Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
A hilltop peace memorial with sweeping Baltic views, uniting island heritage and contemplative solitude.
A serene memorial park perched at one of Ærø's highest points, Mindesten for Ærøs Samling features a symbolic peace bench created by sculptor Erik Brandt. Located near the historic Olde Mølle (Ancient Mill), this contemplative site offers sweeping panoramic views across the South Funen archipelago and the Baltic Sea, making it an ideal spot for reflection and island exploration.
A brief summary to Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
- Olde Mølle 3, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the panoramic views across the South Funen archipelago and Baltic Sea; overcast or misty conditions significantly reduce visibility.
- Arrive early in the day or during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to experience the site in relative solitude, ideal for reflection and photography.
- Combine your visit with nearby Olde Mølle and the surrounding cycling routes to create a half-day island exploration itinerary.
- Bring layers of clothing, as the elevated position exposes the site to wind; the Baltic climate can shift rapidly, especially in winter months.
- Allow time to sit on the peace bench and absorb the landscape; this is a place designed for contemplation rather than quick visits.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By Car
From Ærøskøbing town centre, drive inland via Vestergade and follow signs toward Olde Mølle; the memorial park is located at Olde Mølle 3, approximately 5 kilometres from the harbour. Travel time is roughly 10–12 minutes. Parking is available near the site; the approach road is paved and well-maintained year-round.
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By Bicycle
From Ærøskøbing, cycle inland on quiet secondary roads toward the island's centre; the journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point and route. Ærø's cycling infrastructure is extensive and well-signposted. The terrain is gently rolling with some moderate climbs as you approach the elevated memorial site.
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By Foot
Walking from Ærøskøbing town centre to Mindesten takes approximately 60–90 minutes depending on your pace and exact route. The walk follows quiet country roads and rural paths through farmland and woodland. The final approach involves a gentle uphill section to reach the memorial park at its elevated location.
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Guided Tour
Several local tour operators and accommodation providers offer guided cycling or walking tours that include Mindesten as part of broader island exploration itineraries. These typically depart from Ærøskøbing or Marstal and incorporate multiple heritage sites; booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak summer season.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
A Monument to Unity and Peace
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling stands as a meaningful landmark commemorating Ærø's unification in 1750, an event that permanently joined the island's scattered communities into a single entity. The name translates to "Memorial Stone for Ærø's Collection," reflecting this historic moment of consolidation. Sculptor Erik Brandt conceived the peace bench as an intentional gathering place where visitors might pause to contemplate themes of unity, harmony, and world peace while absorbing the island's natural beauty.Elevated Vantage Point with Panoramic Horizons
Situated at one of Ærø's highest elevations near the centre of the island, Mindesten commands expansive views across multiple seascapes. From this vantage point, visitors survey the South Funen island sea stretching northward and the Baltic Sea extending southward, creating a sense of being suspended between two maritime worlds. The landscape unfolds in gentle undulations of farmland, forest, and coastline, offering photographers and contemplative travelers an unobstructed perspective of the island's geography and its relationship to the surrounding waters.Historical Significance and Island Heritage
The memorial stone itself marks a pivotal moment in Ærø's administrative history. Prior to 1750, the island existed as fragmented territories; the unification established the legal framework that persists today, with some provisions from the Code of Jutland (dating to 1241) remaining valid in local governance. This site thus represents not merely a physical landmark but a symbolic anchor for Ærø's collective identity and continuity across centuries.Proximity to Olde Mølle and Surrounding Landscape
The memorial park sits adjacent to Olde Mølle, an ancient mill structure that has long served as a reference point for island navigation and orientation. The surrounding terrain reflects Ærø's characteristic landscape: rolling hills, scattered farmsteads, and patches of woodland interspersed with open fields. The accessibility of the site via quiet roads and cycling paths makes it an easy destination for those exploring the island's interior, whether by bicycle, car, or on foot.A Space for Reflection and Connection
The peace bench invites visitors to sit, observe, and reflect—a deliberate design choice that distinguishes this memorial from purely informational monuments. The setting encourages a slower pace of engagement, allowing travelers to absorb not only the visual splendour but also the quieter emotional resonance of a place dedicated to contemplation. The combination of historical meaning, elevated perspective, and intentional design creates an experience that appeals to those seeking both cultural understanding and personal introspection.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rise Kirke
2.3 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
3.5 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Forladt skorsten
3.5 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Danish Island Weddings
3.5 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
3.6 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Hotel Ærøhus
3.6 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
3.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
3.8 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
3.8 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Bregninge Kirke
5.0 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
9.7 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"
21.9 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.
Langelandsfort
25.4 km
Explore Langelandsfort, a Cold War museum on Langeland's southern tip, featuring bunkers, submarines, aircraft, and exhibits detailing Baltic Sea surveillance and military history.
Vilde heste
26.0 km
Discover the untamed beauty of Langeland's southern tip, where wild Exmoor ponies roam freely amidst stunning coastal landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering a unique nature experience.
Sydligste Punkt på Langeland
26.2 km
Discover the unspoiled beauty of Langeland's southernmost point: dramatic cliffs, diverse birdlife, wild horses, and panoramic Baltic Sea views await at this natural haven.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø
1.3 km
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Voderup Klint
2.3 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 Bryggeri
2.3 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Coast Gallery
3.3 km
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.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
3.4 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.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
3.5 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Church
3.6 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.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
3.6 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
3.6 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
3.6 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
3.7 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.
Det Gamle Værft
3.8 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
3.8 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
4.1 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.
God badestrand
4.6 km
A peaceful Baltic beach where Danish coastal simplicity meets island tranquility.
Essential places to dine
Vindeballe Kro
1.2 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Restaurant MUMM
3.5 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
3.5 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.
Landbogården
3.5 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Cafe På Torvet
3.6 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
3.6 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Hotel The Monica
3.6 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
3.7 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Dunkær Kro
3.7 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.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
3.7 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Kraut & Koala
3.8 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
3.8 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
3.8 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
9.4 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
9.4 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
Neli Garnet
0.1 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
0.9 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Galleri Strandesen
3.4 km
Intimate island gallery in Ærøskøbing where sea light, harbour life and quiet streets are transformed into contemporary paintings you can linger over—and take home.
Zac N Grey
3.4 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing lifestyle store where Danish, French and Italian design meet in a carefully curated mix of gifts, homeware and accessories.
Blåbær Gårdbutik
3.4 km
Historic 1850s island farm turned cosy lifestyle shop, blending Scandinavian design, organic treats and a relaxed courtyard with animals on Ærøskøbing’s rural edge.
Red Cross Op Shop
3.4 km
Volunteer-run island thrift shop where gently used furniture and housewares fund Red Cross work and add character to life in charming Ærøskøbing.
Reloved with Other Stories
3.4 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
stil & hygge
3.4 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
3.4 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
Creutz Boghandel
3.5 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Den Gamle Isenkram
3.5 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Tøjshoppen
3.5 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.
Ærø Glaskunst
3.5 km
Intimate glass studio, boutique and café on Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, where handcrafted Nordic glass art and cozy island hospitality meet.
Blandede Bolcher
3.5 km
A tiny Søndergade shop where antiques, toys and curiosities spill from every corner, offering a nostalgic, treasure-hunt pause in fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Island Living Ærø
3.5 km
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
3.7 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
9.3 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
9.4 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
9.5 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
9.7 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
9.8 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
10.4 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
22.9 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
22.9 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
23.1 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.
Sukker
23.1 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
23.2 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
23.3 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
23.8 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
23.8 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Panoramas
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly