Popular events and attractions

THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

VODERUP KLINT

THICK ÆRØ PANCAKES “Løvtens Paa’kaar” is what they’re known as locally, and they come with a whole set of traditions . The recipes vary, and opinions are divided about how to garnish them, but islanders all agree on one thing: they taste great! Try them at Boppes Mokka, Fru Berg and Hotel Ærøhus, for example, as well as at the local town festivals .

ÆRØ JAZZ FESTIVAL In early August, people flock to Ærøskøbing to enjoy the summer’s finest jazz festival . You can hear both traditional and modern jazz, and the festival often attracts world-famous performers .

SØBYGAARD AND SØBY VOLDE EARTHWORKS Søbygaard Manor is a testament to Ærø’s noble history: the island was actually a part of the Duchy of Southern Jutland until 1867 . Right next to the estate stand the Søby Volde earthworks, which date back to the 1100s . Both are most definitely worth a day trip .

THE SØBYGAARD CONCERTS From May to September, the sweet sounds of classical music can be heard emanating from the concert hall at Søbygaard, when world-class performers play classical music and opera favourites at the manor . VODERUP KLINT An absolute “must see” and one of the finest vantage points on Ærø . Giant steps in the landscape lead all the way down to the beach and the magnificent area is well-known for its rich variety of flora and fauna . The whole of Voderup is an internationally protected nature area .

WATCHMAN'S ROUNDS IN ÆRØSKØBING The old part of Ærøskøbing is really special – so special, in fact, that it has been awarded the Europa Nostra Prize for its well-preserved yet thriving urban centre . Join the watchman on his evening rounds and hear entertaining stories about the town and the old buildings – interspersed with original watch-crier songs .

THE ISLAND OF BIRKHOLM Delightful little Birkholm is just a short sailing trip away from Marstal . The island has more houses than residents and no eateries at all . However, there is a self-service shop selling ice cream and

ÆRØ JAZZ FESTIVAL

home-made bread and cakes . The countryside is beautiful and hike-friendly, and there are both shelters and a campsite by the harbour .

ÆRØ ACCORDION FESTIVAL The month of May is distinguished by unbridled joy and dancing in the streets at Ærø Accordion Festival . Admission is free, and you can listen to accordion music to your heart's content .

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CARSTEN JENSEN Carsten Jensen’s novel We, the drowned plays out against a truly authentic background: namely, the town of Marstal on Ærø . This tour takes you around Marstal to many of the places and buildings that appear in the novel . Walk the route yourself or join one of the guided tours .

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ÆRØSKØBING Every year, Ærøskøbing provides the (cobbled) backdrop for what is probably the most charming Christmas market in Denmark . The setting here is intimate and second to none . No artificial scenery . Visit the island in late November/early December and experience authentic island Christmas ambience .

THE SØBYGAARD CONCERTS

WATCHMAN'S ROUNDS IN ÆRØSKØBING

ÆRØ ACCORDION FESTIVAL

SØBYGAARD

THE BEACH HUTS

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ÆRØSKØBING

THE TOWN OF ÆRØSKØBING

SKJOLDNÆS LIGHTHOUSE One of the most impressive lighthouses in Denmark, providing a magnificent view out over both the South Funen Archipelago and the Baltic Sea . You can visit the lighthouse all day every day .

THE TOWN OF ÆRØSKØBING The town of Ærøskøbing presents an interesting mix of modern urban living and Ærø as it once was . Cafés and shops are housed in old, finely preserved buildings, and all the streets and squares in the town centre are cobbled . Take a walk and admire the details of the wonderful houses while you enjoy a tasty homemade ice cream from the local ice cream parlour .

THE COLLEGE OF ART’S SUMMER EXHIBITION From June to September every year, the local art college presents a free exhibition in the harbour area in Søby and at other locations in the town . The theme for summer 2022 is reupcycling, and the intention is to add a different perspective to the climate debate .

MARSTAL HARBOUR Marstal Harbour provides an excellent sense of the maritime environment for which the town is rightly famous . Here you will find the largest marina in the archipelago, as well as maritime businesses standing shoulder to shoulder with play areas and eateries . In the summer, the harbour is the venue for the Øhavet (Archipelago) Festival, which comprises music, talks and island lore .

GUIDED TOURS AND TASTERS AT THE LOCAL PRODUCERS Ærø Whisky, Ærø Bryggeri, Ærø Cigar and Hattesens Konfektfabrik all organise guided tours, tasting sessions and other activities .

IN ARTHUR’S FOOTSTEPS Arthur Jørgensen founded Søby Motorfabrik that still operates today under the name of Søby Værft (shipyard) – the biggest employer on the island . The guided tour entitled “In Arthur’s footsteps” is the perfect way to find out much more about the man himself and the development of Søby . The walk is both entertaining and educational . THE MUSEUMS OF ÆRØ The museums of Ærø may not be huge, but they are authentic and packed with stories about local seafarers and worthies, local traditions and the cultural heritage of the island . Visit them on a rainy day or to take a break from lying on the beach in the sun . THE BEACH HUTS You may already have heard of them . The small beach huts on Ærø . There are 90 of them on the island, on Eriks Hale in Marstal and Vesterstrand beach in Ærøskøbing .

For details of many more events and attractions, see: visitaeroe .com/events

SKJOLDNÆS LIGHTHOUSE