Den Gamle Købmandsgaard, Ærøskøbing
Historic island grocer turned gourmet shop and café on Ærøskøbing’s main square, blending local flavours, everyday groceries and cozy island atmosphere.
Set on the cobbled town square of Ærøskøbing, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard is a historic grocer’s house turned gourmet shop and café. Shelves are lined with local cheeses, organic meats, island salts, soaps, chocolate, beer, whisky and crafts, while simple meals, cakes and coffee are served in a cozy, timbered interior and on a small outdoor terrace. It is an easy, atmospheric stop to taste Ærø’s produce, pick up edible souvenirs and linger in the heart of Denmark’s fairy‑tale town.
A brief summary to Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
- Torvet 5, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- +4591255970
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Browse the back shelves and fridges for island-made products such as Ærø whisky, local beer, salts and charcuterie if you are looking for distinctive gifts.
- Combine a light lunch or coffee break here with a stroll around the square on market days, when stalls and music often add extra life to Torvet.
- If you are self-catering, use the shop to assemble a picnic with cheeses, cold cuts and bread, then continue on to the nearby harbour or beach.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
Island grocer at the heart of the square
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard sits directly on Torvet, the main square of Ærøskøbing, in a low, traditional building that once housed the town’s old grocer. Step through the door and you move from the open cobbled plaza into a warm, wooden interior where beams, shelves and counters still hint at its mercantile past. Outside, the façades of neighbouring houses and cafés frame the square, while two historic water pumps in the centre recall a time when residents came here to draw water by hand. In summer the town square fills with stalls on market days, surrounded by cafés, an ice-cream kiosk and benches, and Den Gamle Købmandsgaard feels like the natural focal point for anyone pausing to take in the scene. Even in quieter months, the building’s painted frontage and old-fashioned signage add to the fairy‑tale charm that has made Ærøskøbing famous across Denmark.Local flavours from Ærø’s fields and shores
Inside, the shop is devoted to products from across Ærø and the wider South Funen archipelago. Counters are stacked with cheeses, organic charcuterie and sausages, while fridges hold quality butchery cuts ready for self‑caterers and picnickers. Shelves carry island salts, small‑batch jams, chocolate, liquorice confections, biscuits and other treats, much of it produced in limited quantities and packaged with simple, elegant Nordic design. Among the bottles you will find locally brewed beer and spirits, including whisky made on Ærø from barley grown on the island itself. Notes on the labels trace the grain back to specific fields, turning each bottle into a small story of local agriculture. There are also rums and other Danish specialities, making it a rewarding place to assemble gifts or a tasting flight for a long evening by the sea.Café plates, coffee and cake
Alongside its retail shelves, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard runs a casual café that makes the most of the ingredients it sells. At lunchtime you can expect open sandwiches, salads or simple plates built around local cheeses, cured meats and seasonal vegetables. Portions tend toward light meals rather than elaborate dining, ideal for a mid‑day pause between exploring lanes and harbour. Coffee, tea and homemade cakes anchor the afternoon, with tables both inside and, in fine weather, on a small pavement terrace facing the square. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried: a place to read, write postcards or simply watch the slow rhythm of island life drift past the windows.Craft, souvenirs and everyday essentials
Beyond food and drink, the shop also stocks a changing selection of Ærø handicrafts and practical items. You might find island‑branded T‑shirts and textiles, soaps scented with sea salt or herbs, or small ceramics and wooden pieces from local makers. For travellers staying in town, there are enough pantry basics and fresh items to assemble breakfast, picnic supplies or a simple dinner without leaving the square. This blend of everyday groceries and carefully chosen specialties mirrors the building’s history as a working merchant’s house. It serves both residents and visitors, so you are as likely to see locals picking up ingredients as fellow travellers scouting for something distinctive to bring home.Part of Ærøskøbing’s living heritage
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard is also woven into the broader cultural fabric of Ærø. The building forms one side of the historic square, a short walk from the town’s art spaces, museums and the pastel‑coloured streets that lead down to the harbour and beaches. As a partner to Geopark The South Fyn Archipelago, it helps showcase regional produce connected to the surrounding landscapes and seascapes. Spending time here gives you more than a shopping stop: it offers a taste of how island traditions, modern craftsmanship and everyday life intersect. Whether you stay for a quick coffee or linger over shelves of delicacies, the old grocer’s house provides a memorable, flavour‑filled window onto Ærø’s character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Danish Island Weddings
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Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
0.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Hotel Ærøhus
0.2 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.
Ærøfærgerne
0.3 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.3 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
0.3 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Rise Kirke
3.9 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.
Forladt skorsten
5.9 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.5 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
7.9 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.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
19.9 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.
Saint Nicolai's Church
22.8 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.
Hafenbune Mommark
23.8 km
Discover the laid-back maritime allure and coastal serenity of Hafenbune Mommark, a historic harbour hub on the southeast shores of scenic Als, Sønderjylland.
Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
24.5 km
Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a fascinating Neolithic burial site offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's prehistoric past and the lives of the Funnelbeaker culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
0.1 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Church
0.1 km
An 18th‑century island church with medieval roots, blue maritime pews and hanging model ships, offering a quiet window into Ærø’s seafaring soul.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
0.1 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
0.2 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 Jazzfestival
0.3 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Det Gamle Værft
0.3 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.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
0.7 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.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
1.2 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 Edvard Biering
3.1 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
3.5 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Ærø
3.6 km
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Ærø Bryggeri
4.2 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Ærø Flyveplads
4.7 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.
Strandbyen Havn
5.4 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.
Voderup Klint
5.4 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafe På Torvet
0.0 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Restaurant MUMM
0.1 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
0.1 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
0.1 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.
Landbogården
0.1 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
0.1 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
0.2 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
0.3 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Kraut & Koala
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.4 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Vindeballe Kro
3.9 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Dunkær Kro
4.5 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.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
7.4 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Hotel Udsigten Marstal
7.4 km
Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
0.0 km
Historic island grocer and café where Ærøskøbing's maritime heritage meets contemporary artisanal food culture.
Kunstmågen
0.0 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
0.0 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.
Island Living Ærø
0.0 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.
Tøjshoppen
0.1 km
Practical island clothing and home textiles in the heart of Ærøskøbing’s cobbled old town, ideal for topping up your wardrobe or holiday cottage essentials.
Blandede Bolcher
0.1 km
A tiny Søndergade shop where antiques, toys and curiosities spill from every corner, offering a nostalgic, treasure-hunt pause in fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Den Gamle Isenkram
0.1 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
0.1 km
A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Gyden 13
0.1 km
A cosy fashion accessories hideaway on a cobbled lane in Ærøskøbing, where retro-inspired pieces and Danish simplicity meet island charm and slow travel.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
0.1 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.
Shop
0.1 km
Atmospheric lifestyle and gift shop on Brogade in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending traditional hardware-store roots with cozy Danish design and island-inspired finds.
Ærø Glaskunst
0.1 km
Intimate glass studio, boutique and café on Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, where handcrafted Nordic glass art and cozy island hospitality meet.
Donna & Miss Daisy
0.1 km
Intimate island boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending whimsical Scandinavian fashion, thoughtful accessories and personal styling in a cosy, cobbled-street setting.
Creutz Boghandel
0.1 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Søstærk Print & Papir
0.1 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
0.3 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
7.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
7.8 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
7.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
7.9 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
8.1 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.
Rådhuskælderen
10.8 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.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
19.7 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
19.7 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
19.9 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
19.9 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.0 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
20.1 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
20.7 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
20.7 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
5.2 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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
23.0 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Old Danish Pub
39.9 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
39.9 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
40.1 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
45.6 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
CLUB ZANZI
46.5 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Muzirkus
51.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
52.9 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.
KJ's bodel
53.0 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.
Carlsens Kvarter
55.9 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
56.3 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
56.4 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Dansebar Odense
56.5 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
56.6 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly