What can I see and do on the island?
When you disembark from the ferry, you meet a cosy, little harbour and the port facilities that still bear all the hallmarks of a fishing port. You cannot fail to spot Aarøs Perle Restaurant and our new playground. Cross the bridge and you reach our little town with its picturesque streets. There are still many old fishermen’s dwellings and ancient farms here. One such farm is Brummers Gård, a historical building whose ancient stables are now a charming restaurant. Brummers Gård has a “bullade”, a plank barn that was moved here from Haderslev some years ago. Aarøgaard Farm is just opposite – another great place to eat.
In the past, the islanders lived off land and sea. Today Aarø is an active community in many other ways. A number of small companies on Aarø specialise in producing island delicacies. Årø Vineyard was founded in 2004. The vineyard produces good quality red, white and rosé wines, as well as sparkling wines and a range of liqueurs. The vineyard has its own distillery. It serves lunch and offers wine tasting by appointment. The vineyard is well worth a visit.
As you travel around the island, you will see many cattle grazing in the fields. Most are Galloway cattle, an ancient Scottish breed that produces lovely juicy steaks. Frozen meat and meat products from these herds are available to buy at Årø Vineyard.
Aarø Bryg is a relatively new microbrewery that brews a wide range of interesting ales, most of which are named after locations on Aarø. The brewery has a small café.
Aarø has its own smokehouse. Aarø Fiskerøgeri smokes trout, salmon and eels in season. The smokehouse also sells goat meat and other interesting products. You can buy food and drink here to enjoy outdoors in the summer months.
Aarø Fisk, a new fish shop, is soon to open on the island. Owned by a local fisherman, the fish shop will sell fresh fish. The fish shop is next to Brummers Gård in the original village store.
There is plenty for your children and grandchildren to do on Aarø. At the centre of the island, at Aarøskov woods, there is a natural playground and a picnic hut. Go inside if the weather is not too good. There are plenty of tables and benches and barbecues to use free of charge.
