At Voderup Klint, you can experience the coast as a shaped landscape: three large, staircase-like terraces form the landslide cliffs, and an area about two kilometres long has slid towards the coast. The natural attraction is around three kilometres long and 25 to 33 metres high. Geological interest, viewpoints, sunsets and nature experiences make this a distinctive destination on Ærø.
Coast, geopark and Søbygaard
Together with Svendborg, Faaborg and Langeland, Ærø forms part of the Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav. In April 2024, it was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. At the geopark visitor centre at Søbygaard, you can learn more about Ærø’s distinctive nature and culture; admission is free. Next to Søbygaard are the remains of a medieval castle and a bird area.
Søbygaard is a historic ducal estate associated with Ærø’s former affiliation with the Duchy of Schleswig until 1867. Today, the seasonally open visitor centre offers exhibitions, activities for children by the moat, classical concerts and guided tours. It is open from May until the autumn holidays; exact dates may change. Check the current opening days before your visit.
Houses and island history
In Ærøskøbing, Hammerichs Hus offers a different kind of history: built in 1803, it became one of the town’s first holiday homes. More than 2,500 objects remain in the places designated for them by Gunnar Hammerich. Since 1990, the house has been part of the Ærø Museum. The museum itself is housed in a former bailiff’s residence dating from 1775 and tells the story of the island—from its time in the Duchy of Schleswig before the defeat at Dybbøl in 1864 to today’s wedding tourism.
Skjoldnæs Fyr also combines architectural history with specific dimensions: the lighthouse was built from Bornholm granite in 1881, stands 22 metres tall and is 32 metres above sea level. It is accessible around the clock for a small admission fee. Fees and visiting arrangements may change; check them in advance. Another trace of the island’s history is its first private beach huts: they were built in the early 1920s at Vesterstrand near Ærøskøbing and at Eriks Hale near Marstal.
Seafaring in Marstal and Ærøskøbing
Marstal Søfartsmuseum tells the story of Marstal’s maritime development, from the golden age of sailing ships to the era of steam and motor ships. Its collections include ship models, ships in bottles and maritime paintings, as well as objects brought home by sailors from distant regions. Children can take on tasks and challenges, and the play ship Martha adds to the experience.
Flaskeskibsmuseet displays ships in bottles and ship models in Ærøskøbing’s former poorhouse. The collection has been on display there since 1943. Flaske-Peter built more than 1,700 ships in bottles, 50 large model ships and about 70 cigar boxes—figures that add another dimension to the history of ship models.
Hiking trails by length and route
The Øhavsstien is 220 kilometres long in total; its section on Ærø covers 36 kilometres. This section is for hikers and is marked as a footpath with posts and blue pictograms. The Kyststien runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby and follows the coast for most of its route. The Ø-CAMINO Ærø, meanwhile, is a 64-kilometre circular hiking trail around Ærø.
You can compare the trails using different details: for the Øhavsstien, the total length and island section are provided; for the Kyststien, the endpoints and coastal route; and for the Ø-CAMINO, the length and circular route. This lets you choose the route description that best suits your interest in trail markers, the coast or a loop around the island.
Getting there and finding your way
Ærø can be reached by ferry from Svendborg, Faaborg, Rudkøbing or Fynshav. Routes and timetables may change; check the latest connections before departure. Buses on Ærø are free around the clock, 365 days a year. As operating arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest timetable information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Bro, Marstal, Dunkær, Skovby, Ærøskøbing, Søby Ærø, Kragnæs, Nordfyns.
Return to the main travel overview: Funen.
