Marstal: Maritime History, Harbor and Coastal Trails

Marstal combines a maritime history that is still visible today with paths by the sea, forest and coast. Anyone planning a stay will find a range of things to explore while here: the town’s maritime character, sights around the harbor and church, and trails and bathing spots in the surrounding area.

Harbor and maritime history

Marstal’s maritime history is visible and tangible throughout the town and along the harbor. The town plan, too, is oriented towards the sea: the streets and paths known as Snorrer lead from the main street to the harbor and the sea. The connection between the town and the coast therefore shapes not only individual sights, but also the wayfinding in Marstal.

The harbor is protected by a one-kilometer-long stone breakwater. Sailors built it voluntarily, beginning in 1825 and continuing over several decades. At Eriksens Plads, a partly ribbed schooner structure in the form of a sculpture recalls the extensive shipbuilding activity that shaped Marstal. Eriksens Plads is also considered one of the birthplaces of wooden shipbuilding.

Marstal Marina is the largest on Ærø and is within easy walking distance of the town center and Eriks Hale. Its facilities include a playground, barbecue huts, and toilet and bathing facilities. The maritime playground has two large maritime play areas. At the floating dock, children and adults can catch crabs with a net.

Church and maritime collections

Marstal Church was built in 1738. Its seven ship models bear witness to the development of seafaring from the 18th to the 20th century and to the town’s connection with the sea. The church also has a carillon with 48 bells. Together, these details offer insight into Marstal’s long maritime heritage.

Marstal Motorfabrik was founded in 1934. Motorsamlingen is open in 2026 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; check opening hours before your trip. A local guide takes visitors through the exhibitions at Marstal Søfartsmuseum free of charge during the season. As the tours are seasonal, it is advisable to check the current schedule before your trip.

Trails, forest and bathing huts

The route from Marstal to Ærøskøbing starts at the harbor and runs along the edge of Marstal. It offers views along Strandvejen. Walking trails on the Øhavsstien run through Toftegårdsskoven, with views across grain fields. As an island-wide option, the Kyststien is a 30-kilometer walking route on Ærø.

Egehovedskoven is on the outskirts of Marstal, by the beach at Eriks Hale. The sandy spit of Eriks Hale lies outside the town; its colorful bathing huts are considered a timeless part of Ærø’s cultural heritage. On the side of Eriks Hale known as Det Lille Hav, you can swim in a shallow, calm and warm bay. Alongside the trails, this makes for a variety of coastal highlights: forest and fields, beach and bathing huts.

Getting there and events

ÆrøXpressen sails daily from Rudkøbing on Langeland to Marstal on Ærø. The crossing takes 50 minutes. Schedules and crossing times may change; check the details before your trip.

In July, 50 to 60 preserved sailing ships visit Marstal as part of Fyn Rundt. The exact event dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around this maritime event, check the dates for your travel year.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Ærø Municipality.