Coast Gallery (C O A S T g a l l e r y), Ærøskøbing

A small seaside studio-gallery on Ærø’s south coast, where artist Henrik Thorsøe weaves the island’s shifting light, music and poetry into intimate coastal paintings.

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Coast Gallery

Coast Gallery is an intimate art space on the windswept southern shore of Ærø, a short way from storybook Ærøskøbing. Opened in 2015 by artist and musician Henrik Thorsøe, this working gallery brings together his paintings, music and poetry, all steeped in the island’s sea light and changing skies. Step inside a relaxed, lived-in studio atmosphere, browse coastal-inspired canvases, and talk directly with the artist about life and creativity on this small Danish island.

A brief summary to Coast Gallery

Søndre Kystvej 19, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Check current opening hours in advance; the gallery keeps flexible, seasonal times and may not be open every day, especially outside summer.
Bring cash or a mobile payment option if you plan to buy a small artwork, print or music, as point-of-sale facilities can be limited on the island.
Combine your visit with a gentle coastal walk along Ærø’s southern shore to see the same light and seascapes that inspire the paintings.

Getting There

Ferry and local bus from Svendborg

From Svendborg, take the passenger and car ferry to Ærøskøbing, which usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Standard adult tickets typically cost around 120–180 DKK one way, with higher prices for vehicles. Once in Ærøskøbing, a local island bus connects the town with nearby stretches of the south coast in roughly 10–20 minutes, though services are less frequent outside summer. Buses on Ærø are generally free, but timetables are limited in the evenings and on some weekends, so it is worth checking schedules in advance.
Bicycle from Ærøskøbing town

Hiring a bicycle in Ærøskøbing is a popular way to reach the southern shoreline. The ride to the gallery area typically takes 10–20 minutes along small country roads with light traffic and gentle hills. Expect basic rental bikes to cost around 80–150 DKK per day, with discounts for longer rentals. Surfaces are mostly paved but can be exposed to wind, so pack a windproof layer and be prepared for changeable weather throughout the year.
Taxi from Ærøskøbing harbour

Local taxis based in Ærøskøbing can drive you to the south coast location in approximately 5–10 minutes. Fares on the island are usually metered with starting fees, and a short trip in this range often costs around 120–200 DKK depending on time of day and any waiting time. Taxis are limited in number, especially outside peak season and in the evening, so advance booking by phone is advisable.

Coast Gallery location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather

Discover more about Coast Gallery

Art on a windswept Danish shoreline

Set on Søndre Kystvej just outside Ærøskøbing, Coast Gallery feels closely tied to the sea it overlooks. The building is modest, but large windows and simple interiors draw your eye outward to sky, fields and water. Inside, the space is arranged more like a working studio than a white-cube gallery, with canvases leaning against walls, sketchbooks on tables and the faint smell of oil paint in the air. The gallery was opened in 2015 by local artist Henrik Thorsøe, who began painting in 2004 after years of living with the island’s dramatic light and weather. His decision to create a permanent gallery here reflects a wider creative energy on Ærø, where small workshops, makers and musicians have long used the island’s isolation as inspiration rather than limitation.

Henrik Thorsøe’s coastal universe

Henrik’s work is the quiet heart of Coast Gallery. His paintings often draw on the meeting of land and sea: low horizons, heavy skies, and the diffuse glow of Nordic evenings. Some canvases lean toward abstraction, with layered blues, greys and rust tones suggesting harbours, hulls and storm fronts; others pick out familiar island motifs more clearly, such as shoreline houses or distant navigation lights. Alongside the paintings you may find printed poems and music composed by Henrik, extending the same coastal themes into words and sound. This combination of art forms gives the gallery a distinctly personal tone, as if you are being invited into an ongoing project about place, memory and weather. The work fits naturally into Ærø’s broader story, where maritime history and rural life have shaped local identity for centuries.

A slow, conversational gallery experience

Visiting Coast Gallery is an unhurried experience. There is usually only one small room open, sometimes extended into a second space or a simple display in the garden when weather allows. Without crowds or formal tours, you can move at your own pace, pausing over a particular brushstroke or stepping back to see how a series of canvases echo the colours of the day outside. One of the pleasures here is the chance to speak directly with the artist if he is present. Conversations might range from practical questions about technique to exchanges about island life in winter, the rhythm of storms, or the way light changes across the Baltic. Purchases, if you choose to make one, are handled informally, reinforcing the feeling that this is first and foremost a working studio.

Ærø’s creative edge beyond the old town

While most visitors focus their time in Ærøskøbing’s cobbled centre, Coast Gallery offers a different angle on the island’s character. Out here, the sense of open space is stronger: fields stretch toward low cliffs, sea birds wheel overhead, and the sounds of town life soften into the background. It is easy to combine a visit with a coastal walk, using the gallery as a reflective pause between stretches of shoreline. This location also underlines how creativity on Ærø is not confined to a single street or square. From glass workshops and door-step craft stalls to music evenings in village halls, the island supports a network of small-scale makers. Coast Gallery stands as one of the more personal expressions of that scene, anchored in a single artist’s response to the coast.

When to visit and what to expect

Coast Gallery operates with flexible opening periods, often concentrating activity in the milder months when more people are exploring the island. Hours can vary with seasons and the artist’s commitments, so it is common to find days when the door is closed and the building sits quietly facing the sea. When open, entry is free, and you are welcome simply to look without any pressure to buy. Allow at least half an hour to absorb the work, more if you enjoy talking about process and place. There are no formal amenities inside beyond basic seating and a calm spot to linger, so it is best to arrive with any refreshments you need. The reward is a peaceful, authentic encounter with Ærø’s creative life, framed by the constant presence of the coast just beyond the windows.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Rise Kirke

2.1 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.

Andelen Guesthouse

5.8 km

Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.

På Torvet

5.9 km

Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.

Danish Island Weddings

5.9 km

Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.

Hotel Ærøhus

6.0 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.

Forladt skorsten

6.0 km

A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.

Ærøfærgerne

6.2 km

Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

6.2 km

Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

6.2 km

Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.

Bregninge Kirke

7.8 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

9.2 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"

20.9 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

28.5 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.

Anne Hvide's House

28.6 km

Svendborg's oldest house: a ochre-yellow Renaissance gem where nobility, hospitality, and history converge.

Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum

28.7 km

Explore Denmark's social welfare history at Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum in Svendborg, the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic countries, offering a poignant journey into the lives of the marginalized.

Unmissable attractions to see

God badestrand

1.5 km

A peaceful Baltic beach where Danish coastal simplicity meets island tranquility.

Ærø Bryggeri

1.7 km

Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.

Ærø

2.4 km

Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.

Mindesten for Ærøs Samling

3.3 km

Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.

Vejsnæs Nakke Fyr

3.4 km

A modest working lighthouse on Ærø’s exposed southern tip, where Ice Age cliffs, sweeping sea views and restless wind meet in a quietly dramatic coastal landscape.

Sankt Alberts church

3.7 km

Grassy earthworks on a windswept headland mark where a Viking fort and medieval church once watched over Ærø’s coast, their story now held in turf and sea air.

Mindesten for Edvard Biering

3.9 km

A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.

View Point

4.2 km

A simple stop on Ærø’s coastal dike with sweeping views of sea, marsh and sky, perfect for a quiet pause, a photo, or a golden-hour moment between towns.

Voderup Klint

4.4 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

5.0 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.

Naturlegepladsen & shelters

5.4 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.

Ærøskøbing Church

5.9 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.

Ærø Whiskey Destilleri

5.9 km

Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.

Hammerich House • Aero Museum

6.0 km

A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.

Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

6.0 km

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

Essential places to dine

Dunkær Kro

2.6 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.

Vindeballe Kro

4.3 km

Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.

Restaurant MUMM

5.9 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.

Den Hemmelige Café

5.9 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.

Cafe På Torvet

5.9 km

Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.

Landbogården

5.9 km

Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.

Bang’s Mad & Vinbar

6.0 km

Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.

Hotel The Monica

6.0 km

Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.

Badehotel Harmonien

6.0 km

Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.

Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant

6.1 km

Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.

Ærøskøbing Røgeri

6.2 km

Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.

Kraut & Koala

6.2 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

6.3 km

Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.

Reventlow's Gastropub & Burgers

8.8 km

Laid-back island gastropub in Marstal serving hearty burgers, bar snacks and late-night music in a compact, lively setting on historic Kongensgade.

MARSTANG café

8.8 km

Island café where sourdough bread bowls and natural wine capture Ærø's seasonal soul

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.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Arrebo

6.2 km

Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.

Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris

8.7 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

9.1 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

13.3 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

23.5 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

23.5 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

23.7 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

23.7 km

Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.

Kasket karl

23.8 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

23.9 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

24.3 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

24.3 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.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Ommel

7.6 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

28.7 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

38.8 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

38.9 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

39.1 km

Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.

Dance All Over

45.0 km

Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.

CLUB ZANZI

47.9 km

High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.

Muzirkus

57.8 km

Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.

Orange Club

58.5 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kiel at Orange Club, where the music is pumping and the dance floor is waiting.

Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club

58.6 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.

KJ's bodel

58.9 km

Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.

Luna Club

58.9 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Luna Club in Kiel, where electrifying music, exquisite cocktails, and unforgettable events await you.

Rathausbunker Kiel

59.6 km

Experience the underground nightlife of Kiel at Rathausbunker, where music and energy collide for unforgettable nights.

Ben Briggs

59.9 km

Discover the heart of Kiel's nightlife at Ben Briggs, a lively disco club and bar where you can dance the night away in an electrifying atmosphere.

Anna Club & Discostadl

60.4 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kiel at Anna Club & Discostadl, a premier disco club where rhythm and excitement meet.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Coast Gallery (C O A S T g a l l e r y), Ærøskøbing

A brief summary to Coast Gallery

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Ferry and local bus from Svendborg

Bicycle from Ærøskøbing town

Taxi from Ærøskøbing harbour

Coast Gallery location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Coast Gallery

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Coast Gallery

Art on a windswept Danish shoreline

Henrik Thorsøe’s coastal universe

A slow, conversational gallery experience

Ærø’s creative edge beyond the old town

When to visit and what to expect

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Rise Kirke

Andelen Guesthouse

På Torvet

Danish Island Weddings

Hotel Ærøhus

Forladt skorsten

Ærøfærgerne

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

Bregninge Kirke

Monument for Danske Sømænd

Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"

Saint Nicolai's Church

Anne Hvide's House

Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum

Unmissable attractions to see

God badestrand

Ærø Bryggeri

Ærø

Mindesten for Ærøs Samling

Vejsnæs Nakke Fyr

Sankt Alberts church

Mindesten for Edvard Biering

View Point

Voderup Klint

Ærø Flyveplads

Naturlegepladsen & shelters

Ærøskøbing Church

Ærø Whiskey Destilleri

Hammerich House • Aero Museum

Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

Essential places to dine

Dunkær Kro

Vindeballe Kro

Restaurant MUMM

Den Hemmelige Café

Cafe På Torvet

Landbogården

Bang’s Mad & Vinbar

Hotel The Monica

Badehotel Harmonien

Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant

Ærøskøbing Røgeri

Kraut & Koala

Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST

Reventlow's Gastropub & Burgers

MARSTANG café

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Galleri Strandesen

Neli Garnet

Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market

Blåbær Gårdbutik

Red Cross Op Shop

Zac N Grey

Reloved with Other Stories

Donna & Miss Daisy

stil & hygge

LINEN BY KREBS Ærø

Blandede Bolcher

Verdens Mindste Stormagasin