Ærø, Danish South Sea
Ærø lies in the Danish South Sea, and with around 80 kilometres of coastline it is small enough to get to know without rushing. This overview helps with planning: getting there, getting around, the towns and the seasons.
The island has three main towns, each with its own character: Søby in the north with its harbour and ferry, Ærøskøbing with its historic old town and Marstal with its maritime history. The island bus connects them, is free and runs several times a day all year round.
Cyclists will find around 150 kilometres of well-built, quiet routes – details under cycling on Ærø. Walkers will find signposted coastal paths, more under hiking on Ærø.
You reach Ærø by ferry: Fynshav–Søby, Faaborg–Søby or Svendborg–Ærøskøbing. By car from the Netherlands or Germany, the route via Hamburg to Fynshav is the shortest to Søby; if you fly, Copenhagen or Billund are the best options. All details are under getting there; timetables and bookings are available from the Ærø ferries – booking early is worthwhile, especially in high season.
Some things follow fixed dates, which helps with planning: the Ærø Jazz Festival traditionally takes place at the end of July or beginning of August, and the golf clubhouse is staffed from April to September, although the course can be played all year. The best time for sea trout is from September to April, peaking in spring. On Danish beaches, dogs must be kept on a lead from April to September.
In the quieter months, the sauna and the wood-burning stove in the house are a reason in themselves to come: what hygge means is explained on our wood-burning stove page.
Dansk Cottage is a holiday home in Søby for up to six guests, opening in spring 2027. More in the holiday home overview; for dates, see prices & availability.
Harbour village in the north with the ferry to Fynshav, Café Arthur, the beach by the marina and the Vitsø nature area.
Historic old town with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, plus the Ærø Museum, Hammerichs Hus and the ship-in-a-bottle collection.
Maritime town with a maritime museum since 1929, the church from 1738 and the Eriks Hale spit with its bathing huts.
Dansk Cottage can be booked from spring 2027.
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