DCA Op Shop, Marstal
Small island thrift shop in Marstal where second-hand treasures, community spirit and global charity work come together in a cozy, slow-paced setting.
DCA Op Shop on Kongensgade in Marstal is a small, charity-run thrift store supporting Danish Church Aid. In this cozy second-hand shop you can browse donated clothing, books, toys, household items and curios, all at modest prices. The atmosphere is informal and neighbourly, and every purchase helps fund humanitarian projects abroad, making it an easy way to combine slow island shopping with a good cause.
A brief summary to DCA Op Shop
- Kongensgade 29, Marstal, 5960, DK
- +4562531621
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 2 pm-5 pm
- Tuesday 2 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 2 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 2 pm-5 pm
- Friday 2 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-12 pm
Local tips
- Check the limited opening hours; on weekdays the shop is typically open only in the afternoon, with a short window on Saturday mornings and closed on Sundays.
- Bring a reusable bag; the shop is small and charity-focused, so packing your finds in your own bag keeps things simple and avoids extra waste.
- Have a quick look in every corner; stock is compact but varied, and some of the most interesting vintage pieces and books can be tucked away on lower shelves.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
DCA Op Shop location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about DCA Op Shop
A charity shop at the heart of island life
DCA Op Shop in Marstal sits along Kongensgade, the town’s main street, in a compact storefront that feels immediately welcoming. Inside, simple shelving and clothing racks are squeezed into a few snug rooms, creating the sense of a community living room as much as a store. The wooden floors creak softly, conversations drift across the space, and the pace is delightfully unhurried – very much in tune with the rhythm of Ærø. Set up to support Danish Church Aid’s work, the shop is part of a nationwide network of charity thrift stores that turn donated goods into funding for humanitarian projects. Here in Marstal, that global mission is filtered through a distinctly local lens, as islanders bring in bags of clothing, books and household items that might otherwise have gathered dust in attics and sheds.From old sea chests to children’s books
The stock reflects both everyday Danish life and Marstal’s maritime heritage. Racks of second-hand jackets, knitwear and practical island footwear stand alongside tables stacked with paperbacks and well-thumbed cookbooks. Shelves hold glassware, ceramics, small lamps and occasionally a seafaring curiosity: a nautical print, a brass fitting or an old framed photograph rescued from a boathouse clear-out. Children’s clothes and toys often occupy a corner, making it a useful stop for families spending a longer spell on Ærø. With prices kept low, it is easy to pick up a warm extra layer for blustery harbour walks or find a rainy-day puzzle without straining a holiday budget. Stock changes frequently, depending on donations, so there is always the possibility of an unexpected find.Volunteers, conversations and local stories
The shop is run almost entirely by volunteers, many of them long-time residents who know the island and its stories inside out. They sort donations, arrange window displays and staff the till during the limited but regular opening hours. Their presence gives the shop its character: friendly, talkative and quietly proud of contributing to work that stretches far beyond Marstal. It is common for visitors to leave with more than just a purchase. A question about an old piece of china can lead to an anecdote about a local family; a casual comment about the weather may grow into recommendations for walks, viewpoints or lesser-known bathing spots nearby. In this way, the shop doubles as a small social node, connecting guests with the island community.Sustainable shopping with a wider impact
At its core, DCA Op Shop is about reuse and responsibility. Donated items are given a second life, reducing waste and encouraging a more circular way of consuming. For a small island that depends on careful use of resources and sensitive tourism, that ethos fits naturally with the surroundings. Browsing here becomes an easy, tangible way to make travel a little more sustainable. Proceeds from sales support Danish Church Aid’s efforts in areas such as disaster relief, development projects and work with vulnerable communities. That means the scarf, book or plate you carry out the door also carries a story that stretches well beyond Ærø’s shores. It lends a quiet sense of purpose to what might otherwise be just another shopping stop.Planning a relaxed visit
The shop keeps short, concentrated opening hours: afternoons on weekdays and a brief window on Saturday mornings. This suits the scale of Marstal, where errands and social calls often cluster in a few hours, but it does mean visits are most rewarding when planned into a wider wander along Kongensgade. With its modest size, even a thorough browse rarely takes more than half an hour, leaving plenty of time for cafés, the harbour and museum nearby. Stepping back out onto the street, bag in hand, you carry not only a pre-loved item but also a small connection to island life and to the broader work funded through the shop. For many, that combination of local charm, reuse and global solidarity is exactly what makes DCA Op Shop worth seeking out.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument for Danske Sømænd
0.3 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.
Rise Kirke
7.6 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.
Andelen Guesthouse
7.7 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
På Torvet
7.7 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
7.8 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
7.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
7.9 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
7.9 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
7.9 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.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
12.4 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.
Forladt skorsten
13.0 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
14.0 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Saint Nicolai's Church
23.3 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.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
23.6 km
Denmark's most elegant lighthouse crowns Ærø's northwestern shore with 140 years of maritime heritage and starlit views.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
23.6 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
Marstal Søfartsmuseum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish maritime heritage brought to life through ship models, immersive interiors, and authentic harbour atmosphere.
Monument over Faldne Danske Søfolk under 1.Verdenskrig
0.2 km
A modest waterfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours Danish merchant sailors lost in World War I, set amid the everyday life of a working harbour.
Marstal Havn og Marina
0.2 km
Atmospheric island harbour where working shipyard, modern marina and Baltic seascapes meet just steps from Marstal’s maritime heart.
Skipper Park
0.8 km
Maritime-themed playground and café by Marstal harbour, where kids splash and bounce while adults unwind over sea views and simple island fare.
Aero Hotel
0.8 km
Relaxed adults-only island hotel on the edge of Marstal, with indoor pool, generous breakfast and easy access to Ærø’s beaches, harbour life and coastal paths.
Erik's Tail
1.1 km
A narrow ribbon of sand lined with colourful huts, Erik's Tail puts you between two seas at once: sheltered lagoon on one side, open Baltic waves on the other.
Badehusene i Marstal
1.3 km
A slender sand spit lined with vividly painted wooden bathing huts, Badehusene i Marstal capture Ærø’s gentle island spirit, maritime heritage and slow seaside living.
Strandbyen Havn
2.8 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.
Ærø Flyveplads
4.0 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.
View Point
4.9 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.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
5.9 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Sankt Alberts church
6.2 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.
Ristinge Klint
6.6 km
Dramatic ice‑age cliffs, sweeping Baltic views and simple coastal trails make Ristinge Klint a quietly spectacular corner of southern Langeland.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
7.2 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.
Vejsnæs Nakke Fyr
7.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Reventlow's Gastropub & Burgers
0.1 km
Laid-back island gastropub in Marstal serving hearty burgers, bar snacks and late-night music in a compact, lively setting on historic Kongensgade.
Minde APS
0.1 km
Generous Danish fare and warm hospitality in Marstal's welcoming neighborhood restaurant.
MARSTANG mad & vin
0.1 km
Intimate island restaurant in Marstal’s old town, serving weekly changing seasonal menus and a serious wine list in a relaxed, candlelit setting.
Hotel Marstal
0.1 km
Family-run harbour hotel and Danish kitchen in the heart of Marstal, perfectly placed for Ærø’s maritime history, beach walks and relaxed island days.
MARSTANG café
0.2 km
Island café where sourdough bread bowls and natural wine capture Ærø's seasonal soul
Den Gamle Vingaard
0.2 km
Mediterranean-Nordic cuisine in a historic maritime setting with a tranquil garden courtyard.
Webers café og restaurant
0.2 km
A warmly lit former sailors’ pub in Marstal, serving compact Danish–French bistro dishes, local Ærø beers and well-chosen wines in a cosy brown-café setting.
Restaurant Fru Berg
0.2 km
Harbourfront fish plates, Ærø pancakes and cosy nautical charm right on Marstal’s working quay, where local flavours meet everyday life on the Baltic.
Kebabvogn Ærø
0.2 km
Casual harbor-side kebab cart serving quick, satisfying meals in charming Marstal.
Prinsebroen
0.3 km
Harbour-side smokehouse and café in Marstal, serving Ærø’s signature smoked fish and open sandwiches with wide sea views and an easy-going island atmosphere.
Femmasteren Hotel & Vandrerhjem
0.4 km
Character-packed hotel and hostel in central Marstal, blending Ærø’s seafaring history, cozy communal living, and easy access to harbor-side attractions.
Miss Sophy Gastroclub
0.5 km
Relaxed island bistro and wine bar in central Marstal, serving seasonal comfort dishes, creative burgers and cocktails in an intimate, hygge-filled setting.
Sønderrendens Perle/Burger House Marstal
0.5 km
Casual harbourfront burger joint in Marstal serving hearty comfort food and ice cream just steps from the water, ideal for an easy seaside meal on Ærø.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
0.6 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
0.6 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
DCA Op Shop
0.0 km
Small island thrift shop in Marstal where second-hand treasures, community spirit and global charity work come together in a cozy, slow-paced setting.
Chr. H v/Hanne Kromann
0.1 km
Locally anchored clothing shop in Marstal’s old town, offering classic Scandinavian styles for men and women with a subtle, maritime Ærø touch.
Bille Knudsen Isenkram
0.1 km
A densely stocked island hardware and homeware store in Marstal’s pedestrian street, supplying sailors, locals and holidaymakers with practical Danish everyday goods.
Ærøpigen
0.1 km
Cozy island shop in central Marstal, blending woolly comforts, local delicacies and everyday essentials in a snug Kirkestræde setting on Ærø.
Antikhjørnet
0.1 km
Curated vintage treasures and 4,000 Christmas ornaments in a charming Ærø antique shop.
Galleri Strandesen
6.9 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.
Blåbær Gårdbutik
7.7 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.
Donna & Miss Daisy
7.7 km
Intimate island boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending whimsical Scandinavian fashion, thoughtful accessories and personal styling in a cosy, cobbled-street setting.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
7.7 km
A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Blandede Bolcher
7.7 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
7.7 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.
Kunstmågen
7.7 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
7.7 km
A serene yarn and design boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old savings bank, where natural fibres, thoughtful details and island calm invite you to slow down and create.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
7.7 km
A cosy little museum shop in Ærøskøbing’s old sheriff’s house, pairing kiosk charm with curated books and souvenirs that tell the story of Ærø island.
Shop
7.8 km
Atmospheric lifestyle and gift shop on Brogade in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending traditional hardware-store roots with cozy Danish design and island-inspired finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Foley's Pub
0.2 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
Skipperkroen
0.2 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.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
0.2 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
0.2 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
0.4 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.
Arrebo
7.9 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
15.1 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
15.1 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
15.2 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
15.3 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
15.3 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
15.5 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
15.8 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
15.8 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.
Rådhuskælderen
18.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly