Søbygaard Manor & Activity Centre
Historic ducal manor turned lively activity centre, where Ærø’s noble past, island geology and family-friendly experiences come together beside a tranquil moat.
Søbygaard is Ærø’s last ducal manor house, set in gentle countryside just outside the port town of Søby. This compact moated estate blends 16th–17th century history with a lively activity centre, Geopark Visitor Centre, family-friendly nature play and seasonal exhibitions. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, walk the ramparts, learn about Ærø’s geology and island life, and enjoy concerts and events in an intimate rural setting.
A brief summary to Søbygård
- Søbygårdsvej 2, Søby, 5985, DK
- +4530535958
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- 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 current opening months and event listings in advance; hours vary by season, with extra activities and concerts concentrated in late spring, summer and the autumn holidays.
- Combine your visit with a short walk around the moat and nearby bird area; bring binoculars if you enjoy spotting coastal and wetland species.
- Allow extra time for the Geopark Visitor Centre if you plan to explore Ærø’s nature; it gives useful background to beaches, cliffs and viewpoints around the island.
- Families with younger children may want to coincide their visit with school-holiday activity days, when treasure hunts and hands-on workshops are more frequent.
- If attending an evening concert, bring an extra layer; even on mild days, temperatures can drop quickly around sunset in the open countryside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Free island bus from Ærøskøbing
From Ærøskøbing, take the island’s free public bus towards Søby; services typically run at least hourly during the day, and the journey to the stop by Søbygaard takes around 25–35 minutes. Buses are step-access with limited space for wheelchairs and prams, and timetables can be reduced outside peak seasons, so check times before setting out. Travel is free of charge on these municipal buses.
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Car or taxi from Søby ferry harbour
If you arrive by ferry in Søby, Søbygaard lies roughly a 5–10 minute drive inland through light countryside. Taxis are limited and usually need to be pre-booked; expect to pay in the region of 80–150 DKK each way, depending on waiting time and season. Parking by the manor is generally straightforward but may be busier during major events and concert evenings.
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Cycling from nearby towns
Søbygaard is well suited to cyclists exploring Ærø. From Søby it is an easy ride of about 15–25 minutes on small country roads with gentle inclines, suitable for most people with basic cycling experience. From Ærøskøbing, plan for 35–50 minutes by regular bike. Surfaces are paved but can be windy and exposed; there is no dedicated cycle lane, so riders should be comfortable sharing the road with light traffic.
Søbygård location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Søbygård
A ducal manor in the Ærø countryside
Søbygaard sits in rolling fields a few kilometres from the harbour town of Søby, its low white buildings and red-tiled roofs reflected in a still moat. Built in the late 1500s for Duke Hans the Younger, it is considered Ærø’s last ducal manor house, a compact stronghold designed as much for prestige as for protection. Approaching across the old bridge, you step into a small but evocative world where noble life once played out on the edges of the Danish realm. The main house and farm buildings cluster around a cobbled courtyard, framed by grassy ramparts and wide skies. The scale is intimate: rather than an imposing palace, Søbygaard feels like a fortified country residence, with thick walls, timber beams and traces of the drawbridge age. Beyond the moat, walking paths lead into meadows and a nearby bird area, underlining how closely the manor is tied to the surrounding landscape.Stories of dukes, inheritance and island intrigue
Behind Søbygaard’s calm façade lies a surprisingly dramatic history. The manor was part of a small duchy centred on Ærø, ruled in the 17th century by Duke Christian, whose complicated family circumstances helped plunge the island into inheritance chaos. Exhibits and storytelling at Søbygaard bring to life this period of ducal politics, divided territories and the smuggling and grey trade that flourished when four different tax regimes overlapped on one small island. Inside the exhibition spaces you encounter timelines, portraits and artefacts that sketch the rise and fall of the ducal era. The focus is less on glittering court life and more on how shifting rules affected everyday people: farmers navigating new levies, merchants moving goods through a maze of jurisdictions, and local communities adapting to sudden change. Søbygaard becomes a lens on Ærø’s wider story, from feudal fragmentation to a more unified, modern island society.Geopark gateway to Ærø’s nature
Today Søbygaard is also home to the Geopark Visitor Centre for the South Fyn Archipelago, making it a key starting point for understanding Ærø’s natural history. Interactive displays explain how ice ages sculpted the low hills, cliffs and shallow seas that define the region, while maps highlight notable geospots and coastal formations across the island. Short films and models help clarify how land and sea have shifted over millennia. This geological perspective is woven into the manor’s setting. Just outside, trails connect the historic buildings with surrounding wetlands and birdlife. Families can combine time indoors with short walks to spotting platforms, while information panels highlight the connections between geology, farming and the cultural landscape. The result is a visit that links stone, soil and human stories in one compact site.Hands-on fun and seasonal activities
Søbygaard operates as an activity centre with a strong focus on children and intergenerational experiences. In the courtyard and grounds you may find treasure hunts, simple nature playground elements, or seasonal workshops such as kite building and apple pressing. These activities are designed to be informal and engaging, encouraging kids to explore both history and nature through play. Indoors, changing exhibitions often feature local art, crafts or themes tied to island life. During school holidays and autumn breaks, the programme expands with extra events, while later in the year Christmas art shows bring a festive atmosphere to the old rooms. The manor’s manageable size makes it easy to adapt a visit to the energy levels of younger travellers, with plenty of opportunities to step outside between exhibits.Concerts and quiet corners
Another strand of Søbygaard’s identity is its role as a cultural venue. A purpose-fitted concert hall hosts a series of classical performances in spring and summer, where chamber music resonates against thick historic walls. The combination of rural setting, small-scale audience and quality acoustics creates an intimate listening experience that feels far from city concert halls. At quieter times, the mood shifts toward contemplation. On a still day you might hear only birdsong, wind in the grass and the faint ripple of water in the moat. Benches placed around the grounds invite you to pause with views across fields or back towards the manor house. Whether you come for a concert, a family activity day or a short cultural stop between island bike rides, Søbygaard offers a calm, layered slice of Ærø life, where history, landscape and community meet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
3.3 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
5.2 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hotel Ærøhus
8.8 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.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
8.8 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
8.9 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
8.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
8.9 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
9.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
9.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
10.5 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.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
16.9 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.
Saint Nicolai's Church
26.0 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.
Augustenborg Palace
26.7 km
Denmark's largest baroque palace complex overlooking the fjord, where ducal history meets timeless gardens.
Langelands Museum
27.9 km
Explore Langeland's captivating history at Langelands Museum in Rudkøbing, showcasing artifacts from the Stone Age to modern times and offering insights into the island's rich cultural heritage.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
28.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Museum
0.0 km
Step into Ærø’s past inside a 1775 bailiff’s house, where island history, quirky traditions and a time‑capsule garden unfold in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Fyrtårn østmole
3.0 km
A small harbour lighthouse on Ærøskøbing’s eastern mole, Fyrtårn Østmole adds quiet maritime character and wide sea views to this fairytale Danish island port.
Fyrtårn vestmole
3.1 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Jørbæk Strand
3.6 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Voderup Klint
6.8 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
7.3 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
7.3 km
Discover Marstal’s iconic row of colorful bathing huts, a living symbol of Ærø’s seaside heritage and Danish summer life along the Baltic shore.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
8.1 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.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
8.2 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Det Gamle Værft
8.9 km
A working harbor shipyard turned hands-on maritime hub, where traditional crafts, nautical style, and Ærø’s seafaring heritage come together by the quayside.
Ærø Jazzfestival
8.9 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
8.9 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.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
8.9 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
9.0 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
9.0 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Essential places to dine
Crêperie Ærø
2.8 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Vindeballe Kro
7.0 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Landbogården
8.8 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Den Hemmelige Café
8.8 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.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
8.8 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
8.9 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
8.9 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant MUMM
8.9 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.
Hotel The Monica
9.0 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
9.0 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
9.0 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
9.0 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Badehotel Harmonien
9.0 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Dunkær Kro
11.8 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.
Avernakø Havnecafé
13.4 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
1.1 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
2.2 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
2.5 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
3.1 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
3.1 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
3.6 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
3.6 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
4.2 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
7.4 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Neli Garnet
8.3 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Butik Stokrosen
8.8 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Søstærk Print & Papir
8.8 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Valk Inter Collection
8.8 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
stil & hygge
8.8 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
Reloved with Other Stories
8.8 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
2.2 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.
Arrebo
8.9 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
16.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
16.7 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
16.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
16.9 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
17.1 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.
Kompasset
21.8 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Skrumpklunk Institute
24.4 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
tøsingen ivs
25.3 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
25.6 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
25.8 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Trier's Corner
26.1 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Vinsted
26.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Hemingway's Svendborg
26.1 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
14.1 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
26.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Old Danish Pub
31.6 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
31.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
31.8 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
37.0 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
50.5 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
52.8 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Muzirkus
53.1 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
53.2 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Den Brølende And
53.2 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Dansebar Odense
53.4 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
53.5 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Boogie Dance Café
53.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
53.6 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly