Årø Island
A small Danish island of calm seas, dikes and vineyards, where bird-rich shores, easy cycling and gentle rural life make a perfect Little Belt escape.
Årø is a small, low-lying island in the Little Belt off Haderslev, a pocket-sized escape of fields, dikes and bird-rich wetlands threaded with quiet lanes. Just a short ferry hop from the mainland, the island mixes gentle farming landscapes with a yacht harbour, bathing beaches, and a surprisingly rich food-and-drink scene including a vineyard, microbrewery and laid-back cafés. Cycling and walking trails loop past Årø Church, old farmsteads and World War I dikes, while the protected islet Årø Kalv and meadows attract large numbers of coastal birds.
A brief summary to Årø
- Haderslev, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 24 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Hire a bicycle near the harbour or bring one with you to comfortably explore the whole island in a few leisurely hours.
- Bring binoculars for views of waders and seabirds around Årø Kalv and the island’s northeastern meadows.
- Check seasonal opening times for the vineyard, brewery and cafés, especially outside summer, as hours can be limited.
- Pack for changeable coastal weather: a light windproof layer is useful even on warm days out on the dikes and beaches.
- Respect bird protection zones and any fenced-off areas, particularly in spring and early summer nesting season.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car and ferry from Haderslev
From Haderslev town centre, allow about 25–35 minutes by car to reach the ferry terminal at Årøsund, following regional roads through the countryside. Ferries to Årø run frequently during the day and the crossing takes around 7–10 minutes. A standard car with passengers typically pays in the range of 80–130 DKK each way, while foot passengers and cyclists pay less. Arrive a little early in peak summer, as space is limited and departures can be busy.
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Bus and ferry from Haderslev
Regular regional buses connect Haderslev with Årøsund in roughly 35–45 minutes, depending on the service and intermediate stops. A single bus ticket usually costs around 30–50 DKK, with day passes available. From the bus stop at Årøsund it is a short walk to the ferry. The passenger ferry to Årø takes under 10 minutes and charges a small additional fare, typically under 30 DKK per person. Services operate year-round but may be less frequent in evenings and on weekends.
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Cycling via Årøsund and ferry
Confident cyclists can ride from Haderslev to Årøsund in about 45–70 minutes, following quiet country roads that are generally flat but exposed to wind. There are no dedicated cycle lanes for the entire route, so basic road awareness is important. Bicycles are carried on the ferry to Årø for a modest fee, often around 20–30 DKK in addition to the passenger ticket. This option is best in milder, dry weather and during daylight hours.
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Yacht or private boat
Sailors cruising the Little Belt can enter Årø Havn directly, a small marina offering berths, basic facilities and access to the village. Approaches are buoyed but waters are shallow in places, so up-to-date charts and attention to local depths are essential. Visitor fees for a berth are usually charged per night and vary with boat size, typically starting around 150–250 DKK, sometimes including electricity and showers. In strong winds or poor visibility, plan conservatively and check local notices before arrival.
Årø location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Any Weather
Discover more about Årø
An intimate island in the Little Belt
Årø is a compact Danish island set in the Little Belt, just off the mouth of Haderslev Fjord. Flat and easy-going, it stretches only a few kilometres in each direction, surrounded by shallow seas and shifting sandbanks. Low fields, hedgerows and small woods give it a sheltered, almost pastoral feel, while the coast alternates between sandy stretches, stone-fringed beaches and reed beds alive with birdsong. Life here is quietly rural. Tractors move between fields of grain and grazing cattle, and narrow lanes link the scattered hamlet, harbour and farms. Yet the island feels remarkably accessible, making it a popular target for day trips and slow weekends away from mainland routines.Landscapes shaped by sea, ice and wind
The island’s gentle profile is the legacy of the last ice age, when glaciers pushed and dropped great blocks of stone and sand across the Little Belt. In the northeastern meadows an enormous glacial boulder, known as the Årø Stone, still rests where the ice left it, a reminder of forces far older than the neat fields and dikes around it. Much of Årø’s present shape is the result of human effort to keep the sea at bay. A network of dikes hems in low-lying farmland, with raised embankments offering wide views across fields and out toward the narrower channel of Årøsund. These seawalls are as much walking routes as they are flood defences, giving you a sense of how closely land and water intertwine here.Birdlife, reserves and coastal nature
For its size, Årø packs in a notable variety of habitats. Salt meadows, shallow lagoons and reed-fringed shores attract waders, ducks and gulls, especially around the offshore reserve of Årø Kalv. This sandy islet, a shifting mosaic of dunes and beach meadows, serves as a breeding ground for species such as oystercatchers, lapwings and curlews, alongside numerous smaller shorebirds. Access to this reserve is carefully regulated in the nesting season, underscoring the island’s role as a haven for coastal wildlife. Even without stepping onto Årø Kalv, you can watch feeding flocks from the main island’s shoreline, or pause along the dikes to listen for the liquid calls of birds carrying across the flats.Traces of history in fields and dikes
Though Årø feels timeless, its landscape tells stories of shifting borders and hard work. In the early 20th century, when this part of Jutland lay under German rule, Russian prisoners of war were set to work constructing one of the main outer dikes. The long, straight embankments they left behind still protect fields from flooding and act as quiet corridors for walkers and cyclists. Scattered around the island are simple farm buildings and a small village church, whose plain exterior fits the no-nonsense character of the countryside. At farmsteads you may find collections of old tools or stones bearing traces of earlier settlement, collected from the surrounding fields and displayed as informal, small-scale heritage exhibits.Island flavours and easy-going activities
Despite its size, Årø offers a surprising taste of rural craftsmanship. A local vineyard takes advantage of the island’s mild coastal climate to produce Danish wines, which you can sample alongside views over the vines and nearby fields. There is also a small brewery and seasonal cafés and farm shops, where regional specialties and simple, home-style dishes reflect the island’s agricultural roots. Outdoor activities follow the slow pace of the place. Cyclists can circle the island on quiet roads in a couple of hours, stopping at beaches, viewpoints and the modest harbour with its yachts and fishing boats. Anglers cast lines from shore or boat in the surrounding strait, while families gravitate to sheltered bathing spots with shallow water and views back toward the mainland.Harbour life and the rhythm of the ferry
Arrivals and departures lend a gentle pulse to Årø’s only harbour, where the ferry from the mainland docks beside pleasure craft and small fishing boats. The quayside forms a natural gathering point with a relaxed maritime feel: masts clink, seabirds circle, and the low skyline of farm roofs and trees frames the scene. From here, lanes lead inland past the church and fields, never far from the sea on either side. Whether you stay for a few unhurried hours or linger overnight at a campsite or guesthouse, the island’s appeal lies less in headline sights than in the cumulative effect of its open horizons, soft light and quietly busy rural life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
30.2 km
St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s only Anglican church—an elegant Neo-Gothic landmark in Churchill Park, celebrated for its English architectural charm and tranquil location.
Kolding St.
30.5 km
The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
30.5 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Saint Michaels Church
30.6 km
A modest 19th-century Catholic red-brick church in central Kolding, offering quiet reflection, intimate architecture and a glimpse of Denmark’s Catholic life.
Borchs Gård
30.7 km
A vividly painted Renaissance townhouse from 1595, Borchs Gård brings Kolding’s mercantile past to life on the edge of lively Akseltorv square.
Saint Nicolas Church
30.8 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Fredericia Vold
34.3 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup
35.5 km
A quiet stone marking Denmark's liberation and Vester Sottrup's wartime legacy.
Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
37.2 km
A modest stone on Sønderborg’s former shooting range honouring two fallen wartime servicemen, inviting a brief but powerful pause for remembrance and reflection.
Mindesten for Løjtnant Rothenborg Muus
38.6 km
A modest memorial stone on Dybbølbjerg, quietly honouring Lieutenant Rothenborg Muus amid the historic hills and everyday calm of Sønderborg’s Dybbøl landscape.
Deutsches Museum Nordschleswig
38.8 km
Vibrant Copenhagen bridge and urban gathering spot linking Nørrebro to the city center, beloved for its scenic lake views, lively atmosphere, and social buzz.
Hønekilden
38.9 km
Discover the enchanting Hønekilden in Sønderborg, where local legends and royal history converge in a tranquil harbor setting, complete with a modern water feature.
Spanske trappe
39.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a Baroque royal residence famed for its majestic architecture, lush gardens, and central role in major Danish royal events near Roskilde.
King's Redoubt
39.2 km
A preserved 1864 military fortress symbolizing Danish resilience and regional heritage.
Iskonditoriet
39.2 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde fuses creative play equipment and green park scenery for a free, family-friendly experience in the heart of the historic Danish city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sillerup Windmill
11.9 km
Working 19th-century hilltop windmill and mill farm near Haderslev, where traditional machinery, bread baking and rural scenery bring Denmark’s milling heritage to life.
Sønderjylland Archaeology Museum
15.5 km
Discover 10,000 years of Southern Jutland at Haderslev’s archaeology museum, where Bronze Age gold, bog finds and historic farmsteads bring the past to life.
Historisk Arkiv
16.0 km
Denmark's gateway to regional heritage—a free archive preserving centuries of local history through accessible research.
Skamlingsbanken | Museum Kolding
20.7 km
A hillside museum woven into South Jutland’s highest point, where glacial landscapes, powerful speeches and panoramic views over the Little Belt meet.
Erholm Gods A/S
24.5 km
Historic Funen manor with a romantic landscape park, forests and a charming regional food market set in atmospheric farm buildings.
Universe
24.8 km
Denmark's interactive science park where technology, nature, and imagination collide for unforgettable family adventures.
Rieskunstgalleri v/Rie Brødsgaard
27.2 km
Step into a Kolding artist’s home-studio, where large tree-filled canvases and textured collages turn a quiet Danish house into an intimate private gallery.
CLAY Keramikmuseum Danmark
27.5 km
Denmark’s leading ceramics museum, uniting historic villa, underground galleries and waterfront sculpture park in a single celebration of clay, design and craftsmanship.
Grimmermosehuset
28.0 km
A small, timber-framed cottage anchoring Middelfart’s coastal history amid marinas, woodland paths and Little Belt bridge views at Kongebroen.
Bridgewalking Lillebælt
28.0 km
Strap into a safety rail and walk the spine of the Old Little Belt Bridge, 60 metres above the sea, where steel, stories and sweeping Danish seascapes meet.
The Japanese Gardens
28.1 km
A tranquil 7,500 m² tapestry of ponds, pines and stone that brings eight classic Japanese garden styles to the gentle countryside of central Funen.
Kolding Fjord
28.4 km
A gentle Danish fjord where wooded hillsides, quiet beaches and a working waterway meet, offering soft light, calm waters and unhurried coastal exploration.
Geografisk Have
28.6 km
Botanical world map, miniature historic Kolding and gentle animal encounters combine in this spacious garden-park, Kolding’s signature green escape for all ages.
Kolding Valgmenighed
28.8 km
A modern free congregation in a converted industrial building, blending relaxed worship, family-focused activities and flexible spaces in everyday Kolding surroundings.
Hotel Koldingfjord
28.9 km
Historic fjordside hotel in a former sanatorium, blending Danish design, woodland trails and water views with refined dining and standout conference facilities.
Essential places to dine
Tappo Restaurant, Winebar & shop
16.2 km
Cosy Italian-inspired restaurant and wine bar on Haderslev’s main square, pairing seasonal plates with a carefully curated wine list and in-house bottle shop.
Café & Restaurant Friends
22.6 km
Casual, cosy and central, Café & Restaurant Friends brings together bar, café and restaurant comforts in one easygoing hangout on Nordborg’s Storegade.
Amstrup & Vigen
24.1 km
Elegant waterside fine dining inside Dyvig Badehotel, blending French‑inspired cuisine, local produce and serene Baltic harbour views on the island of Als.
Den Gyldne Hane
28.6 km
Half-timbered country charm and hearty Danish–French cooking beside Kolding’s leafy Geographical Gardens, ideal for cosy lunches, gatherings and relaxed celebrations.
Restaurant Knapp
28.8 km
Romantic mill-house restaurant and inn in the woods near Aabenraa, pairing French-inspired gourmet cuisine with nostalgic Danish countryside charm.
Restaurant Koldingfjord
29.0 km
Refined, seasonal Nordic dining in a serene hotel restaurant, where wide windows and a fjordside terrace frame every course with sweeping views of Kolding Fjord.
Restaurant Flammen
29.4 km
All-you-can-eat grill, generous buffets and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere on Kolding’s Haderslevvej, perfect for long, social dinners and celebrations.
Ballebro Færgekro
29.5 km
Historic waterside inn and restaurant on the shores of Als Fjord, blending nostalgic 1890s charm, refined seasonal cuisine and deep Sønderjysk tranquility.
La Ghitarra Pizza
29.6 km
Neighbourhood pizzeria in Kolding serving generous, budget-friendly Italian-style pizzas, durum and homemade pita in a relaxed, takeaway-focused setting.
Marinaen
29.6 km
Relaxed Danish waterfront restaurant at Kolding’s yacht harbour, pairing fjord views with well‑cooked fish, steaks and cosy maritime interiors for long, lingering meals.
Gustav Lind Trapholt
29.7 km
Seasonal, green Danish comfort food in a light-filled museum café with sweeping views over Kolding Fjord and the sculpture-dotted grounds of Trapholt.
Salinaz
30.2 km
Cosy South American–inspired steakhouse in central Kolding, serving flame-grilled meats and hearty sides in an intimate, evening-only setting.
Admiralen
30.3 km
Historic harbor restaurant in Kolding serving refined Danish seafood and classic dishes in an elegant, maritime-inspired dining room from 1903.
Trattoria-Pizzeria Piccola Italia
30.3 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria in Kolding serving crisp stone-baked pizzas, rustic pasta and warm hospitality in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Sawadee Thai
30.4 km
Cosy Thai takeaway and eat-in spot in central Kolding, serving generous curries, woks and noodle favourites in a friendly, no-fuss neighbourhood setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Baroness and Baron
29.4 km
A cozy Tommerup clothing boutique where countryside calm meets quietly elegant Scandinavian style and a warm, personal shopping experience.
Butik Sortebro
29.8 km
Cozy countryside wine and gift shop in Tommerup, blending carefully chosen bottles, Danish delicacies and bespoke gift baskets in a relaxed village setting.
Ch Lagersalg
29.8 km
Warehouse clearance shopping in rural Denmark—where bargain hunters find unexpected treasures.
Lindholm Antik og Design
30.2 km
Trusted Danish design specialists with 25 years of expertise in mid-century furniture and respectful estate services.
Jungle Records
30.4 km
A cosy, crate-stacked vinyl den in central Kolding, Jungle Records is where analogue sound, local character and slow, satisfying browsing come together.
Kims Kiosk Skateshop - Koldings skatebutik
30.5 km
Core skate shop and community hub in central Kolding, blending boards, shoes and streetwear with the laid-back energy of a classic Danish kiosk.
Sinnerup Kolding
30.5 km
Scandinavian design, contemporary living, and lifestyle inspiration under one expansive roof.
Sailor's Ink tattoo Kolding | Din tatovør i Kolding
30.5 km
Modern, art‑driven tattoo studio in central Kolding, blending award‑winning craftsmanship, strict hygiene and a relaxed living‑room vibe for first‑timers and collectors alike.
Red Barnet genbrugsbutik
30.5 km
Compact, community-driven second-hand shop in central Kolding where bargain hunting, sustainability and support for Save the Children come together under one roof.
Fru Hansen
30.5 km
Private, specialist wig and extension studio in central Kolding, offering discreet consultations, natural‑looking hair solutions and professional spray tan treatments.
HARRESØ
30.5 km
An intimate Kolding concept store where Scandinavian minimalism meets international menswear, blending gallery-like interiors with a sharply curated selection of designer brands.
Lykke's Guld & Sølv
30.5 km
Longstanding Kolding jeweler on Jernbanegade, blending classic Danish craftsmanship, in-house repairs and a wide range of jewelry and watches for everyday and special occasions.
Kul og Koks
30.6 km
Intimate Kolding menswear boutique pairing Scandinavian simplicity with curated, ready-to-wear outfits for everyday life and special occasions.
Rituals
30.6 km
A softly lit Rituals boutique on Østergade in Kolding, where serene design, layered scents and thoughtful gift sets turn everyday routines into small indulgent rituals.
Kop & Kande Kolding C
30.6 km
Central Kolding’s cosy homeware and gift shop, where practical Danish kitchen design, glassware and tableware meet easy browsing on lively Helligkorsgade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Boldts Bar
16.2 km
Intimate live-music bar in Haderslev’s old town, pouring generous cocktails and hosting grown-up nights of bands, DJs and dancing for a mature crowd.
Tribunen ApS
16.3 km
Lively music and sports bar in the heart of Haderslev, mixing big-screen football, cold beers and weekend dance-floor energy in a relaxed, down-to-earth setting.
Daddys's Pub
29.5 km
Cosy neighborhood pub on Tvedvej in Kolding, serving cold beers, bar‑side conversation and a generous dose of everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Snapstinget
29.9 km
One of Kolding’s oldest pubs, Snapstinget pairs ice-cold beer with billiards, darts and a warmly local atmosphere on a quiet street off the city’s sports grounds.
Papegøjen
30.3 km
A no-frills corner bodega in central Kolding where cold beer, card games and easy conversation keep the classic Danish pub culture very much alive.
Drop-inn ( 75 50 34 92 )
30.3 km
Unpretentious Kolding bodega in a former girls’ school, serving cold beer, nostalgic “mormor” music and everyday hygge in a cosy red-brick corner bar.
Jazz 6000
30.4 km
Intimate jazz stronghold in Kolding, presenting adventurous live concerts and collaborations that bring Danish jazz up close in a relaxed club atmosphere.
Knuds Garage
30.5 km
Garage‑themed neighborhood bar in central Kolding with affordable drinks, board games, foosball and a cozy courtyard that turns evenings into easygoing social nights.
Vegas Bet & Beer
30.5 km
Straightforward beers, sports on screen and easygoing local banter in a compact bar at the heart of Kolding’s historic centre.
Jernbanecaféen
30.5 km
Straightforward, central Kolding bar by the station, serving inexpensive drinks in a relaxed, lived‑in setting from midday until the early hours.
8eren
30.5 km
Kolding's premier cocktail bar and pool hall—where drinks, games, and good company meet.
Den Engelske Pub - You'll Never Walk Alone
30.5 km
British pub tradition meets Danish warmth in Kolding's heart—craft beer, whisky, and football culture.
Tinsoldaten/Kim Jakobsen
30.5 km
An unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Sønderborg, offering simple drinks, local color and a relaxed glimpse of everyday Danish nightlife.
The Cavern
30.6 km
A cozy, low-lit lounge tucked inside Den Engelske Pub, offering intimate drinks, warm conversation and a calm escape from Kolding’s lively weekend nightlife.
The Old Irish pub
30.6 km
Kolding's premier Irish pub with live music, 300-person capacity, and weekend dancing until dawn.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Pitstop
30.5 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Mørks Kælder
30.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
30.7 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Koldingtivet Engen
31.0 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
AHA Livestage
33.9 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Dance All Over
34.7 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
36.4 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Kaizen ApS
39.3 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Fishi
40.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
42.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
43.4 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
43.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Ærø Golf Klub
43.8 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
BUTCHERS Odense
43.9 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
The Flower and the Bee
43.9 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly