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Den Gamle Købmandsgaard: Ærøskøbing’s Living Heritage Grocer

Historic grocery and artisan food shop in Ærøskøbing’s main square, blending heritage ambiance with the island’s best local delicacies, crafts, and traditions.

4.5

Nestled in the heart of Ærøskøbing, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard is a historic general store that revives Denmark’s classic trading traditions. Bursting with local artisan foods, crafts, and gifts, this beloved grocer invites visitors to step inside a piece of island history, blending nostalgic atmosphere with modern island delicacies. Its warm wooden interior and handpicked selection make it a centerpiece of Ærø’s charm.

A brief summary to Den Gamle Købmandsgaard

  • 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

  • Bring reusable bags, as many products are sold in bulk or without extra packaging.
  • Ask staff for tasting samples—local cheeses and sweets are often available to try.
  • The shop stocks unique seasonal products, ideal for authentic souvenirs.
  • Visit in the morning for fresh-out-of-the-oven bread and pastries.
  • Events like tastings and mini-markets are held throughout the year—check the latest schedule in-store.
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Discover more about Den Gamle Købmandsgaard

Set at the picturesque main square of Ærøskøbing, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard (The Old Merchant’s Yard) is far more than a grocery store—it’s a vibrant piece of Danish heritage. Housed in a lovingly restored building from the 1800s, the shop revives the golden era of the classic Danish købstad (market town) where generations of islanders and sea-farers came for daily essentials and local news. Inside, wooden shelves overflow with produce and delicacies from across Ærø and the South Funen Archipelago: jams and honey, island cheeses, smoked fish, locally roasted coffee, and award-winning chocolates. Shoppers are greeted by the scent of spices and freshly baked bread, while the creak of old floorboards adds a warm echo of centuries past. Many crafts, linens, and small souvenirs are handmade by local artisans, and the grocer is a proud champion of sustainable, regional products. Beyond shopping, Den Gamle Købmandsgaard is also a cultural landmark—part exhibition, part meeting place. Regular tastings, pop-up markets, and seasonal events mean there’s almost always something new to discover, from Christmas stollen to spring honey. The staff, often dressed in period aprons, delight in sharing stories about the town, Danish traditions, and the provenance of each item. The shop also acts as an informal information point, offering friendly tips on what to see and do around the archipelago. Located amid colorful townhouses and cobbled lanes, and just moments from the harbor, a visit here immerses you in the gentle pace and enduring spirit of Ærø life. Den Gamle Købmandsgaard is the perfect introduction to local tastes, island craftsmanship, and a bygone era of Danish hospitality.

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