Søbygaard
Denmark's last ducal manor house blends history, geology, and culture on a windswept island.
Søbygaard is a historic activity centre housed in Ærø's last remaining ducal manor house, located in the northern part of the Danish island. The complex features a Geopark Visitor Centre with free admission, classical concerts, guided tours, children's nature activities, and exhibitions exploring the island's unique geology and the manor's fascinating 17th-century history. Set in beautiful countryside with a moat and drawbridge, it offers cultural and educational experiences for all ages.
A brief summary to Søbygård
- Søbygårdsvej 2, Søby, 5985, DK
- +4530535958
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Geopark Visitor Centre first to understand Ærø's geological story, then explore the manor and exhibitions with that context in mind.
- Check the seasonal opening hours before visiting; the site operates Wednesday–Sunday in May, daily in June–August, and Thursday–Sunday in September–October.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to experience the exhibitions, guided tour, and café without rushing through the grounds.
- If visiting in spring or summer, book ahead for classical concerts, which are popular and held in the manor's intimate concert hall.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes; the grounds and moat area invite exploration, and the terrain is gentle but uneven in places.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Free Bus from Søby
A free bus service stops directly at Søbygaard, departing from Søby town centre. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on route. This is the most convenient option for visitors without a car and requires no advance booking.
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Car from Søby
Drive south from Søby town centre along Søbygårdsvej for approximately 3 kilometres. Journey time is 5–8 minutes. Parking is available on-site. No special vehicle type is required, and the road is paved and well-maintained year-round.
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Bicycle from Søby
Cycle south from Søby along quiet rural roads for approximately 3 kilometres. Journey time is 12–18 minutes depending on fitness level and terrain. The route is relatively flat with gentle rolling sections. Ærø is known for cycling tourism and the roads are cyclist-friendly.
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Taxi or Ride-Share from Søby
Local taxi services operate on Ærø; journey time from Søby is approximately 10 minutes and cost typically ranges from 80–120 DKK depending on the service. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
Søbygård location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Søbygård
A Duke's Legacy in Stone and History
Søbygaard stands as Ærø's last surviving ducal manor house, a testament to the island's complex and dramatic past. Built by Hans the Younger in the early 1600s, the manor was designed with both elegance and defence in mind—protected by a moat and drawbridge, it reflects the turbulent inheritance laws of 17th-century Schleswig-Holstein. Duke Christian, who governed Ærø as his own small duchy from 1622 to 1633, visited this estate regularly, and the manor witnessed the chaotic events that would reshape the island's fate. When Christian died without legitimate heirs, Ærø was divided into four separate administrative sections, triggering waves of smuggling and black market trade that ultimately transformed the island's economy and society. Today, Søbygaard preserves this inheritance chaos through exhibitions and guided tours that bring the dukes' world to life.Geopark Discovery and Natural Wonders
The Geopark Visitor Centre at Søbygaard offers free admission and serves as the gateway to understanding Ærø's unique geological and natural heritage. Inside, visitors explore the Ærø timeline through interactive displays, watch short films about Geopark Det Sydfynske Øhav, and discover the island's geospots—special locations that reveal millions of years of earth history. The centre highlights the island's distinctive landscape, flora, and fauna, making it an essential stop for anyone curious about how Ærø came to be. Educational materials and visual presentations transform geological concepts into engaging narratives, suitable for both children and adults seeking deeper knowledge of the region.Cultural Experiences and Seasonal Programming
Throughout spring and summer, Søbygaard's concert hall hosts a series of classical concerts in an intimate, historically rich setting. The manor grounds also feature guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who share stories of the dukes, the manor's architecture, and the surrounding landscape. These tours provide personal insight into both the building's history and the natural environment that frames it. Annually changing exhibitions ensure that repeat visitors discover new perspectives on Ærø's heritage, while special events—such as the Autumn Market and Christmas art exhibitions—bring seasonal character to the venue.Activities for All Ages
Søbygaard is designed as a family-friendly destination where children and adults engage with history, culture, and nature simultaneously. Young visitors can explore the moat, participate in nature-based educational activities, and enjoy outdoor spaces that blend learning with play. The manor's beautiful surroundings provide natural classrooms for discovery, while indoor exhibitions cater to those seeking quieter, more contemplative experiences. The on-site café serves warm panini, local confectionery, and the famous rum balls from Nørre Aaby, making it easy to spend several hours on the grounds.Setting and Accessibility
Located approximately 3 kilometres southeast of Søby in the northern part of Ærø, Søbygaard occupies a picturesque rural setting surrounded by open countryside. The manor sits near a medieval fortress and bird area, adding to the richness of the immediate landscape. A free bus service stops directly at the manor, making it accessible without a private vehicle. The site's combination of historic architecture, manicured grounds, and natural surroundings creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive, inviting visitors to slow down and absorb the layers of history embedded in the place.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
3.3 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
5.2 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hotel Ærøhus
8.8 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.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
8.8 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
8.9 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
8.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
8.9 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
9.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
9.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
10.5 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.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
16.9 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.
Saint Nicolai's Church
26.0 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.
Augustenborg Palace
26.7 km
Denmark's largest baroque palace complex overlooking the fjord, where ducal history meets timeless gardens.
Langelands Museum
27.9 km
Explore Langeland's captivating history at Langelands Museum in Rudkøbing, showcasing artifacts from the Stone Age to modern times and offering insights into the island's rich cultural heritage.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
28.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Museum
0.0 km
Step into Ærø’s past inside a 1775 bailiff’s house, where island history, quirky traditions and a time‑capsule garden unfold in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Fyrtårn østmole
3.0 km
A small harbour lighthouse on Ærøskøbing’s eastern mole, Fyrtårn Østmole adds quiet maritime character and wide sea views to this fairytale Danish island port.
Fyrtårn vestmole
3.1 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Jørbæk Strand
3.6 km
A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Voderup Klint
6.8 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.
Ærø Golf Klub
7.3 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
7.3 km
Discover Marstal’s iconic row of colorful bathing huts, a living symbol of Ærø’s seaside heritage and Danish summer life along the Baltic shore.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
8.1 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 Ærøs Samling
8.2 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Det Gamle Værft
8.9 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.
Ærø Jazzfestival
8.9 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Flaske-Peters Samling
8.9 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 Whiskey Destilleri
8.9 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
9.0 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
9.0 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Essential places to dine
Crêperie Ærø
2.8 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Vindeballe Kro
7.0 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Landbogården
8.8 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Den Hemmelige Café
8.8 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.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
8.8 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
8.9 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
8.9 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant MUMM
8.9 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
9.0 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
9.0 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
9.0 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
9.0 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Badehotel Harmonien
9.0 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Dunkær Kro
11.8 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.
Avernakø Havnecafé
13.4 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
1.1 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
2.2 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
2.5 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
3.1 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
3.1 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
3.6 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
3.6 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Bregninge Store Kro
4.2 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
7.4 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Neli Garnet
8.3 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Butik Stokrosen
8.8 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Søstærk Print & Papir
8.8 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Valk Inter Collection
8.8 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
stil & hygge
8.8 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
Reloved with Other Stories
8.8 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
2.2 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.
Arrebo
8.9 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
16.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
16.7 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
16.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
16.9 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
17.1 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.
Kompasset
21.8 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Skrumpklunk Institute
24.4 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
tøsingen ivs
25.3 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tingvalla 2013 ApS
25.6 km
Electric nightlife and quality drinks in the heart of Svendborg's vibrant social scene.
HANSTED
25.8 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Trier's Corner
26.1 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Vinsted
26.1 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Hemingway's Svendborg
26.1 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly