Ærø Travel Guide: How to spend 24 hours in Ærø, Denmark?
Ærø is one of Denmark’s best-kept secrets. This charming island is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and relax. With its rolling hills, sandy beaches, and cosy villages, Ærø offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
As an Ærø wedding photographer capturing love stories across the country, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Ærø’s magic firsthand. Its romantic charm makes it a dream location for couples tying the knot, but not only! This Ærø travel guide will cover everything need to know before planning your perfect 24h island escape, from exploring top attractions to finding the ideal accommodation.
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Getting married in Ærø? Then visit this blog post where I shared my experience as a photographer.
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Where is Ærø Island?
Ærø is a small Danish island nestled in the heart of the Baltic Sea. As part of the South Funen Archipelago, it offers a tranquil escape from the mainland. Renowned for its charming villages, stunning coastline, and warm hospitality, Ærø is a sought-after destination for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Ærø is accessible only by ferry from the Danish mainland from either Svendborg, Rudkøbing, Fynshavn or Faaborg harbours.
The island is home to three main towns: Ærøskøbing, Marstal, and Søby. Each offers its own unique charm and attractions. Ærøskøbing is often referred to as the "fairytale town" with its colourful houses and cobbled streets. Marstal, with its maritime history, boasts a vibrant harbour and a lively atmosphere. Søby is a perfect base for exploring the island's natural beauty and enjoying outdoor activities.
Quick Facts About Ærø Island
Ready to explore the charming island of Ærø? Before we dive into the island's highlights, let's cover the basics.
Size: The total area of 88 km²
Language: Danish
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
Population: 5,964 (2020)
Fun fact: Ærø's flag is the same as the flag of Lithuania, featuring a striking design of horizontal stripes in yellow, green, and red.
Helpful Information for Visiting Ærø Island
To reach Ærø, you will need to take a ferry. There are three harbours on the island: Ærøskøbing, Søby, and Marstal. The following are the two most common travel scenarios.
How To Get To Ærø from Copenhagen?
By car. The quickest way is to drive to Svendborg harbour and take the ferry. The drive to Svendborg takes approximately 2 hours, followed by the Svendborg - Ærøskøbing ferry, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can rent a car from GoMore or use services like Green Mobility.
Tip. If you enter code Cq9z31T6 when signing up for Green Mobility you will receive 30 minutes of free driving.
By public transport. Using public transport is a more budget-friendly option, consisting of a three-leg journey:
1. Regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Nyborg (journey time approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes).
2. Bus from Nyborg Station to Svendborg Plads (journey time approx. 45 minutes).
3. Ferry from Svendborg Harbour to Ærøskøbing (journey time approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes).
Based on my experience, please allow an additional 10 minutes for traffic when taking the bus from Nyborg to Svendborg.
You can book ferry tickets here (opens in a new tab) or at the ticket machine in Svendborg Habour (this is the exact spot where Ærø ferry leaves).
Tip. If you're travelling during the summer, consider using the DSB Summer Pass, which covers transport within Denmark (excluding the ferry) for 8 consecutive days for 399 DKK. More information is available here.
How To Get To Ærø from Germany?
If you're travelling from Germany by car, the best way to reach Ærø would be by taking the Fynshav-Søby ferry (instead of Svendborg - Ærøskøbing). The ferry journey takes approximately 1 hour.
How To Get Around Ærø?
The best way to explore Ærø is by renting a car. If you're travelling from abroad, many people choose to rent a car in Odense since Svendborg has limited rental options. Alternatively, you can use services mentioned above like Green Mobility or rent from locals via the Gomore app. Travellers from the northern Germany often prefer to drive their own cars.
Public transport is also available on the island, with buses running hourly to Marstal and Søby and stopping at small villages along the way.
The Best Time to Visit Ærø
For the best experience, plan your visit Ærø during the summer months to enjoy the beautiful weather and lively atmosphere. Many restaurants close in autumn, so visiting during the summer ensures you can experience the island to its fullest potential. It’s also less likely that the ferry will be cancelled, which can be the case when travelling in winter months.
What to do in Ærø island?
Ærø island is very tiny, less than 90 km2, so activities are also quite limited. However, it's perfect for a relaxing getaway rather than an intensive vacation. Here are some recommendations to make the most of your visit:
1. Rent a bike and cycle around the island. Some hotels even include bikes as part of your booking deal, so be sure to inquire with them before booking a bicycle externally.
2. Capture photos of the famous colourful huts in Ærøskøbing or Marstal.
3. Visit the boutique shops scattered around the island.
4. Indulge in ice cream at one of the local cafes (I highly recommend Ærøskøbing Is! )
Insight: You'll often find second-hand clothes and locally produced jams, honey, etc., laid out for sale with a trust-based system. You can purchase these items by leaving cash in a designated place or using the local mobile payment service (Mobile Pay).
Where to stay in Ærø?
Accommodation on Ærø can be quite competitive, especially during the summer season, so it's best to book in advance. The average nightly price starts at around 100 euros. If you're planning a wedding, I recommend staying in Ærøskøbing, as the town hall is located there. Marstal is also popular among couples. For a more authentic village experience, consider staying in one of the small villages in the middle of the island.
My personal recommendations on where to stay in Ærø:
Andelen Guesthouse in Ærøskøbing
Nostalgi Marstal in Marstal
Cirkusvognen in nature, near Marstal.
Other popular Ærø Hotels:
Hotel Udsigten Marstal in Marstal
KEFS Guesthouse & Cafe in Ærøskøbing
Hotel Aerohus in Ærøskøbing
The best platforms for booking accommodation are Airbnb or Booking.com. You may also have luck calling hotels directly to inquire about availability, as they might have alternative offers. Additionally, I've noticed that some listings on Airbnb can appear available when they are not, so it's wise to allow enough time to secure your booking.
Tip: Double check with your hotel / airbnb whether linen and towels are included. More than often you will have to purchase it separately and the price is around 15 euros per person.
Where to eat in Ærø?
Even though the island is small, there are several dining options available. If you’re celebrating a wedding or any other important event, reservations are highly recommended. Please note, some places may only open after 5 pm.
My personal recommendations on Ærø Restaurants:
Restaurant Mumm, Søndergade 12, 5970 Ærøskøbing
Kraut & Koala, Ærøskøbing Havn 4, 5970 Ærøskøbing
Prinsebroen, Prinsebroen 5, 5960 Marstal
Webers café og restaurant, Prinsensgade 7, 5960 Marstal
MARSTANG mad & vin, Kirkestræde 15, 5960 Marstal
Real Ærø Wedding Stories
Getting married in Ærø? Then visit Ærø Wedding Guide where I shared my experience as a photographer or, alternatively, click on the photo stories below to see how Ærø weddings look like!
FAQ about visiting Ærø
How many days do you need in Ærø?
If you’re getting married, I would recommend spending at least 24 hours on the island (you will also need to submit your documents a day before). As a traveller with limited time, you can also enjoy an afternoon on the island. For instance, take the ±8am ferry and return after 6pm. Many people prefer staying 2 nights.
Do you need cash in Ærø?
Not really! Denmark operates mostly cashlessly, though there are ATMs available. The only time you might require cash is when paying for goods left outdoors (trust-based payment).
Do I have to book ferry tickets to Ærø in advance?
If you're travelling without a vehicle, there's no need for reservations in advance. I typically book my ticket an hour before departure. However, if you're bringing a car, I strongly recommend booking your ticket a few days ahead of time.
Final Thoughts on This Ærø Travel Guide
Ærø is one of Denmark's little gems, perfect for those who cherish tranquility and quality time. Whether you're seeking to reconnect with nature or enjoy a leisurely bike ride, there's something here for every type of traveller.
My top advice for anyone visiting Ærø is not to rush your time here! Every time I visit, I feel rejuvenated and reconnected. I hope you'll experience the same. It’s a place to leave all your worries and troubles behind.
If you have any questions about this Aero travel guide, please contact me on email or Instagram. Happy travels!
about the author:
i'm ieva vi - a wedding & lifestyle photographer, based in copenhagen. When I'm not behind the lens capturing beautiful moments, I love to explore new places and share my experiences with readers. Take a look at my portfolio, and feel free to reach out for collaborations.
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