Discover Bro: Nature and History on Ærø

Around Bro, nature trails, coastal landscapes and historic sites come together. Rise Church, Søbygaard and Voderup Klint each offer a different perspective; Ærø also has hiking and cycling routes, as well as connections between the island’s towns. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first picturing the kind of day you want: a shorter circular walk, longer stages, a bike ride, or time for history and local specialities.

Hiking Trails and Coastal Landscapes

The circular trail around Vitsø, near Bro, is approximately five kilometres long. The Ærø section of the Øhavsstien covers 36 kilometres within Ærø Municipality and passes through Vitsø, Lille Rise Skov and Toftegårdsskoven. It is a marked trail reserved exclusively for hikers; posts and blue pictograms mark the entire route. The Kyststien runs from Marstal to Vitsø near Søby and follows the coast for most of its length. At 64 kilometres, the Ø-CAMINO Ærø is a longer hiking route that runs mostly along the coast around the island. The routes therefore differ in both length and character, from the circular walk around Vitsø to longer trails across the island.

Ærø also offers cycling routes of varying lengths. Within Ærø Municipality, there are 150 kilometres of scenic cycling routes with little or no traffic. The 32-kilometre Ærøskøbing–Marstal cycling loop connects the two towns via a signposted cycle route network. Its stated route includes villages, open fields and views of the sea. When choosing between hiking and cycling, you can take the respective route length and scenery into account when planning your day.

Near Bro, Voderup Klint offers a different perspective on the landscape. Its terrace-like formations were created when blocks of land moved down the cliff after the last Ice Age. Paths invite you to stroll; a staircase leads down to the beach, and green areas provide space for picnics.

Church, Manor House and Island History

Rise Church near Bro is originally Romanesque and dates from the late 12th century. Set into the churchyard wall is the medieval Munkeporten, dated to around 1450. The church and gateway bring together different historical details in one place: the building’s early history and a gateway added to the wall at a later date.

Søbygaard lies just outside Søby. A medieval motte-and-bailey fortification and a bird area are located nearby. As Ærø’s last ducal manor, Søbygaard offers insights into the island’s history from the Ice Age to the present day. The visitor centre is open seasonally from May until the autumn holidays. Experiences on offer include exhibitions, children’s activities by the moat, classical concerts and guided tours; check current seasonal dates before your trip.

Ærø Bryggeri, near Bro, also tells the story of local production. The brewery is housed in former dairy buildings dating from 1880. Beer was brewed there from 1926; after a break, brewing resumed in 2004. Visitors can take part in beer tastings and guided tours, and have lunch. Borgnæs Teglværk adds another perspective on the past: the brickworks was founded in 1847 and was one of the first on Ærø.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Free buses run year-round within Ærø Municipality, stopping at numerous locations between Søby, Ærøskøbing and Marstal. Ferries connect Ærø with Svendborg and Faaborg on southeastern Funen, Rudkøbing on Langeland, and Fynshav on Als. Check the latest timetables before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment, these connections and your preferred activities can help guide your decision: hiking routes, cycling trails, and visits to historic sites or the brewery each lend themselves to different day plans. Decide which of these experiences matter most to you on your island getaway, then look for suitable accommodation in Bro.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ærøskøbing, Søby Ærø, Marstal, Dunkær, Kragnæs, Skovby.

Return to the main travel overview: Ærø Municipality.