Destinations Europe
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Brie Schmidt
What to do on Ærø Island
Ærø Island is an L-shaped land mass with a road straight down the middle, dotted with multiple villages. Between each village are stunning countryside views, where you’ll find fields of flowers and rolling hills of green. Steves suggests hopping on a bike to explore the sights, taking in the fresh air, and stopping at the windmills, churches, and breweries along the way. In particular, he recommends taking a detour off the main central strip and heading to the town of Ærøskøbing.
There, walk through the roads lined with gelato-colored cottages, then slip past the houses to the coast for a relaxing walk along the water. You’ll also find delicious meals in Ærøskøbing, such as luxurious charcuterie boards at Bang’s Mad & VinBar and organic fare at Restaurant Mumm. During his trip to the island, Steves also made sure to fit in some historical sightseeing. The globetrotter visited Rise Kirke, a 12th-century church, and Tingstedet Langdysse, a prehistoric burial site next to the church.
Ærø is best enjoyed at a slow pace. It’s the kind of destination where you go to unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle to be mindful and appreciative of the little things. Still, if you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it on Steves’ favorite island. Hike the Archipelago Trail to explore the isle on foot (download a map from VisitÆrø) or rent a kayak or SUP board and cruise the waters.
How to reach the island and where to stay
Ærø Island isn’t as easy to reach as some other beach destinations, but that’s part of how it retains its authentic charm. You won’t find large commercial flights landing on the isle, so it’s best to travel from a nearby seaport. Rick Steves notes in a blog post that many Danes travel from the mainland and neighboring islands to the Ærøskøbing port via ferry, though this isn’t the only path. Travel between Svendborg and Ærøskøbing, Faaborg and Søby, Rudkøbing and Marstal, or Fynshav and Søby. All routes allow cars, but it’s a good idea to check that your vehicle adheres to any restrictions before booking your tickets. Depending on your chosen route, Ærø can make for a perfect side trip from Copenhagen or nearby Germany.
The island doesn’t have the chain hotels and large resorts of some other islands, so expect to stay in a quaint B&B or homey getaway instead. You’ll also find campsites, such as Ærøskøbing Camping, conveniently located near the town, and Ærø Teltplads og Shelter in Marstal.
