Søby Ærø: Harbor, Culture and Nature

Søby Ærø offers several ways to discover Ærø: maritime history at the harbor, art and geopark themes at Søbygaard, and nature and walking experiences around Vitsø. Whether you are particularly interested in culture, landscapes or outdoor activities, the individual places and offerings provide concrete ideas for planning your trip.

History, Geology and Art

Søbygaard is an old ducal estate and bears witness to Ærø’s past as part of the Duchy of Schleswig until 1867. At the Geopark visitor center at Søbygaard, you can learn how Ærø and the Geopark of the South Funen Archipelago came into being. The island’s history and the formation of its landscape thus come together as distinct themes in one place.

The exhibitions at Søbygaard change; they include art exhibitions and an exhibition for children. Visitors traveling with children will also find a theme specifically aimed at younger visitors. As the exhibitions may change, it is worth checking the current program before your visit.

A specific artistic subject can be found in the altarpiece at Søby Church: Professor Jørgen Roed painted it in 1870. It depicts Christ on the cross and the kneeling Virgin Mary. The image offers a different focus from the ducal estate’s long history and provides a precise detail about the island’s cultural history.

Vitsø, Fjord Inlet and Beach

Vitsø is a 150-hectare nature area with a large lake, salt meadows and freshwater meadows. Greylag geese, ducks and wading birds nest at Vitsø. The combination of waterscapes and meadows, together with the birdlife, gives the area a distinctive natural character. Vitsø Nor is a protected fjord inlet of about 150 hectares—a further landscape name you will encounter on routes around Søbygaard.

Vitsø Beach lies on the edge of Søby. The natural pebble beach has a bathing jetty; old fishermen’s houses are also part of this coastal scene. The path along Vitsø Beach is known by locals as “Jørbæk Rundt.” It is 3 km long from one end to the other.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The Øhavsstien covers 36 km on Ærø and passes through Vitsø. Some of the paths around Vitsø are part of the Øhavsstien’s connected trail network; these sections are marked with blue signs on wooden posts. The Kyststien runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby, following the coast for most of the route. The routes therefore differ in length, endpoints and how closely they follow the coast.

The “Around Søbygaard” cycling route is approximately 30 km long. It runs mainly on paved roads, with some sections of firm gravel. The signposted cycling route passes through open countryside, along Vitsø Nor and by Søbygaard. Route conditions may change temporarily, so check the current route before setting out.

Harbor and Getting There

Ferry connections link Søby with Faaborg and with Fynshav on Als. If you are including the crossing in your day’s plans, check the relevant timetable in advance. In Søby harbor, the guided tour “In Arthur’s Footsteps” introduces Søby and Ærø’s maritime history. It takes you through Søby Shipyard, among the shipyard’s buildings, vessels and docks. Check the tour dates before planning your visit as well.

The places and routes mentioned offer concrete starting points, without requiring every trip to follow the same kind of holiday.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Marstal, Kragnæs, Bro, Ærøskøbing, Skovby, Dunkær.

Return to the main travel overview: Ærø Municipality.