The Iconic Bathing Huts of Marstal

Along the southern curve of Marstal’s coast, a charming parade of brightly painted wooden huts rises from the sand: the Badehusene. These seaside huts, each distinctive in hue and detail, form a beloved local landmark steeped in island tradition. Originally constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they served as private changing cabins and summer sanctuaries for Marstal’s townsfolk, who would gather here for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking by the water’s edge. Over the decades they have become symbols of community and continuity, passed down within families through generations and fiercely protected by local regulations that preserve both their style and spirit. The huts create a tapestry of color against the gently lapping Baltic Sea, their doors opening to a white-sand beach scattered with seaweed and shells. Long, warm Danish summer nights see them come alive, with laughter carrying over the water and the gentle hum of conversation as locals and visitors watch schooners sail past Marstal’s harbor in the distance. The promenade along the huts makes for a picturesque walk, giving travelers a unique opportunity to experience Ærø’s blend of nostalgia, simplicity, and maritime history. Informational signs share stories and customs that bring the huts’ storied past into vibrant focus. The atmosphere is blissfully relaxed. There are no admission charges or commercial distractions here—just the scent of salt, the vivid colors of the cabins, and a living tableau of life along Denmark’s southern archipelago. It’s a place to slow down, dip your toes in the shallows, and appreciate the traditions that make Ærø unforgettable.