Rådhuskælderen, Søby Ærø
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.
Tucked into the old town hall building in the little ferry village of Søby on Ærø, **Rådhuskælderen** is a cosy local bar with a classic Danish pub feel. Low ceilings, simple furnishings and a friendly, unhurried atmosphere make it a natural gathering spot for islanders after work and sailors coming off the harbour. Expect cold beer, straightforward drinks and the chance to soak up small-town Ærø life rather than polished mixology or fine dining.
A brief summary to Rådhuskælderen
- Østerbro 31A, Søby, 5985, DK
- +4520410679
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring cash or be prepared for limited card options, as smaller island bars sometimes have simpler payment setups.
- Combine a visit with an evening walk around Søby harbour; stop in after sunset when the bar’s cellar atmosphere feels most inviting.
- If you do not speak Danish, a few polite phrases go a long way; many locals understand English but appreciate the effort.
- Check locally for current opening hours, which can vary by season and on public holidays in small island communities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Rådhuskælderen location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Rådhuskælderen
An intimate cellar bar in a tiny island town
Rådhuskælderen sits on Østerbro in Søby, one of the northern villages on the Danish island of Ærø. As the name suggests, it occupies the cellar of the former town hall, giving the place a slightly tucked‑away, under‑the‑stairs character. You step down from street level into a compact space where the ceiling feels just a little lower and the world outside seems to fade with each stair. Inside, the bar follows the island’s practical, unfussy style. Furniture is simple, lighting is soft rather than theatrical, and the décor leans more toward everyday Danish pub than design statement. It is the sort of room where locals greet each other by name, and where a quiet midweek drink can easily turn into a longer evening of conversation.Atmosphere of everyday Denmark by the harbour
What Rådhuskælderen does best is atmosphere. This is a place built around regulars and returning seasonal guests rather than passing crowds. When it is busy, it has the hum of a neighbourhood bar: a mix of laughter from the tables, the clink of bottles at the counter and the low murmur of conversation about fishing weather, ferry times and island gossip. At quieter times, you may find only a handful of guests spread between the bar and a few tables, with music kept comfortably in the background. The mood is informal and relaxed; it is perfectly acceptable to nurse a single drink while reading, studying a map of Ærø, or simply watching the small town settle into the evening outside.Drinks, simple snacks and local flavour
The focus here is on straightforward drinks rather than elaborate cocktails. Expect cold beers, basic spirits and mixers, and a small selection of familiar options rather than an encyclopaedic menu. Depending on the season and the owner’s preferences, you may encounter a local or regional beer alongside the standards, a pleasant reminder that Ærø has a growing brewing tradition. Food, when available, tends toward the simple bar side of things: snacks to accompany a drink more than full restaurant service. For a proper meal, most visitors pair a stop at Rådhuskælderen with one of the island’s eateries elsewhere in Søby or in the larger towns on Ærø. That said, the bar’s small scale and straightforward offer are part of its charm; this is somewhere to unwind rather than to plan a multi‑course evening.A window into island life through conversation
One of the quiet pleasures of a visit is the chance to observe and, if you wish, join in island life. Conversations at the bar might range from fishing and farming to football and ferry schedules, often drifting between Danish and snatches of English when visitors appear. If you are curious about local walks, hidden swimming spots or village events, this is a natural place to ask. Because Søby itself is compact, many people drop by after a stroll along the harbour or a cycle ride around the northern coast. The bar becomes a kind of informal living room for the community: a spot to shake off sea wind, warm up on a chilly evening or cool down after a bright summer day.Practicalities and when to linger
Rådhuskælderen is small, and the feel of the place can change with the season. On darker, colder days, it works well as a snug hideaway, with the cellar walls holding in the warmth. In high summer, when the long northern evenings stretch out, the bar is more of a waystation between outdoor activities and a late night. Facilities are basic but sufficient for a comfortable stay of an hour or two. Mobile reception in Søby is generally reliable, allowing you to check ferry times or plan the next day’s cycling while you sit with a drink. This is not an all‑night party venue; instead, it offers an easy, unpretentious pause in a day of exploring one of Denmark’s most likeable small islands.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
5.5 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
7.4 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hotel Ærøhus
10.7 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.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
10.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
10.7 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
10.8 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
10.8 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
10.9 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
11.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
12.6 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.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
18.8 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.
Saint Nicolai's Church
26.0 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.
Valdemars Slot
26.7 km
Discover Valdemars Slot, Denmark's largest private manor and royal palace, offering a blend of history, art, and scenic beauty on the idyllic island of Tåsinge near Svendborg.
Panorama
28.3 km
Sønderborg's manicured waterfront promenade offering fjord views and maritime charm.
Infotavle Gendarmstien, Vemmingbund - Høruphav
29.0 km
Orientation point on the scenic Gendarmstien trail, connecting hikers with the history, landscapes, and maritime vistas of Denmark’s southern borderlands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Fyrtårn vestmole
0.9 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Jørbæk Strand
1.6 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Ærø Museum
2.1 km
Step into Ærø’s past inside a 1775 bailiff’s house, where island history, quirky traditions and a time‑capsule garden unfold in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Søbygård
2.2 km
Ærø’s last ducal manor, where moats, manor rooms and a geopark centre bring island history, geology and gentle countryside adventures together in one stop.
Ærø Golf Klub
5.2 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
5.2 km
Discover Marstal’s iconic row of colorful bathing huts, a living symbol of Ærø’s seaside heritage and Danish summer life along the Baltic shore.
Voderup Klint
9.0 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.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
9.9 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 Ærøs Samling
10.4 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Det Gamle Værft
10.8 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
10.8 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
10.8 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
10.8 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
10.9 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
10.9 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Essential places to dine
Crêperie Ærø
0.7 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Vindeballe Kro
9.2 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
10.7 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Landbogården
10.7 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
10.7 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
10.7 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.
Kraut & Koala
10.8 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant MUMM
10.8 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.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
10.8 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Hotel The Monica
10.9 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
10.9 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Cafe På Torvet
10.9 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Badehotel Harmonien
10.9 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Avernakø Havnecafé
11.6 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Dunkær Kro
14.0 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
1.6 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
4.1 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
4.5 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
5.2 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
5.3 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
5.7 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
5.7 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
6.3 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
9.6 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Neli Garnet
10.4 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Butik Stokrosen
10.7 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Søstærk Print & Papir
10.7 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Valk Inter Collection
10.7 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
stil & hygge
10.7 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
10.7 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
0.0 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.
Arrebo
10.7 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
18.4 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
18.6 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
18.7 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
18.8 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
19.0 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.
Kompasset
21.3 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.
Skrumpklunk Institute
24.4 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
tøsingen ivs
25.5 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
25.6 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
25.8 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Vinsted
26.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Trier's Corner
26.1 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Hemingway's Svendborg
26.2 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
16.0 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
26.2 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
30.4 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
30.5 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
30.6 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
35.6 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
49.1 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
51.2 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
51.6 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Den Brølende And
51.7 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Dansebar Odense
51.8 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
51.9 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Boogie Dance Café
52.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
52.0 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
The Flower and the Bee
52.1 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Quirky
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly