Marstal: Harbor, Seafaring and Coastal Paths

Marstal faces the sea: The town plan is oriented toward the coast, while the Snorrer streets and paths lead from the main street to the harbor and the sea.

Harbor and maritime history

Marstal Church was built in 1738. Inside, seven church models bear witness to the development of seafaring from the 18th to the 20th century and to the town’s connection with the sea. There is also a carillon with 48 bells. Marstal’s maritime history is visible and tangible throughout the town and along the harbor.

The Marstal Motor Factory is also one of the town’s historical landmarks; it was founded in 1934. Motorsamlingen is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00. At the Marstal Maritime Museum, a local guide accompanies visitors through the exhibitions free of charge.

At Eriksens Plads stands a sculptural schooner structure with parts of its hull framework exposed. It commemorates the extensive shipyard activity that shaped the town. Eriksens Plads is considered one of the cradles of wooden shipbuilding. This connection with seafaring continues in the harbor: A 1 km-long stone breakwater protects it. Sailors built it voluntarily from 1825 onward over several decades.

Harbor, bathing huts and paths by the sea

Marstal Marina is the largest marina on Ærø. It is within convenient walking distance of the town center and Eriks Hale. The harbor has a playground, barbecue shelters, as well as toilet and bathing facilities. The maritime playground has two large maritime play areas. At the floating landing stage, children and adults can catch crabs with a net.

Outside Marstal, colorful bathing huts line the sandbar of Eriks Hale. They are considered a timeless part of Ærø’s cultural heritage. On the side of Eriks Hale called Det Lille Hav, you can bathe in a shallow, calm and warm bay. Families gather at the bathing huts for Midsummer’s Eve, to cook Easter eggs and to bask in the sun.

Hiking trails of the Archipelago Trail run through Toftegårdsskoven, with views over grain fields. Egehovedskoven lies on the outskirts of Marstal, by the beach at Eriks Hale. The route from Marstal to Ærøskøbing begins at Marstal Harbor, runs along the edge of the town and offers views along Strandvejen. The Coastal Trail on Ærø is a 30 km-long hiking route.

Maritime events

In July, Marstal is visited as part of Fyn Rundt by 50 to 60 preserved sailing ships.

Getting to Marstal

ÆrøXpressen runs daily from Rudkøbing on Langeland to Marstal on Ærø. The crossing takes 50 minutes.

Other places in the same travel region include Kragnæs, Søby Ærø, Ærøskøbing, Skovby, Bro and Dunkær.

For the overview of the broader travel area: Ærø Municipality.