AEro Attractions
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SituationThe island of Ærø is situated south of Funen and west of Langeland, at the entrance to the Little Belt. The coast is generally steep, particularly in the northwestern part. Inland among green hills nestle pretty little villages. There is good bathing especially along the north and east coasts.Although the coast on the west of the island runs in a straight line, the northern part has more spits of land and bays, and it is here that the larger towns are situated. Car ferries ply between Ærøskøbing and Svendborg (Funen), Marstal and Rudkøbing (Langeland), Søby and Fåborg (Funen), and between Søby and Mommark (Als).
AEroskobing, Denmark
Ærøskøbing, an attractive old market town, lies on a promontory of the north coast. The town received its trading charter in 1398, grew in importance as a result of its trade with South Jutland and provides an example of a well-preserved merchants' township of the 17th and 18th C. There are 36 houses which are under preservation orders, including Denmark's oldest post office (1749) and the Køobinghus (1645). Hammerich's House (ca 1700; note the furniture and glazed tiles), formerly the residence of the sculptor Hammerich, and Hans Billedhugger's House are furnished as museums.The quaint houses and charming streets in Ærøskøbing give the town a `Fairy Tale` feel.
Ærø Museum
Objects of local history, including costumes, are exhibited in the Ærø Museum.
Ærøskøbing - Bottle-Ship Museum
A visit is recommended to the Shipping Museum (Smedegade) in the market town of Ærø which boasts several hundred examples of model ships in bottles.
Marstal
At the eastern end of the island of Ærø lies the little fishing port of Marstal, which was one of the most important ports in Denmark in years gone by. Model ships can be seen hanging in the medieval church, which also has some beautiful wall-paintings, including a portrait of a bishop. The gallery of the church was once known as the "Captain's Bridge", because ships' captains used to sit up there.Visitors should note the Romanesque font, which was originally in the church at Tranderup.
Maritime Museum
In Marstal's Maritime Museum on Prinsengade there are numerous model ships, paintings of ships' captains and figureheads on display, as well as objects brought home by sailors from their voyages - jewelry, weapons, stuffed animals, etc.
Søby
Soby, at the northwestern tip of Ærø, is worth a visit. Here can be seen a country house, the Søbygård, built on the foundations of a massive medieval fortress. One of the cellars once served as a prison; leg-irons and chains which were used can be seen in the Ærø Museum.The town of Saby is known for its two beautiful lighthouses situated on the harbour. Saby is renowned for its historical shipyard, and is located in close proximity to scenic golf courses that overlook the seaside - golf lovers can venture only a few miles out of saby to find some of the most beautiful courses on the continent.
Windmills
In the northwest of the island of Ærø several windmills have been preserved, including the Vitsø Mølle and the Vester Mølle.
