Hotel Ærø Restaurant
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Housed in a historic harborfront hotel dating to 1889, Restaurant Hotel Ærø serves traditional Danish cuisine in an atmospheric setting overlooking Svendborg's picturesque port. The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored building with colonial-inspired décor, offering classic dishes like Stjerneskud and beef preparations. Located at the heart of Svendborg's charming old town, it combines heritage ambiance with contemporary dining standards, making it a notable destination for both hotel guests and visiting diners.
A brief summary to Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
- Brogade 1, Svendborg, 5700, DK
- +4541200976
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to secure waterfront seating with harbor views and avoid disappointment with table placement.
- Order the Stjerneskud as an appetizer and the béarnaise-based beef dishes as mains—these are signature preparations that showcase the kitchen's technical skill.
- Verify opening hours before visiting, as the restaurant closes for extended periods during winter months (typically mid-December to mid-January).
- Allow time to explore the surrounding harbor area and old town before or after dining; the location is ideally positioned for a broader walking tour of Svendborg.
- Note that restroom facilities are basic and lack accessibility features; request information about facilities if mobility is a concern.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
A Harbor Institution Rooted in Maritime Heritage
Restaurant Hotel Ærø stands on Brogade at the water's edge of Svendborg harbor, occupying a building with deep historical roots. The structure itself is a merger of two establishments: the original Hotel Svendborg and the Skipperhotel (Skipperkneipet), both dating back more than 150 years. Since 1889, this location has welcomed travelers, merchants, and seafarers seeking refreshment and rest. The building carries literary significance, connected to the tragic love story of Elvire Madigan and Sixten Sparre, figures of Danish cultural memory. This layered history infuses the dining experience with authentic period character.Interior Design and Atmospheric Setting
The restaurant's interior reflects careful curation inspired by English colonial style, featuring substantial wooden furnishings, rich drapery, fine wallpapers, and soft carpeting throughout. Individual rooms maintain distinct thematic treatments, creating intimate spaces rather than a single cavernous dining hall. Large windows frame views of the harbor and the Ærø ferry terminal, allowing diners to observe maritime activity while eating. The overall effect is one of refined historical comfort—a space that honors its past while maintaining contemporary hospitality standards.Traditional Danish Cuisine and Kitchen Excellence
The kitchen specializes in traditional Danish fare prepared to high standards. Signature dishes include Stjerneskud (a classic Danish appetizer), beef preparations such as Kalveentrecôte and Bøf Béarnaise, and seasonal specialties. The restaurant is particularly noted for its béarnaise sauce—described by diners as exceptionally creamy and flavorful—and its house-made pommes frites. The menu emphasizes quality ingredients and classical technique, positioning the restaurant as a custodian of Danish culinary tradition rather than a venue for experimental cuisine.Location Within Svendborg's Historic Core
The restaurant's position at the harbor edge places it within walking distance of Svendborg's old town center, which was designated Denmark's coziest shopping district in 2016. The surrounding area features independent boutiques, galleries, and heritage architecture. Parking is available in the hotel's rear courtyard, and the location offers easy access to the Ærø ferry terminal for those traveling to the island of Ærø. The central harborfront setting makes it both a destination restaurant and a natural waypoint for visitors exploring the town.Operational Patterns and Seasonal Considerations
The restaurant operates seasonally, with extended closures during winter months. As of early 2025, the restaurant was closed from mid-December through mid-January, though hotel accommodations remained available. During operating seasons, service patterns reflect a mix of hotel guests and walk-in diners, with table management varying by time and occupancy. The restaurant functions as an integral part of the Hotel Ærø experience, with dining quality and service standards directly linked to the broader hotel operation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
0.3 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.
Damestenen
16.6 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Tranekær Castle
16.6 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
22.6 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
22.7 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
22.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
22.8 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.
På Torvet
22.9 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
22.9 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Andelen Guesthouse
23.0 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
23.2 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"
25.3 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.
Ærø
26.5 km
Experience the serene charm of Ærø, Denmark's enchanting island, with its picturesque towns, rich maritime heritage, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for all travelers.
Rise Kirke
26.5 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.
Befrielsessten i Sulkendrup
26.6 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's 1945 liberation, nestled in a forested valley near historic Sulkendrup Mill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Anne Hvide's House
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring extensive collections and live artisan demonstrations.
Cubo Nero
0.6 km
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Naturama
0.8 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
0.8 km
Step inside Northern Europe’s best‑preserved poorhouse in Svendborg and explore 100 years of Danish welfare history told through original rooms, objects and human destinies.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
1.2 km
One of Denmark’s largest medieval castle mounds, where grassy ramparts and deep ditches reveal the ghost of a lost fortress above the outskirts of Svendborg.
Valdemars Slot
4.7 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Ambrosius's Oak
4.7 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
6.0 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Beautiful Beach
6.3 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Tåsinge
6.9 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Vornæs havn
8.8 km
Small, scenic harbour on the Vornæs peninsula where woodland meets the South Funen coast, offering quiet moorings, coastal walks and peaceful fishing waters.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
9.6 km
High‑rope thrills in a South Funen beech forest, with eight treetop courses, long zip‑lines and a Big Swing blending outdoor adventure, views and shared laughs.
Langelands Museum
15.3 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Egeskov Castle
15.3 km
A storybook Renaissance water castle on Funen, where historic halls, award‑winning gardens, playful museums and forest adventures create a full day in the Danish countryside.
Camping Outdoors Museum
15.6 km
A nostalgic journey through tents, caravans and holiday dreams, the Camping Outdoors Museum at Egeskov celebrates the simple freedom of life on the road.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
0.0 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
0.0 km
Classic Danish cooking and hearty portions served right on Svendborg’s harborfront, with wide views across Svendborgsund and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere all day long.
Jettes Diner
0.1 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
0.1 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Frederiksøens Madbar
0.2 km
Casual harbourfront burger and seafood bar on Svendborg’s old shipyard island, pairing organic burgers and fried fish with laid-back maritime views.
Salig Simons Gaard
0.2 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Kong Volmer Svendborg
0.3 km
Cosy Danish lunch spot on Svendborg’s Møllergade, serving classic smørrebrød, cold beer and aquavit in a narrow oak‑lined dining room with a sunny terrace.
Restaurant Børsen
0.4 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Under Uret
0.5 km
All-day café and brasserie under the clock on Svendborg’s main pedestrian street, serving cozy comfort food, quality coffee and relaxed drinks from morning to late night.
Pams African Restaurant
0.6 km
Ghanaian warmth, jollof rice and slow-cooked stews bring a slice of West Africa to the historic streets of Svendborg’s compact old town.
Restaurant Resumé
0.6 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Restaurant Øret
1.2 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Christians madhus
1.2 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant
1.4 km
Waterfront hotel restaurant in Svendborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a strong seafood focus, framed by wide sea views and a spacious terrace by the beach.
Stella Maris
2.8 km
An intimate seaside boutique hotel on Svendborgsund, blending Nordic design, gourmet dining and tranquil garden-and-water views on the edge of South Funen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kop & Kande
0.2 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Colourful, low-cost Danish design and quirky gifts in the heart of Svendborg’s main shopping street, ideal for quick souvenirs, party supplies and everyday essentials.
Thi Ti Ting
0.3 km
A cozy little gift shop on Korsgade in Svendborg’s old town, where playful Danish design and easygoing small-town charm meet on every shelf.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
0.4 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
0.6 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Storms Hjørne
3.5 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Høkildegård
9.6 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Dansk
14.8 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaj Hansen
14.9 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Shop Louise Mary
14.9 km
Charming gift shop on Rudkøbing's central square, offering curated Scandinavian home décor and souvenirs.
Skovhus Keramik
14.9 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
15.0 km
Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Butik Knag I/S
15.0 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Imerco
15.0 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
15.0 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
0.0 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
Loftet
0.1 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
Kahytten Svendborg
0.1 km
Dimly lit, smoky and disarmingly honest, Kahytten is Svendborg’s cabin-like pub where cheap beers, local regulars and harbor-town character meet under one low ceiling.
Den Høje Stue
0.1 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Rasmus
0.1 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
The Drunken Sailor
0.1 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Strandbar
0.2 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Trier's Corner
0.2 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
0.2 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Vinsted
0.2 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
0.2 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Hemingway's Svendborg
0.2 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
HANSTED
0.5 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
0.7 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Ørkild
0.7 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
0.1 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
22.3 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Ærø Golf Klub
27.8 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Muzirkus
29.4 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
30.5 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
35.5 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
39.7 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
40.1 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
40.2 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
BUTCHERS Odense
40.3 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
40.3 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
Dansebar Odense
40.3 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
40.4 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Grand Bar & Lounge
40.4 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Sir Club
40.5 km
Sir Club in Odense blends classic Danish bar atmosphere, lively open mic nights, and friendly pool competitions, making it a top choice for sociable evenings downtown.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Business Friendly