Flaske-Peters Samling (Flaskeskibsmuseet), Ærøskøbing

An intimate maritime museum in Ærøskøbing’s old poorhouse, filled with Flaske-Peter’s extraordinary ships in bottles and miniature seafaring worlds in glass.

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Flaske-Peters Samling

Flaske-Peters Samling in Ærøskøbing is a charming maritime museum dedicated to the life’s work of Peter “Flaske-Peter” Jacobsen, a sailor and bottle-ship craftsman. Housed in the town’s former poorhouse on Smedegade, it showcases hundreds of intricate ships in bottles, ship models and quirky bottle creations from around the world. The intimate rooms, creaking floors and dense displays offer a nostalgic glimpse into seafaring history, island craftsmanship and one man’s extraordinary patience and imagination.

A brief summary to Flaske-Peters Samling

Smedegade 22, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
+4581555972
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
Budget
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

Allow at least 30–60 minutes so you can look closely at the details rather than just walking past the shelves of bottles and models.
Combine your visit with a stroll to the nearby harbour and old town streets to put the miniature ships in context with Ærøskøbing’s maritime past.
Check current seasonal opening months and daily hours in advance, as the museum typically operates with limited hours and a defined summer season.
Photography without flash is generally the most respectful way to capture the intricate details without distracting reflections or glare.
On cooler or windy days, use the museum as a sheltered cultural stop in the middle of your walk around town.

Getting There

Ferry and walk from Svendborg

From Svendborg, take the passenger and car ferry to Ærøskøbing, a crossing that typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and runs several times daily in most seasons. Standard adult tickets usually range around 150–250 DKK one way depending on vehicle and time of year. On arrival, the museum is within a roughly 10–15 minute walk through the compact town centre on mostly flat, cobbled streets; the route is easy but less comfortable for some mobility aids due to uneven surfaces.
Regional bus on Ærø

If you are elsewhere on Ærø, use the island’s local bus services that connect main villages such as Marstal and Søby with Ærøskøbing, often coordinated with ferry arrivals. Typical travel times range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point. Services are generally low-cost or free, but they may run less frequently outside peak summer, so checking the latest timetable is important. From the bus stop in the centre of Ærøskøbing, expect about 5–10 minutes’ walking on level town streets to reach the museum.
Cycling across Ærø

Ærø is well suited to cycling, with modest hills and scenic roads linking villages. From Marstal or Søby, riding to Ærøskøbing usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on route and fitness. Standard bicycle rentals on the island commonly cost around 100–200 DKK per day. Roads are shared with cars but traffic is generally light; be prepared for coastal winds and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.

Flaske-Peters Samling location weather suitability

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Discover more about Flaske-Peters Samling

An island museum built around one man’s obsession

Flaske-Peters Samling is an intimate maritime museum in the heart of Ærøskøbing, devoted to the astonishing output of Peter Jacobsen, better known as “Flaske-Peter”. A sailor by trade and self-taught model-maker, he spent decades constructing miniature ships inside glass bottles, turning an idle pastime into a lifetime vocation. The collection captures a very personal corner of seafaring history, where patience, skill and imagination are preserved in glass. Step through the door on Smedegade and you enter a world where the sea has been tamed and shrunk to fit a shelf. Instead of grand galleries, you find low ceilings, close-packed display cases and walls lined with bottle silhouettes, each holding its own small adventure under glass.

The former poorhouse turned cabinet of curiosities

The museum is housed in Ærøskøbing’s former poorhouse, a modest 19th-century building that adds texture to the experience. Simple plastered walls, narrow stairways and worn wooden floors tell their own story about life on the island, long before tourism and holiday homes. Since 1943, these plain rooms have been home to the bottle-ship collection, transforming a place once associated with need into a celebration of creativity. Moving from room to room, you sense how the building and the collection belong together. The compact spaces suit the small scale of the works: shelves crowd with bottles, glass cases glow softly, and the light from small-paned windows picks out masts and rigging in quiet detail.

Hundreds of ships in bottles and inventive glass worlds

At the heart of the collection are hundreds of ships in bottles, part of the more than 1,700 that Flaske-Peter is known to have created over his lifetime. You see everything from square whisky bottles and long-necked liqueur bottles to green beer bottles and fanciful glass shapes, all pressed into service as miniature stages. Inside them, tiny hulls, billowing sails and painted seas recreate schooners, brigs and steamers with surprising accuracy. Alongside the bottle ships are larger ship models, cigar-box dioramas and playful pieces built into animal-shaped bottles or novelty glass. Some scenes depict foreign ports such as Alaska or Shanghai, others show Danish coastal traffic and everyday working vessels. Taken together, they form a visual diary of seafaring routes and the ships that once criss-crossed them.

The craftsmanship behind the glass

One section focuses on how these fragile works were made. Simple tools, illustrations and explanatory texts show the technique of building masts folded down, then pulling them upright with fine threads once the hull is inside the bottle. On average, Flaske-Peter is said to have used only a few days to complete each ship, an impressive pace considering the scale and precision involved. As you look closely, you notice minuscule details: painted flags, carefully rigged lines, even tiny crew figures on some decks. The variety of bottle shapes adds an extra challenge, forcing the maker to adapt each design to curved glass, narrow necks or thick bases without losing the proportions of the ship.

Ærøskøbing’s maritime spirit in miniature

The museum also reflects the wider character of Ærøskøbing, a trading town whose cobbled streets, harbourfront and coloured houses grew up around the sea. Visiting Flaske-Peters Samling complements a walk along the quay or a stroll past old merchants’ homes, connecting the small glass vessels with the real ships that once anchored just a few minutes away. Labels and short texts often highlight where bottles came from or which route a particular ship sailed, weaving global connections into this small island room. You leave with the sense that maritime history is not only about heroic voyages, but also about quiet evenings at a workbench, turning memories of the sea into intricate objects that can be held in the hand.

A compact stop on an Ærø day out

Flaske-Peters Samling is a compact museum, making it easy to fit into a wider day exploring Ærøskøbing. Many visitors spend less than an hour here, yet the density of exhibits rewards deeper attention if you linger. The central location places it close to other cultural sites and the harbourfront, so it naturally becomes part of an amble through town rather than a standalone expedition. Inside, the pace slows: instead of sweeping panoramas, you engage with tiny scenes and glass reflections, a quiet counterpoint to the island’s wide skies and open water. Though small, the museum leaves a lasting impression. It offers not only rows of ships in bottles but also an insight into dedication, craft and the imaginative worlds people create to keep the sea close, even when they are far from the waves.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ærøfærgerne

0.1 km

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

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

0.1 km

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

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

0.1 km

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

Danish Island Weddings

0.2 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

0.2 km

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

Hotel Ærøhus

0.2 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.

Andelen Guesthouse

0.3 km

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

Rise Kirke

4.0 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

6.0 km

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

Bregninge Kirke

6.6 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

8.0 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"

19.9 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

22.6 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

23.8 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.

Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age

24.5 km

Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a fascinating Neolithic burial site offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's prehistoric past and the lives of the Funnelbeaker culture.

Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age

Unmissable attractions to see

Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

0.1 km

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

Hammerich House • Aero Museum

0.1 km

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

Ærø Jazzfestival

0.2 km

An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.

Det Gamle Værft

0.2 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 Whiskey Destilleri

0.2 km

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

Ærøskøbing Church

0.2 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

0.8 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.

Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej

1.1 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 Edvard Biering

3.2 km

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

Mindesten for Ærøs Samling

3.7 km

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

Ærø

3.8 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

4.4 km

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

Ærø Flyveplads

4.8 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

5.3 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.

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.

Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.

Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Arrebo

0.1 km

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

Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris

7.5 km

Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.

Skipperkroen

7.8 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

7.9 km

Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.

BALLAST BAR BUTIK

7.9 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

8.1 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

10.8 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

19.6 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

19.6 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

19.8 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

19.8 km

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

Kasket karl

19.9 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

20.0 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

20.6 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

20.6 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

5.2 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

22.8 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

39.9 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

40.0 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

40.1 km

Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.

Dance All Over

45.6 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

46.4 km

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

Muzirkus

51.7 km

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

Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club

52.8 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

52.9 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.

Carlsens Kvarter

55.8 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.

Den Brølende And

56.2 km

Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.

Heidi's Bier Bar Odense

56.2 km

Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.

Dansebar Odense

56.4 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

56.5 km

Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.

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Flaske-Peters Samling (Flaskeskibsmuseet), Ærøskøbing

A brief summary to Flaske-Peters Samling

Local tips

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

Getting There

Ferry and walk from Svendborg

Regional bus on Ærø

Cycling across Ærø

Flaske-Peters Samling location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Flaske-Peters Samling

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Flaske-Peters Samling

An island museum built around one man’s obsession

The former poorhouse turned cabinet of curiosities

Hundreds of ships in bottles and inventive glass worlds

The craftsmanship behind the glass

Ærøskøbing’s maritime spirit in miniature

A compact stop on an Ærø day out

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ærøfærgerne

Ærø Turist & Erhverv

Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps

Danish Island Weddings

På Torvet

Hotel Ærøhus

Andelen Guesthouse

Rise Kirke

Forladt skorsten

Bregninge Kirke

Monument for Danske Sømænd

Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"

Saint Nicolai's Church

Hafenbune Mommark

Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age

Unmissable attractions to see

Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum

Hammerich House • Aero Museum

Ærø Jazzfestival

Det Gamle Værft

Ærø Whiskey Destilleri

Ærøskøbing Church

Naturlegepladsen & shelters

Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej

Mindesten for Edvard Biering

Mindesten for Ærøs Samling

Ærø

Ærø Bryggeri

Ærø Flyveplads

Strandbyen Havn

Voderup Klint

Essential places to dine

Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant

Badehotel Harmonien

Hotel The Monica

Ærøskøbing Røgeri

Kraut & Koala

Bang’s Mad & Vinbar

Cafe På Torvet

Landbogården

Den Hemmelige Café

Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST

Restaurant MUMM

Vindeballe Kro

Dunkær Kro

Restaurant Udsigten Marstal

Hotel Udsigten Marstal

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Shop

Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore

Gyden 13

Fabrek Pop Up

Valk Inter Collection

Søstærk Print & Papir

Den Gamle Købmandsgaard

Kunstmågen

Garna

Butik Stokrosen

Ærø Glaskunst