Searching for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Denmark that offers the perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and adventure? Look no further than the charming Ærø!
With its unspoiled natural landscapes, charming coastal towns, and rich maritime history, a trip to Denmark’s Aero island should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s the perfect place to visit on an island-hopping itinerary, and is especially beautiful in the spring and summer.
If you’re still not sure whether to travel to Aero, Denmark, we’d also like to make a note that this island has the most amount of sunshine hours in the entire country. 😉
Getting to Aero is easy (take one of the eco-friendly ferries!), and getting around the island is even easier – there are free buses that will take you around the island, plus kilometers of excellent bike paths and hiking trails. And, of course, there’s plenty to see…
If you plan to visit, our Aero travel guide will help you do just that! We’ve included helpful information about transportation, where to stay in Aero, activities to do and landmarks to see, and much more.
How to Get to Aero
Since Aero is an island, there’s only one way to get here: by ferry!
There are a few ferry routes that go to different parts of the island, so it’s important to research which route works best for your trip. Here are the current routes:
Svendborg – Ærøskøbing
Fynshav – Søby
Rudkøbing – Marstal
The Svendborg – Ærøskøbing is the most popular ferry route to Aero, as it’s close to a major city (Odense) and the crossing only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 mins). It also has the most departures out of any ferry route!
The Fynshav – Søby route is a good idea if you’re coming from the south – especially from Germany – as it’s closest to that area. The crossing takes about 60 minutes.
The Rudkøbing – Marstal ferry route departs from the small town of Rudkøbing and also takes about 60 minutes. However, this route typically has the fewest daily departures.
Be sure to check the timetable ahead of time (it changes depending on the season) and book your tickets ahead of time (especially if traveling with a car!) – click here for the current schedule.
Psst – There’s also the option to fly into Aero Airport, but the only airline that flies there is Starling Air, which uses a very small airplane with up to 6 passengers.
Transportation & Getting Around Aero
Getting around Aero is easy and convenient, with several transportation options available to visitors.
By Bus | Did you know that the bus on Aero island is free? That’s right! The Aero bus goes along the entire length of the island: it starts at Marstal (the earliest departure is 5:05 am), stops at Ærøskøbing, and continues to Søby as its final destination. The bus leaves every hour, there’s free WiFi on-board, and it’s possible to take your dog! Some buses also allow bicycles on board (with a maximum of 3 bikes onboard).
You can check the latest timetable on the bus company’s website here.
By Bike | Cycling is a popular way to get around Aero, and there are well maintained cycling paths that wind through the countryside and seaside, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty at their own pace. There are a dozen bike rental companies all around the island, so you can choose one that’s closest to you.
By Taxi | Despite the island’s small size, there are taxis in Aero! You can find taxi kiosks in the major city centers, although taking the bus is the more economical option.
By Car | If you prefer your own wheels, there are several car rental agencies in Svendborg where you can rent a car and take it on the ferry to Aero – just be sure to factor in the cost of the car ferry as well. Click here to see rates and availability.
Where to Stay on Aero Island
There are 3 ‘major’ cities on Aero island: Marstal, Ærøskøbing, and Søby. Most of the hotels on Aero island are located in Marstal and Ærøskøbing. To make it easier, we’ve categorized our list of accommodations in Aero by city:
Accommodations in Marstal
Aggershøj Pensionat | Situated on a quiet street just outside of Marstal city center, this sweet guest room was designed with attention to the smallest detail.The rooms are beautifully designed in sophsticated colors, antique furniture, and moody decor, with a nice bonus of having breakfast included in the price. 🙂
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Jugendstil-Villa Aerö | If you want to stay somewhere in style, this adorable villa is just for you! Colorful and cozy, the house has three bedrooms decorated in an Art Deco style (also known as Jugendstil) and a spacious garden to enjoy the Aero sunshine.
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Cirkusvognen på Ærø | For the most unique accommodation on Aero island, look no further than this cool place. 🙂
As noted in the name, this is actually a former circus wagon converted into a summer home! The accommodation includes an outdoor deck, living room, fully-functional kitchen, bathroom with a shower, and one bed. Nearby are lovely hiking trails and a river.
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Accommodations in Ærøskøbing
Kjobing Manor | Located right in the heart of Aeroskobing, Kjobing Manor is a beautifully-restored 17th century manor with plenty of charm – no wonder King Frederik V stayed here almost 300 years ago. 😉
There are only five rooms, each of which feature beautiful Danish art, comfortable furniture, and a delightfully historic atmosphere.
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Holiday Home Ærøskøbing XI | Would you like to wake up every morning to the peaceful sound of waves? Now you can! This unique holiday home in Aero is actually a small boat, and features a kitchen, bathroom, and bed.
Andelen Guesthouse | One of the best boutique hotels on Aero island, Andelen Guesthouse offers a charming and historic setting to explore the Aeroskobing and the rest of the island. The architecture inside is also quite unique, as the building was the former granary (grain storage) for the island – and nowadays it’s also home to Denmark’s smallest public cinema. 🙂
Accommodations in Søby
Molevitten Apartments | With pops of bright color, plenty of light, and just a few minutes from the center, look no further than Moleviten. Bonus: there’s also a terrace with sea views!
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Beautiful Home in Soby | Located right on Soby harbor, this four-bedroom apartment is perfect for groups and families. It has everything you need in a holiday home, including a fully-stocked kitchen, large garden, and parking.
Other Excellent Accommodations
Bakkehuset Countryhouse | Located between Aeroskobing and Soby, this adorable ‘country house’ features suites with lake views, a garden suite, and deluxe double rooms. It’s the perfect rural escape if you want to go beyond Aero’s cities!
Things to do in Aero
Since Aero is the 10th largest island in Denmark (if you don’t count the ‘mainland’ islands like Zealand and Vendsyssel-Thy), there are plenty of things to see and do!
To make it easier for you to navigate the best things to do on Aero island, we’ve split this category into different cities and added a ‘what to do in general’ section at the end.
What to do in Ærøskøbing
Explore the Colorful Streets
While Aeroskobing only has around 1,000 residents, it’s still considered to be the ‘capital’ of Ærø island! Although small in size, Aeroskobing is big on hospitality and is famous for welcoming tourists with its colorful streets and charming harbor.
It is also worth taking a walk along the narrow cobbled streets of the old part of the city and enjoying the architecture of houses that have been preserved since the 17th and 18th centuries.
Keep an eye out for the famous painted doors and bright houses of Aeroskobing, and don’t forget to take a few photos as a souvenir!
Take a Tour With the Night Watchman
If you’ve seen our Ribe City Guide, this activity might sound familiar! Indeed, just like in Ribe, Aeroskobing also has its own night watchman.
This tradition dates back to the early 1700s, when the Night Watch Corps were established to look after the city’s inhabitants and make sure that peace and order were kept on the island. The Night Watchmen continue the tradition every summer, albeit with a twist – now they host groups of travelers and walk through the city while telling interesting stories!
The Night Watchman tour takes place from the end of June to the end of August – either every evening (Danish language tour), or every Sunday (English language tour). Be sure to check their website for the exact times and contact information for reserving a tour (use Google Translate, as their webpage is in Danish).
Discover the Ærø Museum
Recently reopened in 2019, the Aero Museum is a nice museum to get acquainted with Aero island’s history, culture, and traditions. Displays are in Danish and English, and the overall exhibits are well done and interesting.
Go on a Tasting at the Aero Whisky Distillery
Founded in 2013, Ærø Whisky is one of only a dozen whisky distilleries in Denmark – and the only one on Aero island, of course! Aero Whisky prides itself on using local ingredients from the island, such as grain and malting barley – even the barrels where the whiskey ages comes from the iconic oak trees on the island!
Aero Whisky is a definite must-visit for foodies and whisky lovers, and the distillery even hosts tastings in the summer. If you’re traveling during the winter, no worries – the distillery is open by appointment (make sure to contact them via their website).
What to do in Marstal
Visit the Maritime Museum
If you’re looking to travel through time, there’s no better place to do so than at Marstal’s Maritime Museum. Spanning more than 400 years – since the island started to flourish in the 1600s – the museum dives into Denmark’s and Aero’s maritime history.
The museum itself is housed in a beautiful historic building that was once used as a customs house, and features more than 30 rooms on various maritime subjects like ships, paintings, treasures, and much more.
Walk around Marstal Harbor
Marstal harbor is made up of lovely orange and yellow hues, and is a lovely place to take a stroll. Marstal’s city was planned around the harbor, and if you look on the map, all roads really do lead here!
Interestingly, Marstal was the second largest shipping hub in the entire country (surpassed only by Copenhagen). While those days are long gone, shipping is still the lifeblood of Marstal, and there are remnants of maritime activity around the harbor.
Go to Eriks Hale Beach
Located along a long and narrow peninsula, Eriks Hale is a beautiful beach where you can find Aero’s famous beach cabins. As a bonus, the beach is Blue Flag certified and also child-friendly!
What to do in Søby
Søbygård Manor
Located on a small island and surrounded by a moat, the Søbygård Manor began its history in the 1500s and was lovingly restored recently, It’s an excellent place to learn more about the area’s history, listen to a concert, take a guided tour, or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings! You can check out more info on their website.
Skjoldnaes Fyr
Often heralded as one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Denmark, Skjoldnaes Lighthouse is 22 meters in height and has an excellent view of the surrounding area. Interestingly, descendants of the man who built the lighthouse still live on the island, and the original living quarters are now home to the Aero Golf Club.
The lighthouse is located about 5 kilometers from Aero, and the route makes for a lovely walk or bike during nice weather.
Not City Specific
Go Hunting for Colorful Beach Huts
A characteristic of Aero island are the small beach huts located in Vesterstrand (Ærøskøbing) and on Eriks Hale beach (near Marstal).
There are dozens of colorful beach huts, and have a history of their own. They are typically inherited from generation to generation, and are very rarely put up for sale. Also, one of Eriks Hale’s most famous beach huts was featured on the cover of The Year of Living Danishly!
See Stunning Landscapes From Voderup Klint
Located along the western coast of the island, Voderup Klint is a 33-meter tall cliff that offers dramatic views of the surrounding landscapes. You can walk through the lush grass and see the sea from above, or make your way to the beach below.
Walk Part of the Øhavsstien (“The Archipelago Trail”)
Covering more than 220 kilometers (140 mi), the Øhavsstien, also known as the Archipelago Trail, is one of the longest hikes in Denmark – and you can walk part of that trail in Aero!
36 kilomemeters of the Øhavsstien trail can be found on Aero, as it starts in Marstal, goes along the coast, stops in Ærøskøbing and Søbygaard, and finally ends in Søby.
Find the Most Beautiful Doors
Aero has several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. You can spend an entire day relaxing on the sandy shores of Vesterstrand Beach, Eriks Hale, or Soby Beach.
Enjoy the Beaches of Aero!
As you walk through the streets of Ærøskøbing, Marstal, or Søby, you’ll notice that the doors are painted in all sorts of colors, from bright blues and yellows to soft pinks and greens. But it’s not just the colors that make these doors so special – they’re also decorated with intricate carvings and patterns that reflect the city’s rich history and culture.
Some doors feature detailed carvings of flowers or animals, while others feature patterns and shapes unique to the region. And if you look closely, you may even notice some doors that have been passed down from generation to generation, with each new owner adding their own touch.
Photo Credits: Aero ferry + Marstal beach hut + Aeroskobing town by Erik Christensen | Bus by Jesperbus | Aero Museum via Ærø Museum | Sobygard by Daniel Villadsen