1 Thurø: Tar, nets, and sailor
As you approach the drying grounds and fishing huts, you’re greeted by the wonderful scent of saltwater, sea, and tar. The fishing houses line the harbor road, shaded by large tree canopies. Each house has its own distinct character, despite sharing size, the tar-black color, and building materials.
In front of the houses lies the drying grounds, still used for hanging nets. Pleasure boats bob along the many small piers, creating a lively atmosphere of people engaging in boat life at the small harbor. Some are loading luggage, others are maintaining masts, and on the narrow wooden bridge, children run around playing.
The perfect way to spend some time at Gambøt Harbor is to bring your lunch and sit on one of the benches to enjoy the ambiance. The thatched roofs and tiny windows have watched over a harbor and a changing world for the past 100 years.
2 Hjortøboen: Small but mighty
Hjortøboen is probably the most charming ferry in the South Funen Archipelago. It can carry only one car and 12 passengers.
In the Svendborg Sound, ship traffic is bustling, and on windy days, remember to look west towards Lehnskov Huse, a popular spot for surfers. There’s also a good chance of spotting porpoises. The dolphin Delle, who resided in the sound a few years ago, made a dent in the population, but with some luck and patience, you can still spot these small marine creatures.
Hjortø has an area of less than 1 km², making it an ideal destination if you’re seeking tranquility and a nearly deserted place. If you hop off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by truly beautiful nature. Hjortø boasts a rich animal and plant life, including the rare many-flowered buttercup, and you might spot hares and bell frogs.
3 Langeland: Diplomas and pastries side by side
The few steps up to Hedo’s feel like a portal to another time. An L-shaped glass counter with bread baskets on the back wall and an orange ceiling. There are no trendy pastel colors or fancy names for the delicious cakes. The decor is authentic and completely understated, as this bakery is one of the best in Denmark.
Moreover, Hedo’s is the oldest operating bakery in the country. The bakery first opened its doors in 1904, initially as a steam bakery. There was also a small patisserie, so visitors at Lohals could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake.
Today, the bakery is owned by friends Helle the baker and Dorthe the pastry chef. They’ve won multiple medals for the best bread, as evidenced by one wall nearly covered with diplomas. Helle and Dorthe are both traditional and innovative, preferring to wake up an hour earlier during peak season rather than sell bake-off or factory-made bread.
4 Ærø: Local ingredients in a bottle
Distilling apparatuses are simply stunning with their rounded, intricate shapes. The copper and the ’magic’ that happens when production starts.
As soon as you step into Ærø Whisky’s shop, the beautiful distilling apparatuses catch your eye. Founder Michael Nielsen started production at home in his garage in 2013, driven not only by his passion for whisky but also for the local community and sustainability.
He bought barley from local farmers and refined his whisky with local products, making it a pure Ærø item. The focus is on maximum recyclability, with almost all water used in production being reused.
Today, Ærø Whisky resides in the backyard of Den Gamle Købmandsgård (The Old Merchant House) in Ærøskøbing. The distillery and shop are located in beautifully renovated premises that once served as the merchant house’s old wash house.
5 Skarø: Trails to all corners of the island
The ferry M/F Højstene, which sails to Skarø from Svendborg, has departure times perfectly suited for a full-day trip. And one day is perfect if you want to hike around the small island, which is just over 2 kilometers in circumference.
Trails have been laid out all over the island, which is so small it’s impossible to get lost. If you prefer to follow a route, here’s an example: Start by heading southwest on Søndre Stænge. Soon you’ll reach Skarø Church, built in a hollow because the farmers couldn’t agree on who should give up valuable farmland.
Next to the church is a large sheepfold, where you can enter through a gate and find the trail heading northwest. The trail leads through flat coastal meadows to the beach, which you follow northwards until you reach Alhoved. Here and there, you’ll find tables and benches where you can enjoy your packed lunch.
