Badehusene i Marstal at Eriks Hale
A narrow sandspit of sea, sky and color, where Marstal’s historic bathing huts keep more than a century of simple Danish island summer life alive.
Strung out like a painter’s palette along the narrow sandspit of Eriks Hale just outside Marstal, the colorful Badehusene i Marstal are among Ærø’s most iconic sights. Nineteen small wooden bathing huts, including the famous little red hut with a thatched roof, line a curving beach with shallow, child‑friendly water on one side and deeper sea on the other. More than a century of summer traditions live on here in this protected piece of Danish island culture.
A brief summary to Badehusene i Marstal
- Kalkovns stien, Marstal, 5960, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people in your photos of the colorful huts and the red thatched bathhouse.
- Pack water shoes for the stony sections of beach and a towel or mat to sit on, especially if you plan to linger with children on the shallow side.
- Respect that the bathing huts are privately owned; admire and photograph them from the outside and avoid using terraces or steps without permission.
- Bring layers, as the exposed sandspit can feel noticeably cooler and windier than the streets of Marstal, even on bright summer days.
- In stormy or very high‑water conditions, check local advisories before planning a swim, as the sandspit and access paths can be affected by storm surges.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from central Marstal
From Marstal’s central streets and harbour area, walking to Eriks Hale and the bathing huts typically takes 15–25 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and follows local roads and paths towards the coast, with a short exposed section on the sandspit itself. It is suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers, but be prepared for wind on the final stretch. No payment is required for access.
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Bicycle from Marstal town
Cycling from the centre of Marstal to the bathhouses usually takes 5–10 minutes on mostly quiet, paved streets. Standard city bikes are sufficient and can be rented in town for roughly 80–150 DKK per day, depending on season and provider. Bicycle parking is informal and free near the beach entrance, though in peak summer you may need to walk the last short section along sandy ground.
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Car or taxi within Ærø
Reaching Eriks Hale by car from within Marstal takes about 5 minutes, and 20–35 minutes from other island towns such as Ærøskøbing or Søby, depending on route and traffic. Public parking near the beach is generally free but limited, especially on warm summer days and public holidays. Taxis on Ærø can bring you from Marstal’s centre in a few minutes, with fares typically around 60–120 DKK one way, varying by time of day and distance.
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Bus and walk from elsewhere on Ærø
If you are staying in another part of Ærø, regional buses connect Ærøskøbing and Søby with Marstal in about 30–60 minutes, depending on the starting point and timetable. From the bus stop in Marstal, allow 15–25 minutes on foot to reach the sandspit and bathing huts along level streets and paths. Bus services are less frequent in the evening and outside the main season, so checking current departure times in advance is essential.
Badehusene i Marstal location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Badehusene i Marstal
Island bathhouses on a narrow strip of sand
Eriks Hale is a curved sandspit just beyond Marstal, where the town’s shoreline stretches out into the blue waters of the South Funen Archipelago. Here, a line of small wooden huts sits just above the pebbly beach, facing the sea on both sides of the narrow tongue of land. On one side, the water is shallow and calm, particularly welcoming for families with children. On the other, the seabed drops away more quickly, offering a brisker swim and a sense of open sea. The huts themselves are modest in size but rich in character. Each one is painted in its own bright color, standing shoulder to shoulder in a gentle curve that follows the line of the beach. Seen from a distance, they form a band of reds, yellows, greens and blues against the muted tones of sand, sea and sky.A century of seaside summer life
The bathing huts of Marstal are part of a wider Ærø tradition that dates back more than 100 years. For generations, families have used these simple wooden shelters as a base for long summer days by the water. Many huts have been passed down through the same families, making them an intimate piece of local heritage as well as a distinctive feature of the landscape. Strict rules preserve their original look and feel: no extensions, no major alterations, and no installation of electricity or running water. The idea is that life here should remain uncomplicated and close to nature, much as it was when the huts first appeared along the shoreline.The famous red hut and its neighbours
Among the nineteen huts at Marstal, one in particular has become a symbol of Ærø: a small red hut topped with a thatched roof and trimmed in contrasting woodwork. It is often described as the island’s most photographed bathing house, and its traditional appearance has made it something of an emblem for the area. Yet part of the charm of Eriks Hale lies in the differences between the huts. Some are freshly painted, others weathered by salt and wind. Together they tell quiet stories of careful maintenance, storms endured and summers spent in the same sheltered spot on the shore.Beach atmosphere and simple pleasures
The beach at Eriks Hale feels intimate yet open, with clear views across the water and back towards Marstal’s harbour. The shallow side is especially suited to small children, paddlers and those who prefer to wade rather than plunge, while the deeper side invites stronger swimmers, kayaks and paddleboards. On warmer days, swimmers share the water with small boats and the occasional board gliding past the point. Basic facilities, including seasonal refreshments and toilets close to the beach, keep the focus on uncomplicated seaside enjoyment. The lack of built‑up development around the huts means the soundscape is dominated by waves, wind and conversation rather than traffic.Living heritage shaped by sea and weather
Storms occasionally remind the island how exposed this sandspit is. In recent years, severe storm surges have damaged many of the huts, prompting local efforts to repair and rebuild them while retaining their historic appearance. This ongoing work underlines their status as living heritage rather than static museum pieces. Today, the huts remain an active part of island life. Local traditions such as midsummer gatherings and seasonal dips in the cold or sun‑warmed water continue around them. For visitors, walking the length of Eriks Hale offers a close look at this blend of natural landscape and carefully protected cultural history, framed by wide skies and ever‑changing light over the Baltic Sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monument for Danske Sømænd
1.4 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
8.0 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
8.6 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
På Torvet
8.7 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
8.7 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
8.8 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
8.8 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
8.8 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
8.9 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"
12.0 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
13.5 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
14.7 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
24.5 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.
Anne Hvide's House
24.7 km
Svendborg's oldest house: a ochre-yellow Renaissance gem where nobility, hospitality, and history converge.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
24.8 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
Skipper Park
0.6 km
Maritime-themed playground and café by Marstal harbour, where kids splash and bounce while adults unwind over sea views and simple island fare.
Erik's Tail
0.9 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.
Ærø Svømmeklub
1.1 km
Community‑run island swim club and indoor pool in Marstal, offering lanes, lessons and a simple, all‑weather place to dip into everyday life on Ærø.
Marstal Søfartsmuseum
1.1 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
1.1 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.
Aero Hotel
1.2 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.
Marstal Havn og Marina
1.3 km
Atmospheric island harbour where working shipyard, modern marina and Baltic seascapes meet just steps from Marstal’s maritime heart.
Strandbyen Havn
4.0 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
4.4 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
4.8 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.
Ristinge Klint
5.8 km
Dramatic ice‑age cliffs, sweeping Baltic views and simple coastal trails make Ristinge Klint a quietly spectacular corner of southern Langeland.
Sankt Alberts church
5.9 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.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
6.4 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Vejsnæs Nakke Fyr
7.1 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.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
8.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Pizzeria Siciliana v/ Marcello Antonio
0.6 km
Harbor-close, no-nonsense pizzeria in Marstal serving crisp, generous Italian-style pies and takeaway boxes ideal for salty-haired sailors and island wanderers.
Miss Sophy Gastroclub
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Femmasteren Hotel & Vandrerhjem
0.9 km
Character-packed hotel and hostel in central Marstal, blending Ærø’s seafaring history, cozy communal living, and easy access to harbor-side attractions.
Den Gamle Vingaard
1.1 km
Mediterranean-Nordic cuisine in a historic maritime setting with a tranquil garden courtyard.
Webers café og restaurant
1.1 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.
MARSTANG café
1.1 km
Island café where sourdough bread bowls and natural wine capture Ærø's seasonal soul
Prinsebroen
1.1 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.
MARSTANG mad & vin
1.2 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
1.2 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.
Minde APS
1.3 km
Generous Danish fare and warm hospitality in Marstal's welcoming neighborhood restaurant.
Reventlow's Gastropub & Burgers
1.3 km
Laid-back island gastropub in Marstal serving hearty burgers, bar snacks and late-night music in a compact, lively setting on historic Kongensgade.
Restaurant Fru Berg
1.3 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
1.4 km
Casual harbor-side kebab cart serving quick, satisfying meals in charming Marstal.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
1.9 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Antikhjørnet
1.2 km
Curated vintage treasures and 4,000 Christmas ornaments in a charming Ærø antique shop.
Ærøpigen
1.2 km
Cozy island shop in central Marstal, blending woolly comforts, local delicacies and everyday essentials in a snug Kirkestræde setting on Ærø.
Chr. H v/Hanne Kromann
1.2 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
1.2 km
A densely stocked island hardware and homeware store in Marstal’s pedestrian street, supplying sailors, locals and holidaymakers with practical Danish everyday goods.
DCA Op Shop
1.3 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.
Galleri Strandesen
7.2 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.7 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
8.7 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
8.7 km
Volunteer-run island thrift shop where gently used furniture and housewares fund Red Cross work and add character to life in charming Ærøskøbing.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
8.7 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
1.1 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.
Foley's Pub
1.1 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
Skipperkroen
1.2 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
1.3 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
1.4 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Arrebo
8.8 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
15.7 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
15.7 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
15.8 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
15.8 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
15.9 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
16.1 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
16.3 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
16.3 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
19.5 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
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly