trails. The route that suits your plans depends on which trail you want to take and how much distance you plan to cover.

You can also factor travel to the island into your plans: ferries to Ærø run from Svendborg, Faaborg, Rudkøbing and Fynshav. Buses on Ærø are free around the clock, 365 days a year. As ferry connections and timetables may change, check current departure times before travelling. This lets you combine your hotel search with the experiences you want to prioritise during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Marstal, Dunkær, Bro, Skovby, Ærøskøbing, Søby Ærø, Kragnæs, Nordfyns.

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