Background

Ærø Museum

A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.

4.3

Housed in a beautifully preserved 1775 sheriff's house on Brogade in Ærøskøbing, Ærø Museum tells the story of life on this Danish island across centuries. The exhibitions explore Ærø's distinctive history—from its complex position between Schleswig and Denmark to its maritime heritage and modern identity. A charming town garden adjacent to the museum recreates the appearance of a 1920s garden, while interactive elements like a free cat treasure hunt make the experience engaging for families.

A brief summary to Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

  • Brogade 3, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
  • +4562522950
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-3 pm
  • Friday 11 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer season (June–August) when extended hours allow more flexibility, and the adjacent garden is in full bloom.
  • Purchase a combined ticket to access both Ærø Museum and Hammerich's House for a more comprehensive view of period life on the island.
  • Allow time to explore the 1920s-style market garden adjacent to the museum—it offers peaceful reflection and historical context.
  • If traveling with children aged 4–8, ask about the free cat treasure hunt with Storm the house cat for an engaging, interactive experience.
  • Book a group guided tour at least 14 days in advance for deeper insights into Ærø's complex history and the building's architectural significance.
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Getting There

  • Ferry from Søby Harbour

    From Søby Harbour on Als, take the Ærøskøbing ferry operated by Ærøfærgerne. Journey time is approximately 65 minutes. Ferries run year-round with reduced frequency in winter (typically 1–2 departures daily) and increased service in summer (3–4 daily). Standard adult fare is approximately 180–220 DKK (€24–30) return. Upon arrival at Ærøskøbing Harbour, the museum is a 5-minute walk through the town center via Brogade.

  • Ferry from Fåborg Harbour

    From Fåborg on Funen, take the Ærøskøbing ferry (approximately 60 minutes). Service runs year-round with 1–3 daily departures depending on season. Standard adult return fare is approximately 180–220 DKK (€24–30). The museum is accessible within 5 minutes on foot from Ærøskøbing Harbour via central streets.

  • Car with ferry from Søby or Fåborg

    Drive to either Søby Harbour (Als) or Fåborg Harbour (Funen) and board the car ferry with your vehicle. Ferry crossings take 60–65 minutes. Vehicle transport costs approximately 400–500 DKK (€54–67) return for a standard car, plus passenger fares. Upon arrival in Ærøskøbing, drive to the town center and park near Brogade; the museum is steps away. Parking is available in the town center.

  • Bicycle with ferry

    Bring or rent a bicycle and transport it on the ferry from Søby or Fåborg (approximately 60–65 minutes). Bicycle transport costs approximately 50–70 DKK (€7–9) return. Upon arrival, cycle to Brogade in the town center (under 1 km from the harbour). Ærøskøbing is highly bicycle-friendly with flat terrain and dedicated cycling routes.

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Discover more about Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

A Sheriff's House Becomes a Museum

Brogade 3–5 stands as one of Ærøskøbing's finest architectural treasures, built in 1775 by Johan Heinrich Prehn, the island's first sheriff. The position of sheriff was established in 1773 as a royal representative role, similar to positions found in the Faroe Islands and the Danish West Indies. After Prehn's tenure, the house served as residence and office for successive officials and their families, functioning at various times as a post office and district tax office. Around 1840, the building was divided into two units for administrative purposes, which explains the presence of two main doors and two staircases leading to the first floor. The house gained protected status in 1919 and has housed Ærø Museum's exhibitions since 1955, preserving its fine architectural details for visitors to admire.

Ærø's Complex Border History

The museum's core narrative centers on Ærø's unique geographical and political position in both the Baltic Sea and the South Funen Archipelago. This location created a distinctive cultural crossroads, with the island's people leaning toward both Schleswig and Denmark throughout history. The border acted as both a resource and a source of complexity, enabling trade and shipping opportunities while creating intricate administrative challenges. The exhibitions showcase weights, measures, and coin finds from Ærøskøbing that document the island's extensive trading relations throughout the Baltic region. Visitors can also explore how the border influenced local building practices and food culture, with the Western Ærø dialect reflecting connections to Als and the South Funen islands, while Eastern Ærø revealed links to Langeland and Lolland.

From Past to Present: Life on Ærø

The museum's exhibitions span from the island's medieval past through to contemporary life, with special exhibitions rotating annually to highlight different aspects of Ærø's heritage. Displays feature antiques and paintings from the mid-1800s, providing insight into domestic life and artistic traditions. Thematic sections guide visitors through key historical moments, including Ærø's experience during the Duchy of Schleswig period before the defeat at Dybbøl in 1864, and the emergence of wedding tourism in modern times. The museum also explains distinctive local traditions, such as why islanders boil eggs on the beach on Easter Saturday, and explores the history behind the island's two local flags. These narratives create a comprehensive portrait of how Ærø's residents have adapted to and shaped their island home across generations.

The Garden and Interactive Experiences

Adjacent to the main museum building lies a charming market garden planted with species and varieties that would have been cultivated around 1920. This living exhibition provides a sensory connection to the island's agricultural past and offers a peaceful respite during your visit. For younger visitors, the museum offers a free cat treasure hunt featuring Storm, the house cat, designed for children aged 4–8 years and their accompanying adults. The exhibitions themselves are thoughtfully designed to engage children, with numerous artifacts and displays that spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Combined tickets provide access to both Ærø Museum and Hammerich's House, an untouched gem in central Ærøskøbing that offers additional insight into period life on the island.

Guided Tours and Group Experiences

Groups can arrange guided tours at Ærø Museum, though bookings must be made well in advance—at least 14 days before your visit. These curated experiences allow for deeper engagement with the museum's collections and narratives, guided by knowledgeable staff who can provide context and answer questions. The museum's administrative building, Dommergården, is located in the Town Square and serves as the operational hub for the institution.

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