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Heritage Shipyard & Living Maritime Museum of Ærøskøbing

Experience the vibrant heritage of Ærø’s working shipyard, where maritime history, craftsmanship, and island culture meet on the harbor of enchanting Ærøskøbing.

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Nestled on the picturesque harbor front of Ærøskøbing, Det Gamle Værft is a living maritime museum and working shipyard. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s centuries-old shipbuilding traditions, explore hands-on workshops, and discover the pivotal role Ærø’s harbor played in Denmark's seafaring past. It's a welcoming spot for families, history lovers, and anyone seeking a glimpse into South Funen's maritime soul.

A brief summary to Det Gamle Værft

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the calendar for live workshops and events—they often include hands-on activities suitable for kids and adults alike.
  • Entrance is sometimes free, but during special events or guided tours, a modest fee (30–50 DKK per adult) may apply. Children often go free.
  • The museum has accessible entryways, but floors may be uneven in some workshop areas; sturdy footwear is recommended.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the charming harbor and colorful 18th-century houses of Ærøskøbing.
  • Light refreshments are sometimes available on-site, but harbor cafés are just a few minutes away if you want a full meal.
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Discover more about Det Gamle Værft

Det Gamle Værft, translating to 'The Old Shipyard,' anchors Ærøskøbing’s bustling harbor with an inviting blend of history, craft, and community. Once the site where wooden ships shaped the fortunes of this historic port, it now serves as one of Denmark’s few open and functioning maritime workshops—a tribute to South Funen’s rich shipbuilding legacy. Visitors are enveloped in the authentic smells of timber and oil, the clang of hammers, and the gentle hum of craftsmanship. Here, master shipwrights still shape classic boats alongside apprentices, welcoming curious travelers to observe and, during select hours, even participate in traditional skills like rope-making, smithing, or woodcarving. Varied exhibits illuminate Ærø’s history as a maritime hub, featuring original tools, scale models, and stories from bygone sailors who braved the Baltic Sea. A highlight is the opportunity for families and children to try their hand at hands-on projects—coding trinkets from scrap wood, sketching boat designs, or donning a blacksmith's apron. The museum often hosts concerts, lectures, and local food tastings within its atmospheric halls, forging a link between the island’s living culture and its storied past. Panoramic harbor views, lively interaction with craftspeople, and a relaxed, communal atmosphere set Det Gamle Værft apart from conventional museums. It is as much a community gathering place as a museum—a living testament to Ærø's enduring connection to the sea.

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