Marstal’s maritime history is visible and tangible throughout the town and along the harbour. The town plan is also oriented towards the sea: the streets and lanes known as snorrer lead from the main street to the harbour and the sea. If you’re looking for a hotel in Marstal, you can first decide whether you’d like to focus your stay more on maritime history, bathing huts or hiking.
Seafaring in the townscape
Marstal Church was built in 1738. Seven ship models bear witness to the development of seafaring from the 18th to the 20th century and the town’s connection to the sea. The church also has a carillon with 48 bells.
A 1 km-long stone breakwater protects Marstal harbour. Sailors built it voluntarily over several decades, starting in 1825. At Eriksens Plads, a partially ribbed schooner structure in the form of a sculpture commemorates the extensive shipyard activity that shaped the town. Eriksens Plads is considered one of the cradles of wooden shipbuilding.
Marstal Motor Factory was founded in 1934. In 2026, the Motorsamlingen is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12 pm; check the opening hours before your trip. At the Marstal Maritime Museum, a local guide leads visitors through the exhibitions free of charge. The tour is seasonal, so check the current schedule before your visit.
Coast and trails around Marstal
Just outside Marstal lies the sandspit of Eriks Hale. Its colourful bathing huts are considered a timeless part of Ærø’s cultural heritage. On the side known as Det Lille Hav, you can swim in a shallow, calm and warm bay. Egehovedskoven is also located on Eriks Hale beach, on the outskirts of Marstal.
Hiking trails on the Øhavsstien run through Toftegårdsskoven, with views over grain fields. The route from Marstal to Ærøskøbing starts at Marstal harbour and runs along the edge of town; it offers views along Strandvejen. The Kyststien on Ærø is a 30 km-long hiking route.
Harbour and getting there
Marstal Marina is the largest on Ærø and is within easy walking distance of the town centre and Eriks Hale. Facilities include a playground, barbecue shelters, toilets and bathing facilities. The maritime playground at the marina has two large maritime play areas. At its floating jetty, children and adults can catch crabs with a net.
ÆrøXpressen runs daily from Rudkøbing on Langeland to Marstal on Ærø; the crossing takes 50 minutes. Check the timetable and crossing time before travelling, as services and journey times may change. During the recurring July event Fyn Rundt, 50 to 60 historic sailing ships visit Marstal. Event dates can vary from year to year; check the details for the specific edition if you’re planning your trip around it.
Discover more destinations: Kragnæs, Søby Ærø, Dunkær, Bro, Skovby, Ærøskøbing.
Back to the main travel overview: Ærø Municipality.
