Marstal Søfartsmuseum: Seafaring Heritage in Aero’s Maritime Heart
Discover Aero’s maritime legacy at Marstal Søfartsmuseum, where centuries of Danish seafaring, shipbuilding, and global adventure come alive in immersive exhibits.
Marstal Søfartsmuseum is Aero’s most celebrated maritime museum, vividly telling the town’s centuries-old seafaring story. Immersive exhibits bring to life the everyday experience of mariners, shipbuilders, and explorers who shaped Marstal’s identity as Denmark’s “city of ships.” Visitors can explore model vessels, navigational instruments, and personal tales spanning from local times to global crossings, all set in a charmingly atmospheric former merchant house.
A brief summary to Søbygård
- Søbygårdsvej 2, Søby, 5985, DK
- +4530535958
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check for English-language guided tours, especially in high season—they offer fascinating insider stories.
- Families: look out for interactive sections and hands-on activities tailored to children.
- Allow extra time to relax in the museum’s original merchant house courtyard, a lovely spot for a breather.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Marstal Harbour nearby for a real sense of the town’s living maritime atmosphere.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Aero (Ærøskøbing), reach Marstal by taking a local bus, a journey offering views over gentle hills and coastline and typically lasting 20–25 minutes. Upon arrival at the Marstal town center, the museum is within a short stroll from the main harbor area, clearly signposted and set just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront. The walk immerses visitors in Marstal’s traditional maritime streetscape. No major hills or barriers, and the area is pedestrian-friendly.
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Public Transport
Regional buses connect Ærøskøbing and Marstal, operating hourly for a fare of approximately 25–35 DKK per adult. The bus station is centrally located in Marstal, with the museum visible a short walk away, close to both shopping and the harbor.
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Car
Driving from Ærøskøbing to Marstal takes about 20 minutes on the scenic main route across Aero Island. Parking is available near Marstal’s museum district, but spaces may be limited during summer, especially on weekends or festival days. Parking is generally free in town, but always check signage for time limits.
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Taxi
Taxis between Ærøskøbing and Marstal are readily available and the ride usually takes around 20 minutes. Expect to pay 180–250 DKK each way depending on vehicle size and time of day. Taxis drop visitors close to the museum entrance.
Discover more about Søbygård
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hotel Ærøhus
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Ærøfærgerne
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Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Danish Island Weddings
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På Torvet
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Ærøskøbing Church
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Ærø
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Rise Kirke
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Ærø Flyveplads
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Strandbyen Havn
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Sankt Alberts church
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Aero Hotel
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Museum
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Fyrtårn østmole
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Fyrtårn vestmole
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Jørbæk Strand
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Voderup Klint
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Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
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Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
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Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
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Flaske-Peters Samling
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Hammerich House • Aero Museum
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Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
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Charming, colorful beach huts dot Marstal’s shoreline, offering a glimpse into Denmark’s bathing culture and the tranquil island lifestyle of Ærø.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
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Coast Gallery
11.2 km
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God badestrand
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View Point
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Essential places to dine
Vindeballe Kro
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Landbogården
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Den Hemmelige Café
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Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
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Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
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Kraut & Koala
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Restaurant MUMM
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Hotel The Monica
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Cafe På Torvet
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Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
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Ærøskøbing Røgeri
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Badehotel Harmonien
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Ærø Bryggeri
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Dunkær Kro
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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