Background

Søbygaard

Denmark's last ducal manor house blends history, geology, and culture on a windswept island.

4.1

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
  • Environment icon 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.
widget icon

Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather

Unlock the Best of Søbygård

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Søbygård

Popular Hotels near Søbygård

Select Currency