Discover Søby Ærø: Nature, Coast and Cultural History

When looking for a hotel in Søby Ærø, your travel plans can make all the difference: on Ærø, you can choose cultural history and changing exhibitions as themes, as well as nature and coastal paths. The experiences have distinctly different focuses: Søbygaard offers an introduction to the island’s history, Vitsø combines lake and meadow landscapes with birdlife, and a 3 km path runs along Vitsø Beach. Søby’s ferry connections are also a practical part of planning.

The history and culture of Søbygaard

Søbygaard on Ærø is an old ducal estate and bears witness to the island’s past as part of the Duchy of Schleswig until 1867. This date provides a specific timeframe for this part of the island’s history. Søbygaard hosts changing exhibitions, including art exhibitions and an exhibition for children, so what is on offer may change. At the Geopark visitor centre at Søbygaard, you can learn how Ærø and the Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav were formed. History, art and the formation of the landscape thus offer different cultural points of interest.

Another specific artistic feature can be found in Søby Church: Professor Jørgen Roed painted the altarpiece in 1870. It depicts Christ on the cross and the kneeling Virgin Mary. The work can therefore be understood through its date, artist and subject without lengthy historical context.

Vitsø: Landscape and birdlife

Vitsø is a 150 ha nature area with a large lake, salt meadows and freshwater meadows. Greylag geese, ducks and waders breed there. The protected area offers not only views of water and open landscapes, but also a connection to birdlife. Vitsø Nor is a protected fjord inlet of approximately 150 ha. Each area figure refers to the named area.

If you want to experience the landscape on a cycling route, “Rundt om Søbygaard” is an approximately 30 km route. It follows the signposted cycle network through open landscapes, along Vitsø Nor and past Søbygaard. Most of the route runs on paved roads; some sections have a firm gravel surface. Route conditions may change temporarily, so it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting off.

Paths at Vitsø and along the coast

The Øhavsstien includes a 36 km section on Ærø, which passes through Vitsø. Some of the paths around Vitsø form part of the Øhavsstien’s connected trail system. These sections are marked with blue signs on wooden posts. The Kyststien also offers a different perspective on the island: it runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby, following the coast for most of the way.

The path known to locals as “Jørbæk Rundt” runs along Vitsø Beach and is 3 km long from one end to the other. Vitsø Beach is a natural pebble beach with a bathing jetty and old fishermen’s houses on the edge of Søby. The distances provide a concrete comparison: “Rundt om Søbygaard” is an approximately 30 km cycling route, while “Jørbæk Rundt” refers to the 3 km path along the beach. The Kyststien, in turn, is defined by its two endpoints and its mostly coastal route.

Maritime history and getting here

At Søby Harbour, the guided tour “I Arthurs Fodspor” explores the maritime history of Søby and Ærø. The tour passes through Søby Værft, between the shipyard’s buildings, ships and docks. If you plan to join this tour, check the current dates in advance.

Ferries connect Søby with Faaborg and with Fynshav on Als. If the ferry is part of your journey, check the timetable for your travel date. Cultural history, coastal paths, the landscape at Vitsø and the connection across the water offer different starting points for planning your stay.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Ærø Municipality.