History & geology

THE PAST REACHES INTO THE FUTURE ON ÆRØ

ERIKS HALE BEACH NEAR MARSTAL

ÆRØ IS A PRODUCT OF THE ICE AGE The history of Ærø can be traced back to the last Ice Age . Together with the island of Langeland and the cities of Faaborg and Svendborg, Ærø is a part of the South Fyn Archipelago, which came into being when the giant ice caps melted more than 11,000 years ago . The melting ice caused massive flooding, which left only the highest points of the landscape above sea level, and thus was created the South Fyn Archipelago, with its 55+ islands and islets . Today, it is known as Geopark – The South Fyn Archipelago . On and around Ærø, you can still see many traces of the last Ice age, in the form of small islands, tongues of land, cliffs and stretches of wetland; and you can experience how the local population has exploited the particular conditions created by the Ice Age .

A KEY JUNCTION ON THE VIKINGS’ TRADING ROUTE? People, however, have “only” been making their mark on Ærø since the Stone Age, as evidenced by the numerous dolmens and galley graves scattered across the island . Moreover, did you know that Ærø was a key junction on the Vikings’ maritime trading route? This has been established by excavations that have unearthed traces of a trading site and boat-building operations at Havsmarken on the south side of the island .

If you would like to delve a little more deeply into the earliest history of Ærø while you are visiting the island, there are ancient relics to be found wherever you go .

Find out more about the iconic Ærø beach houses and their 100-year history . Book a guided tour of Vesterstrand beach in Ærøskøbing with local expert Allan Harsbo . In addition to relating the origin of the small houses, Allan can talk at length on other beach house-related topics such as threats to their continued existence .

Swing by Søbygaard Manor just outside Søby and feel the breath of history sweep over you . This mediaeval fortress is a testament to Ærø’s noble past: the island was a part of the Duchy of Southern Jutland until 1867 .

Grab your binoculars and head for Næbbet, which is also near Søby . This is one of the most vibrant and fascinating areas in Europe for people who are interested in studying birds and plants . It is also a popular recreation area .

Sail with the Birkholmposten mail boat to the micro-society on Birkholm – one of Denmark’s smallest inhabited islands . There are no eateries on the island, but you can buy ice cream from the town’s small self-service store, which also provides access to fresh water . The store often has frozen baked goods for sale, too, as well as knitted goods and a small selection of books and sweets .

Enjoy a dash of sea air and dive down into the Ærø’s unique seafaring history from the 1600s to the present day at Marstal Maritime Museum in “the skipper town” .

Ærø will be inaugurating its very own Geopark visitors’ centre in 2023 . The new centre will be located at Søbygaard and is scheduled to open its doors on 1 April . Visit the centre for an in-depth look at the special geology of Ærø and then head out to the extraordinary geo-spots that are dotted around the island .

Pack a picnic basket and set course for Voderup Klint, from whose cliff tops there is a magnificent view over the Baltic sea – and the sunsets here can be truly breathtaking .

Make sure to visit the area near St. Albert’s Church. This was originally the site of a fortified refuge in the Viking Age, before a church was built here in the 1300s . You can still see clear traces of the old church today, and the view from the site is amazing .

Come and see a galley grave from the Early Stone Age . At the Galley grave in Kragnæs, you can crawl all the way into the burial chamber itself . In fact, several people can sit inside at the same time and sense the Stone Age ambience .

On the tip of Ærø, just outside Søby stands Skjoldnæs Lighthouse – one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Denmark . Climb to the top and enjoy the view . The lighthouse is open 24/7 on payment of a small admission fee .

SKJOLDNÆS LIGHTHOUSE OUTSIDE OF SØBY