Outdoor for everyone on Ærø

OUTDOOR

FOR EVERYONE ON ÆRØ

Gentle coastlines towards the South Fyn Archipelago and the more rugged stretches of coast facing the Baltic Sea … Some people think that the landscapes are the No . 1 draw on Ærø – and there is much to suggest that this is, indeed, the case . Whatever your mood or your ambitions – and depending on your plans for the day, of course – Ærø has a wide range of outdoor activities for you to enjoy . HEAD ON OUT Ærø is a paradise for cyclists and hikers . No fewer than 150 km of excellent cycle paths and a host of hiking trails with light – and usually no – traffic make the whole island a cyclist’s/hiker’s dream . As you walk or cycle, you can immerse yourself in a true idyll of hollyhocks, timber-framed houses and grazing cattle . GOLF, GLAMPING, SHELTERS & YOGA You can also bring your golf clubs with you and play a round on the only seaside links in Denmark (on the northernmost tip of the island), sleep in one of the many shelters or glamping tents, prepare your own meals or practice yoga under the open sky . And much more – all against a backdrop of the blue sea and the magnificent countryside .

IDEAL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ON ÆRØ

Hop on your bike and ride the beautiful Baltic Sea Route (N8), or follow signposted routes through the “Ærø Alps” – if you have the legs for them!

There are a host of great hiking trails on Ærø, so lace up your hiking boots and hike along the 30 km Kyststien trail, or take on the “Tour of Ærø” trail, a 64 km route that follows the coastline all the way around the island . Sleep outdoors in one of the great shelters near the windy and wave-washed coasts, or further inland where there is more protection from the elements . Don’t forget to book in good time – the shelters are really popular . See all shelters on page 46 .

Play a round on Denmark’s only seaside

links with a sea view from every green . The course is located on the northern tip of Ærø, bordered by sea on three sides, and with Skjoldnæs Lighthouse in the middle as a prominent hallmark . Try yoga under the open sky. No matter whether you are an experienced practitioner or simply want to find out if yoga is for you, there are several places on the island that offer you the chance to roll out your yoga mat and practice the art outdoors . For information about specific yoga events on the island, see visitaeroe .com/events .

LILLE RISE CAMPSITE

SKÅRET IN SKOVBY

Bring your own bike with you or rent one on Ærø: there are a total of seven bike rental outlets here . See them all on page 46 .

There are more than 20 Bike Friends on the island of Ærø . Bike Friends place pumps, repair kits and drinking water at the disposal of cycle visitors to the island . For a list of all Bike Friends addresses, see page 46 . Otherwise, look for this symbol: You won’t be swamped with cafés, ice cream booths and hot dog stalls as you make your way through the countryside of Ærø . On the other hand, the island is liberally sprinkled with wonderful picnic spots, so pack some sandwiches and a thermos in your backpack and enjoy lunch in the scenic surroundings .

If there’s nothing left in your legs, simply hop on the bus; it’s free – for your bike, too . The bus runs regularly between Søby and Marstal, stopping in Ærøskøbing . From Marstal, you can also take a bus to the villages of Kragnæs and Ommel on Tuesdays and Thursdays .

Answer the call of nature when you are in natural surroundings . Ærø has 41 (!) public toilets, many of them placed conveniently at various locations in the countryside .

If you prefer not to follow a cycling or hiking map, head off along one of the signposted trails on Ærø; there are seven of them to choose from .

VESTERAAS SHELTER SITE BY THE COAST

TEGLVÆRKSPLADSEN IN MARSTAL