Red Cross Op Shop, Ærøskøbing
Volunteer-run island thrift shop where gently used furniture and housewares fund Red Cross work and add character to life in charming Ærøskøbing.
Tucked just outside the storybook core of Ærøskøbing, the Red Cross Op Shop on Pilebækken is a friendly, low-key treasure trove of donated furniture, housewares, books and curios that helps fund humanitarian work. This is the place to browse for a vintage coffee set, a solid wooden chair or a quirky Danish lamp while chatting with local volunteers. Stock turns over frequently, prices are gentle, and every purchase supports Red Cross projects in Denmark and abroad.
A brief summary to Red Cross Op Shop
- Pilebækken 12, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- +4524775620
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 1 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-5 pm
- Friday 1 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Check the limited opening hours in advance; the shop typically opens a few afternoons on weekdays and briefly on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Bring measurements and photos if you are looking for furniture for a summerhouse; larger pieces appear regularly but may be sold quickly.
- Carry a reusable bag or small trolley, as the best finds are often bulky glassware or books rather than pocket-sized souvenirs.
- If you are staying on Ærø for several days, consider both buying and later donating items to keep luggage light and support reuse.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Red Cross Op Shop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Red Cross Op Shop
A community thrift treasure on island time
The Red Cross Op Shop on Pilebækken feels like a small community living room disguised as a second-hand store. Set a short stroll from Ærøskøbing’s cobbled streets, it occupies an unpretentious building where the emphasis is firmly on reuse and community rather than slick design. Inside, shelves and racks are neatly organised but never overly curated, giving you the sense that there are still bargains and oddities waiting to be discovered. Because Ærø is a small island, donations come from a mix of permanent residents, summerhouse owners and passing sailors, which makes the selection surprisingly varied for such a compact shop. One day you might spot mid-century-style dining chairs, the next day a stack of Scandinavian crime novels or retro enamel kitchenware that seems made for a summer cottage.What you’ll find on the shelves
This branch of the Red Cross focuses especially on household items and furniture, often with a separate area for larger pieces like sofas, tables and wardrobes. Smaller rooms and corners are given over to shelves of glassware, ceramics, picture frames and lamps, with occasional racks of clothing or textiles depending on recent donations. The overall feel is more “homey storage barn” than polished boutique, which is exactly the charm. It is worth taking your time: hidden on the lower shelves you may find hand-embroidered tablecloths, vintage Christmas ornaments or sturdy stainless-steel pots perfect for a rented holiday home. Books, puzzles and board games appear regularly, making this a handy stop if you are looking for rainy-day entertainment without paying new-book prices.Slow shopping with a social purpose
Part of the pleasure here is the relaxed pace. Opening hours are limited to a few afternoons during the week and a short slot on Saturdays, reflecting the volunteer-driven nature of the shop. That rhythm encourages slow browsing rather than rushed errand runs. You can examine the grain of an old cupboard, test the springs on a chair or leaf through stacks of used books without feeling hurried. Prices are generally modest, aimed at keeping items in circulation rather than maximising profit. Yet every krone you spend goes towards Red Cross work, from local social initiatives to international relief. Donating items is just as important as buying them, and many islanders drop off goods and linger for a chat, reinforcing the shop’s role as a social meeting point as much as a retail space.An island of reuse in a historic setting
Visiting the op shop also adds a different layer to the otherwise perfectly preserved, pastel-hued Ærøskøbing. While the town centre showcases pretty facades and cobbled lanes, this slightly more utilitarian corner is where everyday life unfolds. Here you see bicycles leaning against the wall, volunteers carrying in boxes, and vacationers trying to figure out whether that armchair will fit in a summerhouse living room. Because many visitors arrive by ferry with limited luggage space, the shop has a practical side too. You might pick up an extra blanket, some kitchen basics for a rented flat or inexpensive toys for children during your stay, then return them as donations before leaving the island. In this way, the Red Cross Op Shop becomes part of Ærø’s quiet circular economy, keeping useful things in motion.Making the most of a visit
To enjoy the shop at its best, it helps to plan around the afternoon opening hours and allow at least a gentle half-hour for browsing. Arriving earlier in a shift can sometimes mean first pick of newly sorted items, while later in the day often brings a more unhurried, conversational atmosphere. This is also a place where a little Danish, German or English small talk can lead to tips about other island spots, upcoming jumble sales or special Red Cross events. Pairing a stop here with a ramble through Ærøskøbing’s historic streets or a walk to the seafront makes for a simple but satisfying outing. You leave not only with a second-hand find or two, but also with a sense of having stepped briefly into local island life, where reuse, frugality and solidarity are woven naturally into the everyday.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Andelen Guesthouse
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Danish Island Weddings
0.2 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
0.2 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Hotel Ærøhus
0.3 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.
Ærøfærgerne
0.4 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.4 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
0.4 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Rise Kirke
3.7 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
8.0 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
22.9 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.
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
24.4 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
Ærøskøbing Church
0.2 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
0.2 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
0.3 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
0.3 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 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
1.3 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
3.0 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
3.4 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Ærø
3.4 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
4.1 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.
Voderup Klint
5.3 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.
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.
Essential places to dine
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.
Cafe På Torvet
0.2 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Den Hemmelige Café
0.2 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
0.2 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
0.2 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Hotel The Monica
0.2 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
0.3 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
0.3 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
0.4 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Kraut & Koala
0.4 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
0.5 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Vindeballe Kro
3.8 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
4.3 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
7.5 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
Red Cross Op Shop
0.0 km
Volunteer-run island thrift shop where gently used furniture and housewares fund Red Cross work and add character to life in charming Ærøskøbing.
Zac N Grey
0.1 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing lifestyle store where Danish, French and Italian design meet in a carefully curated mix of gifts, homeware and accessories.
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.
Reloved with Other Stories
0.1 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
Den Gamle Isenkram
0.1 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Blåbær Gårdbutik
0.1 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.
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.
Island Living Ærø
0.1 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.
stil & hygge
0.1 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
0.1 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
Donna & Miss Daisy
0.1 km
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.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
0.1 km
A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Kunstmågen
0.1 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
0.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
0.4 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
10.9 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
19.8 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
19.8 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
20.0 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
20.0 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.1 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
20.2 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
20.8 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
20.8 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
- Relaxing
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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