Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
Historic island grocer and café where Ærøskøbing's maritime heritage meets contemporary artisanal food culture.
A charming historic grocery store and café located on Ærøskøbing's central town square, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard blends authentic Danish heritage with contemporary local food culture. Housed in a restored merchant's building, it offers artisanal cheeses, organic meats, handcrafted products, locally brewed beer, and Ærø whisky alongside a welcoming café serving light meals and pastries. The shop specializes in island-sourced delicacies and makes an ideal stop for provisions or leisurely refreshment while exploring the fairy-tale town.
A brief summary to Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
- Torvet 5, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- +4591255970
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early or visit mid-week to avoid queues during peak summer season; the café can experience long waits during tourist rushes.
- Explore the courtyard behind the shop to discover Ærø Whisky micro-distillery; free access during grocery store hours with tastings available by request.
- Visit on Wednesday or Saturday to experience the town square market, which brings additional local vendors and amplifies the authentic market atmosphere.
- Stock up on Ærø Whisky, locally brewed beer, and artisanal cheeses here rather than elsewhere on the island—selection and quality are superior to other shops.
- Check the webshop before visiting if seeking specific items; many specialty products can be ordered online and shipped if not in stock during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
A Living Monument to Ærøskøbing's Mercantile Past
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard occupies a storied corner of Torvet, Ærøskøbing's central square, in a building that once served as the island's traditional general store. The structure carries the weight of generations, its weathered facade a testament to centuries of island commerce. Today, it stands as a bridge between Ærø's maritime trading heritage and the contemporary artisanal movement that defines the island's identity. The restoration of this space from a utilitarian parking lot into a vibrant cultural hub mirrors the broader revitalization of Ærøskøbing itself, transforming the square into a gathering place for both locals and visitors seeking authentic connection to island life.Curated Island Provisions and Artisanal Excellence
The shop's carefully selected inventory reflects a deep commitment to local sourcing and quality craftsmanship. Shelves display organic meats and fish from island producers, fresh vegetables, and baked goods from the on-site bakery. The cheese selection showcases Danish varieties alongside international imports, while specialty items include Ærø salts, handmade soaps, artisanal chocolates, and the distinctive Hattesen Lakridskonfekt—a locally crafted licorice confection. Visitors can discover Ærø Whisky, locally brewed beers, rum specialities from AH Riise, and an array of jams and preserves made by island hands. Gift items and specially designed Ærø merchandise provide authentic souvenirs that capture the island's character, making the shop an essential resource for those seeking to bring Ærø home or assemble provisions for picnics and gatherings.Café Culture and Convivial Atmosphere
Beyond its role as a provisioner, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard functions as a social anchor for the community. The integrated café serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch, offering sandwiches, light fare, and pastries accompanied by excellent coffee. The space welcomes both hurried visitors and those seeking refuge from Ærøskøbing's narrow cobblestone streets on rainy afternoons. The covered terrace, adorned with hanging wine and decorated with seasonal flowers, hosts occasional live music and cultural events, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously intimate and celebratory. This blend of commerce, hospitality, and cultural programming reflects the values that define contemporary Ærøskøbing—a commitment to preserving heritage while fostering genuine human connection.Gateway to Ærø's Whisky Heritage
Directly behind Den Gamle Købmandsgaard, housed in the old wash house courtyard, sits Ærø Whisky—a micro-distillery that has gained recognition for its craft spirits. During the grocery store's opening hours, visitors can access the distillery free of charge, with guided tours and tastings available by request. This proximity transforms Den Gamle Købmandsgaard into a natural starting point for exploring Ærø's emerging reputation as a destination for artisanal spirits, adding another dimension to the island's food and beverage narrative.Seasonal Rhythms and Market Life
The town square surrounding Den Gamle Købmandsgaard pulses with seasonal activity. Wednesday and Saturday markets bring additional vendors and energy during warmer months, while the Christmas market transforms the space into a festive gathering point as winter approaches. The shop itself maintains consistent hours throughout most of the year, though it closes during the quietest winter weeks, reflecting the island's natural tourism cycles. This rhythm connects visitors to the authentic pace of island life, where commerce and community celebration remain intertwined.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Danish Island Weddings
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På Torvet
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Hotel Ærøhus
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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.
Ærøfærgerne
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Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
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Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Rise Kirke
3.9 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
5.9 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.5 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
7.9 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
22.8 km
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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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
0.1 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Church
0.1 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.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
0.1 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
0.2 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.
Ærø Jazzfestival
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
0.7 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
1.2 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
3.1 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
3.5 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Ærø
3.6 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
4.2 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Ærø Flyveplads
4.7 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
5.4 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
5.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafe På Torvet
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Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Restaurant MUMM
0.1 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.
Hotel The Monica
0.1 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
0.1 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
0.1 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
0.1 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
0.2 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
0.3 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Kraut & Koala
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.4 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Vindeballe Kro
3.9 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Dunkær Kro
4.5 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.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
7.4 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
7.4 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
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
0.0 km
Historic island grocer and café where Ærøskøbing's maritime heritage meets contemporary artisanal food culture.
Kunstmågen
0.0 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
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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.
Island Living Ærø
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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.
Tøjshoppen
0.1 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.
Blandede Bolcher
0.1 km
A tiny Søndergade shop where antiques, toys and curiosities spill from every corner, offering a nostalgic, treasure-hunt pause in fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Den Gamle Isenkram
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Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
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A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Gyden 13
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A cosy fashion accessories hideaway on a cobbled lane in Ærøskøbing, where retro-inspired pieces and Danish simplicity meet island charm and slow travel.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
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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
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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.
Ærø Glaskunst
0.1 km
Intimate glass studio, boutique and café on Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, where handcrafted Nordic glass art and cozy island hospitality meet.
Donna & Miss Daisy
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Intimate island boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending whimsical Scandinavian fashion, thoughtful accessories and personal styling in a cosy, cobbled-street setting.
Creutz Boghandel
0.1 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Søstærk Print & Papir
0.1 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
0.3 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
7.8 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
19.7 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
19.7 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
19.9 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
19.9 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.0 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
20.1 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
20.7 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
20.7 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
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
- Romantic
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Scenic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly