Det Gamle Værft – The Old Shipyard of Ærøskøbing
A working harbor shipyard turned hands-on maritime hub, where traditional crafts, nautical style, and Ærø’s seafaring heritage come together by the quayside.
Det Gamle Værft, set on Ærøskøbing’s historic harbor front, is a living maritime workshop, museum, and shop where traditional Danish shipbuilding and craftsmanship are kept vibrantly alive. In this socio-economic experience venue you can watch or join hands-on activities like forging, ropework, and woodcraft, then browse nautical clothing, locally made goods, and maritime souvenirs. It is an engaging stop for families, craft enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Ærø’s seafaring soul.
A brief summary to Det Gamle Værft
- Ærøskøbing Havn 4B, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- +4562521222
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least an hour so you have time to watch the workshops in action and then browse the maritime shop without rushing.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty if you hope to join any hands-on craft activities around the forge or workbenches.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Ærøskøbing’s historic streets and harborfront to better appreciate the shipyard’s setting.
- If you are interested in specific crafts like blacksmithing or knot work, check locally for current workshop schedules before you go.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and short walk from Søby or Marstal
From elsewhere on Ærø, travel first by bus or car to Ærøskøbing, then continue on foot. Buses connecting Søby, Marstal, and Ærøskøbing typically take 25–40 minutes depending on route and are often free of charge for passengers. From the central area of Ærøskøbing it is an easy, mostly level 5–15 minute walk through the historic quarter to the harbor where Det Gamle Værft lies directly on the quay, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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On foot within Ærøskøbing
If you are staying in Ærøskøbing, reach Det Gamle Værft by walking through the compact old town toward the waterfront. Most guesthouses in the historic core are within 10–20 minutes’ walk. The route is gently sloping with cobblestones in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended and wheelchair users may find some surfaces uneven but manageable near the harbor.
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Bicycle from around the island
Cycling to Ærøskøbing is a popular way to arrive. From Marstal, the ride typically takes 45–60 minutes, while from Søby it is about 35–50 minutes, depending on pace and wind. The roads are generally quiet but can be exposed in breezy weather, so dress for changing conditions. Bicycle hire on the island usually costs in the range of 80–150 DKK per day, and you can park your bike close to the harbor before exploring the shipyard on foot.
Det Gamle Værft location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Det Gamle Værft
Harbor-front workshop in the heart of Ærø’s seafaring story
Det Gamle Værft sits directly on the old harbor of Ærøskøbing, surrounded by bobbing masts, weathered timbers, and the soft clink of rigging against metal. The setting alone tells you this is not a static museum but a place where maritime heritage is still very much alive. In the low, workshop-style buildings, the smell of salt air mingles with wood shavings and warm metal from the forge, evoking centuries of island shipbuilding. The venue is conceived as a socio-economic experience space, where local craftspeople, volunteers, and partners use traditional skills to create modern opportunities. This gives the shipyard a subtly different atmosphere from a conventional attraction: it feels both authentic and quietly industrious, rooted in everyday harbor life rather than staged spectacle.Living craftsmanship: from forge and woodshop to rope and rigging
Inside the workshops, traditional techniques take center stage. You may see the blacksmith’s fire glowing as iron is heated, hammered, and shaped into functional hardware like hooks, hinges, and knives, echoing the tools once vital to sailing ships. Nearby, woodworkers plane planks and fashion smaller items, drawing on long-honed boatbuilding skills that helped define Ærø’s working waterfront. Ropework and knot craft are another specialty here. Displays and demonstrations highlight intricate knots, macramé pieces, and maritime rigging methods, some inspired by masters of the trade. The focus is on learning by doing: the environment encourages curiosity about how things are made, and the clatter of tools and low hum of conversation reinforces the sense of a real, working yard.The Old Shipyard shop: maritime style and island-made treasures
Attached to the workshop spaces is a distinctive shop that extends the maritime story into clothing and design. Racks of robust workwear and sailor-inspired garments recall the practical outfits worn by travelling craftsmen and seafarers in the 19th century, adapted today for life on deck or relaxed holidays by the sea. The fabrics tend to be sturdy and understated, designed for weather that can quickly shift along the Baltic coast. The shelves are lined with souvenirs that are often produced on-site or sourced from local makers. Visitors can find forged knives and metal fittings from the workshop, hand-tied macramé, nautical accessories, postcards, knitwear, sweets, and artworks with motifs drawn from the South Funen archipelago. Rather than generic trinkets, the selection reflects the skills and materials that define this particular harbor community.Hands-on learning for all ages by the water’s edge
Det Gamle Værft is especially suited to travelers who enjoy tactile, educational experiences. The layout and programming are designed so children and adults can engage with tools, materials, and stories at their own pace. Interpretive displays give accessible background on shipbuilding, seafaring, and coastal crafts, helping you connect individual objects – from a hand-forged hinge to a knotted rope – with broader maritime traditions. Because everything unfolds right on the quay, the boundary between museum and harbor is porous. Through open doors you can catch glimpses of boats moored outside, or step briefly from the buzzing workshop into the open air for views of Ærøskøbing’s colorful waterfront houses. It is easy to combine time at the shipyard with a wander through cobbled streets or a quiet moment watching the light play on the water.A small-scale cultural anchor in Ærøskøbing’s historic harbor
Though modest in size, Det Gamle Værft plays an outsized role in telling the story of Ærø’s relationship with the sea. It sits within a broader network of maritime museums and heritage sites in the South Funen archipelago, yet keeps its focus intimate and hands-on rather than encyclopedic. The emphasis on working skills, reuse of traditional methods, and cooperation with local producers gives the venue a contemporary relevance that goes beyond nostalgia. For visitors, this translates into a compact but rich stop: an hour or two here can add texture and depth to any visit to Ærøskøbing, grounding picturesque harbor views in the practical realities of boats, tools, and the people who have shaped them across generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
0.0 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
0.1 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.1 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
0.2 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Danish Island Weddings
0.3 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
0.3 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
4.2 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Forladt skorsten
6.1 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.6 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
8.0 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
19.9 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Saint Nicolai's Church
22.5 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Hafenbune Mommark
23.8 km
Discover the laid-back maritime allure and coastal serenity of Hafenbune Mommark, a historic harbour hub on the southeast shores of scenic Als, Sønderjylland.
Holstenshuus
24.5 km
Discover Holstenshuus, a historic estate near Faaborg, Denmark, offering a serene Rococo garden, rich history dating back to 1314, and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Jazzfestival
0.0 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Flaske-Peters Samling
0.2 km
An intimate maritime museum in Ærøskøbing’s old poorhouse, filled with Flaske-Peter’s extraordinary ships in bottles and miniature seafaring worlds in glass.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
0.2 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
0.3 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
0.3 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Church
0.4 km
An 18th‑century island church with medieval roots, blue maritime pews and hanging model ships, offering a quiet window into Ærø’s seafaring soul.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
1.0 km
A ribbon of tiny, colourful wooden bath huts on Ærøskøbing’s Vesterstrand, blending living island tradition with one of Ærø’s most scenic, swimmable beaches.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
1.0 km
A modest island playground and shelter spot on Ærø’s edge, blending simple outdoor fun, family-friendly space and back-to-basics overnight stays under open skies.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
3.4 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
3.8 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Ærø
3.9 km
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Ærø Bryggeri
4.6 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Ærø Flyveplads
5.0 km
A small grass airfield in Ærø’s countryside, where island tranquillity meets light aircraft, scenic flights and colourful community events under wide open skies.
Strandbyen Havn
5.4 km
Small, scenic marina and beachside hideaway on Ærø’s eastern tip, where simple harbour life, camping and open seascapes meet in a quietly charming setting.
Voderup Klint
5.7 km
Terraced coastal cliffs where Ice Age geology, open sea views and tranquil island farmland meet in one of Ærø’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Kraut & Koala
0.0 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.1 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
0.1 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
0.2 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Badehotel Harmonien
0.2 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Hotel The Monica
0.2 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
0.3 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Landbogården
0.3 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Den Hemmelige Café
0.3 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Restaurant MUMM
0.4 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Vindeballe Kro
4.1 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Dunkær Kro
4.8 km
Roadside inn, workers’ pub and countryside stop rolled into one, Dunkær Kro serves hearty Danish fare and local atmosphere on the quiet back roads of Ærø.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
7.5 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Hotel Udsigten Marstal
7.5 km
Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fabrek Pop Up
0.0 km
A small harbourfront pop-up in Ærøskøbing, blending Scandinavian design, cozy homeware and thoughtful gifts in a calm, contemporary setting by the sea.
Butik Stokrosen
0.1 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Shop
0.2 km
Atmospheric lifestyle and gift shop on Brogade in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending traditional hardware-store roots with cozy Danish design and island-inspired finds.
Valk Inter Collection
0.2 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
Gyden 13
0.2 km
A cosy fashion accessories hideaway on a cobbled lane in Ærøskøbing, where retro-inspired pieces and Danish simplicity meet island charm and slow travel.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
0.2 km
A cosy little museum shop in Ærøskøbing’s old sheriff’s house, pairing kiosk charm with curated books and souvenirs that tell the story of Ærø island.
Søstærk Print & Papir
0.3 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
0.3 km
Historic island grocer and café where Ærøskøbing's maritime heritage meets contemporary artisanal food culture.
Ærø Glaskunst
0.3 km
Handmade glass art, island-inspired design and a cozy café nook, all tucked into a historic street in the heart of fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Kunstmågen
0.3 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
0.3 km
A serene yarn and design boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old savings bank, where natural fibres, thoughtful details and island calm invite you to slow down and create.
Den Gamle Isenkram
0.4 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Tøjshoppen
0.4 km
Practical island clothing and home textiles in the heart of Ærøskøbing’s cobbled old town, ideal for topping up your wardrobe or holiday cottage essentials.
Island Living Ærø
0.4 km
A cosy craft, yarn and leather shop on Ærøskøbing’s main square, where Nordic design, island inspiration and tactile materials come together in one intimate space.
Creutz Boghandel
0.4 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
0.1 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
7.6 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
7.9 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Foley's Pub
7.9 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
8.0 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
8.2 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Rådhuskælderen
10.8 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
19.5 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
19.5 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Dybendal
19.7 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Sukker
19.8 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
19.8 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
No. 10
20.0 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Langelands Jazzklub
20.5 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
Basicbigband
20.5 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly