Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej, Ærøskøbing
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.
Strung out along Ærøskøbing’s Vesterstrand, the Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej are over 70 small, brightly painted wooden beach huts that have become one of Ærø’s most distinctive sights. Dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these privately owned, minimalist cabins sit directly on the sand, framing views across the South Funen Archipelago and creating a colourful backdrop to one of the island’s most beloved swimming beaches.
A brief summary to Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
- Vestre Strandvej 1, 2, 5970, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon on a clear day to see the huts glow in warm light and to enjoy some of Ærø’s most beautiful sunset colours over the South Funen Archipelago.
- Remember that the huts are privately owned; you are welcome to swim and photograph from the beach, but avoid stepping onto decks, stairs or peeking inside windows.
- Pack swimwear, a towel and something warm for after your dip; the shallow water is inviting in summer, but breezes off the sea can cool quickly outside high season.
- If you are taking photos, walk a little way along the shoreline to capture the full curve of the beach huts with sea and sky layered behind them.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and walk from Ærøskøbing harbour
From the South Funen mainland, travel by ferry to Ærøskøbing, with regular departures from Svendborg; the sailing takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and foot passenger tickets typically cost around 120–180 DKK one way depending on season and discounts. Once in Ærøskøbing, the beach huts are within a 10–20 minute mostly level walk from the harbour through the town and along the waterfront, suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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Local bus within Ærø
Ærø operates local buses that connect Ærøskøbing with other parts of the island, timed to many ferry arrivals and departures. The journey into Ærøskøbing town from nearby villages is usually under 30 minutes and free of charge on most routes, but services run less frequently in the evening and outside summer, so it is worth checking the timetable in advance. From central Ærøskøbing, expect a short walk of around 10–20 minutes on flat terrain to reach the beach huts, making this a convenient low-cost option.
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Car or bicycle on Ærø
If you bring a car or bicycle on the ferry, you can reach the area around Vestre Strandvej from Ærøskøbing in roughly 5–10 minutes. Car tickets on the ferry are typically in the range of 250–400 DKK one way depending on vehicle size and season, while bringing a bicycle adds only a small fee or is sometimes included with a passenger ticket. Parking regulations near the waterfront can vary and may be limited in peak summer, so consider leaving the car slightly outside the busiest streets and cycling or walking the final stretch along quiet local roads.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
Colourful cabins on Ærøskøbing’s golden strand
The Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej line the shallow, sandy curve of Vesterstrand, just west of Ærøskøbing’s old town. Each hut is a tiny timber box, perched on low stilts or foundations in the sand, painted in distinctive colours that range from butter yellow and sky blue to deep red and forest green. Together they form a cheerful ribbon that immediately signals you have arrived somewhere uniquely Ærø. The setting is intimate and human in scale. Low dunes, calm water and broad skies give the huts a generous backdrop without ever overwhelming them. From the shore you can watch ferries gliding to and from Ærøskøbing harbour while swimmers, paddleboarders and sailors share the bay in front of the huts.A heritage of simple seaside pleasures
The first bathing huts appeared here in the late 1800s, when sea bathing grew fashionable and islanders wanted modest places to change and relax close to the water. Over time more were added, gradually filling the strand with small, privately owned houses that became tightly woven into local families’ summer traditions. Today there are more than 70 huts along Vesterstrand, and they are recognised as part of Ærø’s cultural heritage. Regulations preserve their modest size and simple construction, which is why they remain without permanent electricity or plumbing. Their very limitations keep the focus on fresh air, daylight and the sea rather than modern comforts.Life between beach, dunes and sea
On a warm day the area around the huts feels like a relaxed open-air living room. Towels hang over handrails, coffee steams from thermos flasks, and children drift constantly between water’s edge and hut steps. The beach itself is shallow and usually calm, which makes it especially welcoming for less confident swimmers. As the sun moves across the horizon, the light transforms the scene. Early mornings are quiet and contemplative, with long reflections on the water. Late afternoons cast the huts in a soft, honeyed glow, and on clear evenings the sunset over the South Funen Archipelago can be spectacular, with silhouettes of masts and low islands on the horizon.Architecture in miniature
Although each hut follows a broadly similar format – a small rectangular room, simple door and a tiny deck or steps – the details differ. Rooflines, window shapes and colour choices give every cabin its own character. Some lean towards almost nautical simplicity, others sport playful trims or bolder hues, but all are resolutely minimalist in size. Seen together, the huts read like a line of architectural sketches: experiments in how little a seaside retreat really needs. Their presence has become as emblematic for Ærøskøbing as the town’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, extending the historic character of the town right out onto the sand.Respecting a living local tradition
Although many visitors photograph the huts and use the beach freely, the cabins themselves remain private. Doors are kept closed when owners are away, and interiors are simple spaces reserved for families and friends. Enjoying the area is about appreciating the atmosphere rather than entering the buildings. The surrounding strand is open to all, and you are free to swim, stroll the waterline and pause on the sand between the huts, always taking care not to block steps or doors. In this way, the Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej offer a rare chance to experience an authentic, ongoing seaside tradition while still feeling warmly welcomed at the heart of everyday island life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.9 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
1.0 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
1.0 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Hotel Ærøhus
1.0 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
1.2 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
1.2 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
1.3 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
4.9 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
5.8 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.0 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
8.9 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.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
20.7 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
22.2 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
23.1 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
23.6 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
Det Gamle Værft
1.0 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
1.0 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
1.1 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.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
1.2 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
1.2 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
1.2 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Church
1.3 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.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
1.9 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 Ærøs Samling
4.1 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
4.3 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Ærø
4.4 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
5.2 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Voderup Klint
5.6 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 Flyveplads
5.9 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
6.2 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.
Essential places to dine
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.9 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
1.0 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
1.0 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
1.1 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Landbogården
1.1 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
1.1 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Den Hemmelige Café
1.1 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.
Hotel The Monica
1.1 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
1.2 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
1.2 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Restaurant MUMM
1.2 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
5.6 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
8.4 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
8.4 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
Butik Stokrosen
0.9 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Fabrek Pop Up
1.0 km
A small harbourfront pop-up in Ærøskøbing, blending Scandinavian design, cozy homeware and thoughtful gifts in a calm, contemporary setting by the sea.
Valk Inter Collection
1.0 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
Søstærk Print & Papir
1.1 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Gyden 13
1.1 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.
Ærø Glaskunst
1.1 km
Handmade glass art, island-inspired design and a cozy café nook, all tucked into a historic street in the heart of fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Shop
1.1 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.
Creutz Boghandel
1.1 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
1.2 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
stil & hygge
1.2 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
1.2 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.
Den Gamle Isenkram
1.2 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Reloved with Other Stories
1.2 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.2 km
Compact Red Cross thrift shop in Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, offering second-hand clothing and small treasures that turn bargain hunting into humanitarian support.
Tøjshoppen
1.2 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
1.0 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
8.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
8.8 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
8.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
8.9 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
9.1 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.
Rådhuskælderen
9.9 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
19.9 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
19.9 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
20.1 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.
Kompasset
20.2 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.
Sukker
20.2 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.2 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
20.4 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.
Skrumpklunk Institute
20.9 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
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