Ærø Overview

Literally translated, Ærø means “maple island,” but there’s more to it than just great tasting walnut and maple ice-cream. A charming getaway spot for those looking to cycle, hike, sail, or to take in clean air—Ærø is 80% self-sufficient in terms of renewable energy. Rent a bicycle at Pilebaekkens Cykler, Pilebækken 11, by walking down Vestergade and taking a left on Pilebaekken (☎6252 1110. Open M-F 9am-4 :30pm, Sa 9am-noon. Open mid-June to mid-July Su 10am-1pm). Bike to nearby towns Marstal and Søby, two of the islands major cities, and frolic for the afternoon. Or, take train #98 from where the ferry lets off in Ærøskøbing (25min, 1 per hour, 25kr; day pass 80kr). For overnight stays, sleep at the Ærøskøbing Youthhostel , Smedevejen 15 (☎6252 1044; www.danhostel.dk/aeroskoebing. Dorms 150kr, singles 300kr. Open 3am-noon and 4-8pm). Just around the corner of the hostel is a long path leading to the water, where you will find a public playground with a barbecue area and wooden teepees. Ærøskøbing’s helpful and friendly tourist office, Havnen 4, offers free Internet in low season, but charges 20kr per 30min. in high season. (☎6252 13 00; www.visitaeroe.dk. Open M-F 9am-4pm, Sa 11am-3pm, mid-June to Aug. Sa-Su 10am-6pm). Try the Archipelago Trail, a 36 km trail that stretches across the entire island through ancient burial chambers and beautiful fields along the way. Several trains running from Odense to Svendborg are timed to meet the ferry to Ærøskøbing (2hr, 5-6per day, 158kr with ferry tax. Cash only.)