Paseo de Reforma Guide

1. Paseo de la Reforma History
2. Free Bikes
3. ECOBICI
4. Scooter Rentals
5. Sidewalk Fun!
6. Shopping
7. Street Food
8. Self-Guided Tour of Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma History

Paseo de la Reforma is one of the most extensive avenues in the city. The street connects many different neighbourhoods together and feels like the veins which keep the heart of the city beating. It was designed in the 1860s after the grande avenues in Europe. It was built to connect Emperor Maximilian’s new imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle, to the rest of the city. Today, the Paseo de la Reforma is where you can still see some of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces in town. It is also one area of the city with the most exciting landscape architecture and flower arrangements.

Care-Free Sundays

Most of the time, this broad avenue is one of the busiest streets in the city, with that iconic sound of honking horns and the rumble of idling cars. But on Sundays, between 8:00 am, and 2:00 pm, all cars are banned from the street and the entire roadway is dedicated to bikes, scooters, runners, and pedestrians. The whole avenue transforms, suddenly it feels almost quiet (at least in comparison to during the week.) Children can be heard laughing as they cruise down the road, perhaps learning how to ride a bike for the first time. This is definitely not a touristy event, although tourists are more than welcome. This is a community-driven initiative to bring people outside to enjoy their city together without vehicles – which in a city as busy as Mexico City, is a real treat!

I couldn’t believe this when I first saw it. This isn’t a small street, it’s enormous! I couldn’t imagine Toronto agreeing to shut down its major roadway once a week just for the community to enjoy. It would be chaos. But everything seemed to run as usual here, and thousands of people come out every week to enjoy the event! The idea for this was dreamt up by Muevete en Bici.

Organization

After their initial proposal, the government-backed the campaign to help improve the lifestyles and health of the residents of Mexico City. The volunteers who help out every week, bring these huge signs, which they spread across the streets, when they need to stop the bikers and pedestrians for through traffic. The signs announce upcoming events or give advice and tips on bike and scooter safety. Some of the volunteers are extra enthusiastic and love to sing and dance when it’s time to get going once more. They were definitely a huge part of making this event so much fun!

Free Bikes

If you’re looking to rent a bike and aren’t too fussy about its condition, then head to the Glorieta de la Palma roundabout. Get there early in the day for the best selection. At this intersection, you’ll find a large white tent where you can rent a bike for free. This is part of the campaign, and the government offers free bike rental for a maximum of two hours. All you need is ID, which they keep until you return the bike. I would bring a driver’s licenses to hand over since I know that turning over your passport can feel a bit scary, but trust me, it’s okay.

Cost of Bike Rental

You’ll fill out a form with a phone number where you can be reached. After you’ve filled out the form, you’ll be given a ticket that corresponds with your ID to get when you return the bike. Then you can head off, just be sure to return before the two hours is up, or face a 50 peso fine (albeit, that’s a very cheap fine and might be worth it for that extra bit of time experiencing the streets). Just be sure to return before 2 pm since that’s when they close down.

ECOBICI

ECOBICI is Mexico’s City public bike-sharing system. The service allows registered users to take a bike at any bike station with unlimited 45 minutes trips. This means that as long as you return your bike after 45 minutes, you’ll only have to pay the one-time registration fee. This is great since there are many stations along the route, so you can bike for a bit, return your bike, have some street food and then continue on your way with another bike, starting up a new 45-minute session. The system just requires you to register online. As a tourist, I would recommend the 1 or 3-day subscription. A 3-day subscription will cost you $208 (pesos), and a 1-day is $104 (pesos).

One day is perfect if you only think you’ll want the bike on Sunday, but if you want to do a little bit more biking, the 3-day pass is the choice for you. If you happen to go over your 45-minute session, you’ll be charged a small fee, but nothing to freak out over. These bikes are in much better condition than the free bikes and you also have the freedom to cruise around all day, instead of being restricted to 2 hours.

Scooter Rentals

Since we had rented bikes in the city before, we wanted to try out their new scooter rental systems. We loved renting scooters in Calgary when we visited in the Fall and so sought out some scooters for the ride along Reforma. Multiple companies rent out scooters in the city. The one we found to be the easiest to use, the most tourist-friendly and with the one with the most scooters available, was Bird Scooters. Bird is a worldwide company, so if you happen to have used the app anywhere else in the world, you’ll be fine to use it here. And you won’t need to do anything special to your account or payment settings. If you don’t have an account, you’ll just need to download the app and register with a credit card.

Cost of Scooter Rental

You will need a roaming cellular phone for these apps to work properly. I’ve tried just being on wifi to unlock and re-lock the bikes and find that too often something goes wrong, and you don’t want to be unduly charged. Use the app to find scooters near you, there are always tons, fully charged around Paseo de la Reforma on Sundays. To unlock the scooter it costs $20 pesos ($1 USD), and each minute of your ride is $2 pesos. If you choose to ride for an hour, the cost is a fixed $140 pesos ($7 USD), including the unlock fee. Use the Bird Scooter Promo Code: M3J31Y to get your first ride free!

While I love biking, cruising around on the scooter felt like such a different experience, perhaps just because it was new to me. It was indescribably fun! And because the road was smooth and car-free, it felt totally safe. It was such a wonderful opportunity to try out a new mode of transportation. We loved it so we got brave enough to ride them around the rest of the city over the course of our trip, albeit on the sidewalks.

Sidewalk Fun!

On either side of the sidewalk along Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll find a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. We were lucky enough to be there at the tail end of the Dias de los Muertos celebrations. Everywhere we walked there were bright and colourful skeletons lounging on benches, peeking out of the bushes or just watching over the streets. I can only imaging how amazing it was during the actual festival!

Day of the Dead

On either side of the sidewalk were enormous sculptures of the Day of the Dead skulls. Each one was the made from the same mould, but the way they were painted or decorated were entirely different, depending on each individual artist’s style. My husband’s favourite was definitely the Lucha Libre themed one, but mine, of course, were the ones embellished with jewels!

Also along the sidewalks were the papier-mache sculptures of super-sized Alebrijes. These brightly coloured folk art sculptures depict fantastical, mythical creatures. These larger than life sculptures were actually a part of the Day of the Dead parade but were put back on display here for the public to admire even if they didn’t get to attend the ceremonies. It was awesome to get up close to these works of art and study the incredible patterns which cover the creatures.

Shopping

Since there is such an influx of pedestrian traffic on Sundays, this is seen as a great opportunity for vendors to come out as well. If you’re looking for handicrafts, I was shocked to see how many sellers came out with their goods along the sidewalk. I thought perhaps that the prices might be a little inflated since it was a makeshift marketplace but after a week of shopping, I realized everything I bought here (even without haggling) was much cheaper than anywhere else in the city! And there were so many items I saw here that I never saw anywhere else, even the Artisan Market!

I always go with the motto that if you see something you like and can afford it, just buy it when you see it. Since you don’t know if you’ll ever find it again. I’ve passed on so many things I’ve found on the street, thinking I’ll either buy it later or find a better price, only to be disappointed later when neither of those things happen. And trust me, the regret was REAL!

Street Food

In addition to souvenirs and handcrafted items, you’ll also find a ton of street food! All that activity can work up an appetite, so the food vendors are sure to be there to satisfy all your cravings. The fruits were my favourite choice since they were so cool after a hot ride out in the sun. I honestly think fresh cut fruit, covered in lime, chili and salt might be my favourite snack of all time!

The candy, nuts and dried fruit sellers were also another one of our favourite stands. You could get an entire bag of candy or nuts for 30 pesos! And the ones which were out here allowed you to mix and match so you could get a little bit of anything you wanted.

Self-Guided Tour of Paseo de la Reforma

While you can have such a great time just cruising down the avenue, enjoying the peaceful ride and beautiful environment, below is a little guide to the various monuments and buildings which are worth a quick stop beside to admire. I would recommend starting the day at the intersection of Río Ródano and the Avenue de la Reforma. Unless you’re picking up a free bike at the Glorieta de la Palma roundabout, Río Ródano is a great starting location as you have a gorgeous view all down the avenue as you begin your journey. If you do need to pick up a free bike at Glorieta de la Palma, just make a loop down to Río Ródano from Glorieta de la Palma to begin this tour.

Estela de Luz

At the start of Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll find the giant shining edifice, which is the Estela de Luz or Light Trail. This was a monument that was built in 2011 to commemorate the bicentenary of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. The steel structure is covered in quartz panels with aluminum frames. These are lit with electric LEDs, which create a spectacular light show at night. In the daytime, though, the quartz still reflects the sunlight creating an almost sparkling effect. This building was an incredibly contentious structure as it went massively over budget. Also, despite being designed for the bicentenary, construction delays resulted in it not being unveiled until well after the anniversary it was built for.

Torre Mayor

On the north side of the street as you set off is the Torre Mayor. The Torre Mayor (or Major Tower) is the third tallest building in Mexico, standing 225 meters tall with 55 stories going up! As someone who lives in Toronto, I found it interesting to learn that the building was designed and built by Canadians at architectural firms in Toronto, my home town! Although the building is astonishingly tall, it was built with a complex design to ensure it is earthquake resistant! It is designed to withstand earthquakes measuring 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The devastating earthquake which hit Mexico City in the 1980s hit 8.1 on the Richter Scale, so their hope was to ensure it could withstand an even stronger quake.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by José María Jiménez (@espectroide)

Diana the Huntress Fountain

At the intersection of Reforma and Sevilla, you’ll find the great fountain of Diana the Huntress. The fountain was built in 1942 when President Manuel Avila Camacho decided to start an initiative of beautification along the Paseo de la Reforma. Juan Francisco Olaguíbel sculpted the piece, and it was revealed to the public on October 10th, 1942. Despite its fantastical artistry, the sculpture was met with outrage by an ultra-conservative group called the “Decency League.” They were angered by the fact that the goddess was presented in the nude and insisted the artist create bronze underwear to cover her up. With much public pressure, he obliged, and the statue wore awkward and unbecoming bronze underwear for 25 years.

In 1968, Mexico City won the bid for the Olympics, and the committee thought it was time to do away with the ugly undergarment in favour of the original design. So finally, just before the Olympics, she was revealed to the world as the artist first intended. Today you can still see her holding her bow and arrow up towards the sky.

The Angel of Independence

One of the largest roundabouts along the street is marked by the golden Angel of Independence or Ángel de la Independencia. As someone who spent some time in Berlin, I thought upon first glance, I was back in Germany. And this is not just my age getting to me, the statue was designed to resemble the Berlin Victory Column located along their great promenade. President Porfirio Díaz requested its construction as a tribute for the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence against the Spanish. Designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, it was inaugurated in 1910. For years it became a meeting point for celebrations and protests, and throughout the years, it was also used as a mausoleum for heroes of the war of independence.

Antiques Center Plaza del Angel

If you’re looking to take a quick break, park your bike and head down to the Antiques Center Plaza del Angel. On Saturdays and Sundays, this complex houses antique vendors selling vintage stuff. There are plenty of super unique treasures you can uncover here spread out across this square.

Beatricita

If you’re hungry for more than just street food, check out Beatricita, just off the Paseo de la Reforma. Some people call this place the best tacos in the city! The restaurant was established by Beatriz Muciño Reyes, in 1887 when she immigrant to Mexico City with her brother Claudio. Together they opened this restaurant and have been serving up some of the best traditional Mexican cuisine at amazing prices, right in the heart of the city. If you’re there before lunch, try the chilaquiles with eggs, pork rinds in green salsa!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AliAlison (@alloptionsconsidered)

Miguel Ramos Arizpe

Along either side of the street, on the sidewalks, you’ll find various bronze statues on marble pillars, representing various important people from Mexico’s history. Just ahead of Angel of Independence on the south side of the street is the statue of Miguel Ramos Arizpe. Miguel Ramos Arizpe was a Mexican priest and politician and also known as the father of Mexican federalism.

Glorieta de La Palma

The next roundabout you’ll come to is the Glorieta de La Palma. While the center of the roundabout doesn’t feature a statue or fountain, it does hold pride of place to the great palm tree, which gave the area its name. Palm trees are one of Mexico’s greatest exports, and today they can be found all over the world. They truly do deserve to be lauded just as much as the other historical personalities. One of the most impressive things to see at this roundabout while you’re waiting for the lights to change is the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. The Bolsa Mexicana de Valores is where you can find the Mexican Stock Exchange. It was built inside this futuristic, disco ball-inspired building, which almost everyone ponders at as they pass by.

Monument to the Emperor Cuauhtémoc

Intersecting the Avenue des Insurgentes and Reforma is the monument dedicated to Emperor Cuauhtémoc. These two avenues are two of the largest and most important in the city and standing in the centre is, by no coincidence, one of the most critical figures in Mexico City’s history. Emperor Cuauhtémoc was the last Aztec ruler of Tenochtitlan (the Aztec name for Mexico City). He ruled only for a year, from 1520 to 1521, but his impact was enormous.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nes (@vibracnes4)

The name Cuauhtemōc means “one who has descended like an eagle.” Eagles attacked their prey, first by scoping them out from above, and then quickly plummeting, straight down, to attack and devour. This is a name that implies aggressiveness and determination. When Cuauhtémoc became emperor, he was an energetic 25-year old, whose beloved country was being attacked by the Spanish. They had brought not only the war but also a plague of smallpox, which was devastating his country.

Battle of 1519

Cuauhtémoc led the last battle of the Mexican people against the Spaniards in 1519. The Mexican army was defeated, and Cuauhtémoc was captured. He was subject to torture by fire to give up his people but never lamented. Scenes from this great torture can be found on a bas relief on the monument he stands upon. After months of pain, he was eventually executed by the Spanish, but his heroic memory lives on today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NFT Metaversos (@nftmetaversos)

Jardín del Arte

Take a little detour northwest, towards the Jardín del Arte. On Sundays, along the Rio Nevada, you can find the green gardens covered in the paintings and artworks from over 100 artists. If you’re looking for high quality artworks from Mexican artists, this is definitely the place to go!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jardín del Arte CdMx (@jardindelartecdmx)

Monument to Christopher Columbus

In complete opposition to the previous statue, the next roundabout is marked by the Monument to Christopher Columbus. It was made in 1877 by French sculptor Charles Cordier. Usually, when you pass this one by, you’ll see that it is covered in graffiti and protest signs since many locals would like it to be removed. The monument presents Columbus on top of a large pink pedestal. His arm stretched out, with his foot resting atop a globe beneath his feet. It presents Columbus as both the discoverer of the new world and the founder of the catholic church in Mexico.

Around the base of the pedestal are four other men, seated around Columbus, who represent the catholic missionaries who converted the native people of the Americas to Catholicism. Many Mexicans oppose this statue as it presents Columbus as the hero when many indigenous people see him as the man who took their great land and culture away from them. Over the years, there has been almost constant vandalization of the statue as a means of protest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Mishler (@restlesstowander)

Plaza de la República

Take a short detour from here, up along Ignacio Ramírez towards the Plaza de la República. This enormous square is dominated by the imposing copper-domed Monumento a la Revolución (Monument of the Revolution). Designed by Mexican architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia, it is still today considered the tallest triumphal arch in the world. The project took over 27 years to complete due to multiple revolutions and changes in government. It originally was started as a project by French architect Émile Bénard who wanted the entire piece to be designed in French renaissance style. He even imported iron and marble from Italy rather than just using local materials.

But after the Mexican Revolution and a new, more nationalistic president, the project was handed over to Mexican architect Carlos Obregón Santacilia who dedicated the structure to the heroes of the Mexican Revolution. Santacilia removed the renaissance appearance from the facade and replaced it with the art deco style which was more prevalent in Mexico City. He also added his own unique socialist realism style to the designs as well. Surrounding the dome, Mexican sculptor Oliverio Martínez created four stone sculptural groups that represent Independence, the Reform Laws, Agrarian Laws, and Labor Laws. They stand facing the square, perhaps overseeing the people to ensure they are obeying those very laws. Today you can ride the glass elevator in the centre, 65 meters up into the observation deck where you have a great view all across the city.

Edificio El Moro

Head back down the Avenue de la República until you get to the intersection of Avenue Juarez and Reforma. Here stands the Edificio El Moro and the Loteria Nacional or National Lottery offices. These are located inside the fantastical art deco masterpiece Edificio El Moro. The building was designed in 1945 as one of the first skyscrapers in Mexico City and for a time, was the tallest building in the city.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Daniel Garcia (@dan.grcia)

The King of Spain Sculpture

In front of the building is a huge yellow, modernist sculpture designed by sculptor Sebastián. Sebastián is a world-renown sculptor who works primarily in steel to create fantastical abstract sculptures. This one he calls, King Carlos of Spain, as it is thought to mimic the shape of a king on horseback.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EMH (@emh080)

You can keep biking or scooting to your leisure from here, but I find that this extent of the roadway provides the most exciting things to see. Past this point, there is also little entertainment or food vendors. Sunday mornings in Reforma are honestly just the best thing you can do with your time. It allows you to explore the city in a relaxing and freeing way. See it from a unique perspective. Discover new foods along the sidewalks. Buy local handicrafts and more! It’s everything you want from Mexico City, all in one place! Hopefully, you can see it for yourself on your next trip to Mexico.

What is your favourite way of exploring a new city? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Best Way to Spend a Sunday Morning in Mexico City, a Wonderful Bike Ride Along Paseo de la Reforma first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Map of Ærø

When to Visit

Before you head on your adventure, one word of warning. Ærø is primarily a summer destination. From September to May, most shops, restaurants and activities aren’t open or on a very limited schedule. I visited just at the beginning of May, during the very start of the tourist season, and even then, the island was very quiet, and the opening hours of the shops were pretty limited, requiring a fair bit of planning. That being said, there was something about visiting a seemingly uninhabited land covered in antiquated Danish architecture that felt like we were explorers, discovering something hidden from the ages and history books.

But for the best experience and ability to visit everything in this post, you might want to visit the island in the full bloom of summer when it’s full of people with a lively atmosphere and a plentiful amount of activities to experience.

Prices in Ærø

Ærø is a fairly expensive island to visit, and I frequently find many tourists complaining about the prices of food and accommodation. Denmark is a slightly more expensive European city to visit, and then when you add these small islands with little access to the mainland, you end up with high prices on things like food, drink and hotels. Knowing this in advance really helps you set up good expectations, and although the lodging and food might cost a bit more, so many of the activities on the island, like biking and hiking, won’t cost you a thing!

Access by Ferry

Svendborg is your best place to start to make your way onto the island. It’s the largest town, with a Ferry over to the island and a train station that runs more frequently than the other ferry towns close to Ærø. The walk from the train station to the Ferry platform is short, and there is an adorably quaint Bed and Breakfast beside it, which offers great food and drink options for you to enjoy if you find yourself waiting a few hours for the ferry like we did. The ferry has some food options, too, if you find yourself rushing to meet the ship without eating.

You can buy your tickets aboard the boat, and be sure to buy a return ticket as it’s cheaper to do it that way rather than pay each way separately. The return ticket costs $35 US during the regular season, but if you head out there during the off-season, it only costs $13. Ferries run about every hour on the weekdays and slightly less often on weekends and holidays. The trip from Svendborg to Ærø takes about 75 minutes. 

Svendborg to Ærøskøbing

If your trip takes you there in May, be prepared for an amazing site as you cross the sea. As you sail towards Ærø, gold fields appear in the distance. The blossoming flowers in the fields and farmlands all over the hills and valleys produce a golden colour. Against the bright blue seas and the white flurry clouds, it’s a colour spectrum unlike anything I’d ever seen. When you arrive in Ærø from Svendborg, you’ll dock in the town of Ærøskøbing. Ærøskøbing is one of the larger villages on the island, and from here, you can make your way to your accommodations anywhere on the island.

History

Settlements on Ærø have been dated back to as early as 8000 BC. Neolithic burial grounds can still be found on the island, a small memento of the island’s incredible Viking past. In the 17th century, the island was mainly run by a Duke, a member of the Danish royal family. From 1622 to 1633, one of their most prolific ruler, Duke Christian, controlled the island.

When Duke Christian died, the islanders found a banner in his manor house composed of nine pieces of cloth in three different colours, each representing a different part of what made Ærø so special. Red was the colour of life, green was the deep colour of the Baltic sea, and golden yellow was for the beautiful flowers covering the spring island, signifying great crops and lush produce. This remains the flag of Ærø to this day. After the Duke’s death, the island was divided between the Duke’s four brothers into the four main villages on the island we still can visit today.

Villages of Ærø

The island is mainly populated by small farms across different villages. There are three main towns around the island where you’ll find the most things to do and places to stay. The largest village is Marstal, with a whopping 2,340 permanent inhabitants. After that, the biggest is Ærøskøbing with 978 and Søby with 598! This alone was reason enough for me to want to travel there. These tiny hamlets have such an amazingly tight-knit atmosphere, as everyone needs to work so close together for their little island to prosper. 

Ærøskøbing

Ærøskøbing is my favourite of them all. Many people call this place a fairy tale town. My favourite travel author Rick Steve dubbed it “a ship’s town in a bottle” as its architecture and charm have been perfectly preserved for years. Marstal is the largest city on the island and has the strongest connections with its maritime history, and you’ll find this theme strong throughout the village. Søby is located at the northernmost point on the island and is the smallest village. It is where all the old Viking boats are still being restored and where you’ll find the iconic Ærø lighthouse.

Where to Stay

Airbnb

There are some incredible Airbnb options in Ærø. Multiple locations allow you to sleep in converted granaries, bakeries, and farmhouses, which have now become comfortable accommodations. One of the most impressive is a seventeenth-century manor where King Frederik V stayed in 1750. Staying here is like experiencing a small part of Ærø’s history. The apartments have been restored but still contain a contemporary Danish modern art and antique collection. The rooms cost about $180/night, and the weekdays are often cheaper than the weekends.

Bed and Breakfasts

Stay in a converted sea captain’s manor, built in 1784, where you’ll be cared for by the owner Susanna who serves afternoon tea to all her guests in her charming Danish garden. Vestergade 44 bed and breakfast can be found up the street from the ferry station in Ærøskobing, so it’s easily accessible even on foot. There are a variety of rooms, each decorated in its own style with collections of art and antiques to make the room feel authentic and lived in. The rooms cost $189 US/night for a double room.

Guesthouses

The difference between a guest house and a bed-and-breakfast is that inside the guest house, you have ample access to the kitchen, living rooms and other parts of the house. It’s more like staying in a room in a large house, so you feel a part of a lively community of people.

There are various guesthouses to choose from, so just look at what unique features they have and pick your favourite. Bakkehuset, located on the island’s northeast side, just minutes away from the sea, is a post-card perfect place to stay. You have access to their lush gardens, where you can even sample different fruits from their trees. The rooms are surprisingly modern, with an unmistakable Danish touch. $212 US/night (for more than one night).

How to Get Around

By Car

If you’re renting a car while visiting Ærø, you’ll find exploring the island incredibly easy. There is ample parking in town, and even if you want to stop your car along the roads, it’s easy enough to just pull over and enjoy the view. Most guesthouses and Airbnbs have parking options if you want to leave the car alone and spend the rest of your time on Ærø by foot or bike.

by Bus

If you arrived on the island without a car, you might wonder how you could get around. The island offers a free tourist bus which runs the length of the island from Søby to Marstal via Ærøskøbing. They depart about once an hour in each direction. For the complete timetable, you can check it out here. After 9 am, they accept bikes on the bus, so if you find yourself out of energy, this is always an option to help you get back to your lodging.

Our guesthouse host picked us up from the ferry station when we arrived and even offered to drive us to and from different destinations on the island, so never be nervous to ask your hosts for help. We found everyone on the island incredibly helpful and kind, and they were keen to show off their favourite parts of Ærø.

by Bike

Biking across the island was our main method of transportation. After settling down in your hotel or at your guesthouse, go about finding a bike. Every guesthouse or hotel will rent you a bike (usually for free) that you can ride all over the island. No bike locks are needed, as Ærø is the safest place in the world! Just park your bike anywhere that is safe from traffic and head on your way.

Advice on Biking around the Island

For the most part, the island is fairly easy to bike around. But when the wind picks up, and you’re biking up hills, it can require a little more effort, but it’s well worth it. Taking a tour of the island by bike, you’ll see, in a much more intimate way. See the texture of the landscape, the smell of the wind and all the little details that pop out at you only by whizzing around on a two-wheel joy-ride. Biking across the countryside, you’ll see wild lilacs, roses, buck-thorn and more of the incredible wild and farmed flower fields. You’ll pass thatched houses and old Danish churches. Bike maps can be found at the tourist office or just from your host. We stuck our paper map in our bike basket and used that as our GPS the entire time.

Things to Do on Aero

I wanted to break up the activities into various villages and areas of the island. This is a perfect way to break up your days. Take a bike ride to one village and explore what you find there. Don’t be scared to get lost. We often got off the main road or pathway and found various surprising treasures. All the different places to see are detailed on the map.

Things to Do in Ærøskøbing

Walking around the old town

Truly my favourite thing to do while in the old fairy-tale village of Ærøskøbing was to explore the colourful, antiquated houses and cobblestone lanes. Some of these houses date back to the 1600s. And honestly haven’t been touched, except for a bit of new paint, ever since. The main road is great for spotting all these beautiful houses. But be sure to explore the side streets and alleys that veer off to find those hidden corners of the village which can unlock all sorts of secrets.

Even after hundreds of years, the owners’ care in maintaining their homes means they look unchanged but in great condition. Like a ship in a bottle, protected from harm or time. Keep your eyes peeled for the various red-painted buildings. These houses were once painted using real ox blood, giving them a slightly macabre feeling as you pass by, despite the cheery colour.

The Mirror Houses

Although it’s rumoured that no one locks their doors in this town, if you look closely, you’ll see many houses have strange mirrors outside their front windows. These mirrors are used to see the street from inside the house. But they weren’t used for security; they were for town gossip! In a town as small as this, gossip runs ripe, and it’s amazing to see these devices they created to make it easier to spy on their neighbours, something you wouldn’t see anywhere else in the world. We made it game spotting all the different mirrors as we passed by each house along the lane.

Torvet Square

The main town square is located outside of the Ærøskobing church. Although not labelled on any maps, you’ll see the words “Visdommens Kiled” marked where you’ll find the square. This, translated from Danish, means “the Source of Wisdom.” In the middle ages, meetings in the town square were the only way such a small village would learn about the day’s news or what was happening on the mainland. Today, in the busier summer months, marketplaces often sell goods and foods from across the island. And still, even today, villagers meet here to discuss the local news and gossip about the latest town tittle-tattle.

In the centre of the square are two old hand pumps. For years many of the houses in the village had to use to get their water from these two hand pumps alone. And while this seems like something which would have been used hundreds of years ago, they were still being used by villagers as recently as 1951 when the last house finally got running water installed!

Doorways of Ærø

One of the things I loved to study most when exploring Ærøskobing was looking at all the different doorway designs. The town feels so alive and vibrant. Each quirky-looking door makes the house feel like they have its own personality and character. Despite this small, quiet village, it feels lively and exciting just with a little paint and decoration.

Ærøskøbing Church

Besides the town square, you’ll find Ærøskøbing Church. You can spot it from afar by its red terracotta-coloured roof standing tall above the houses, capped by its green copper onion dome. This church dates back to 1756, but the land it was built on has the remains of church foundations dating back to the 13th century. The baptismal font found inside is a remnant of that original church and truly a treasure of the island. One of the most interesting parts of the church is the small entrance, with its bright blue painted doors and geometric roof line in the shape of a cross. This part of the church feels so modern in its simplicity despite being designed so many years ago.

Ærøskøbing Bibliotek

Written across the top of the Ærøskøbing library are the words’ with law, you shall build’ written in Danish. This library was established in 1863 and has been a central part of the village. You’ll find old wooden shelves lined with ancient and modern books if you step inside. A small coffee vending machine keeps people awake against the odds as the peaceful silence which fills the room is near impossible not to fall asleep to. If you’re interested in peeking into the archives, you can find a wealth of information about the island’s history dating back hundreds of years. These books are beautifully well-kept, so if you’re a bibliophile, this is the place for you!

Hammerichs Hus

If you’re looking for a quirky museum to visit on a rainy day, check out the Hammerichs Hus. The Hammerichs Hus is a trio of half-timbered houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Named after the sculptor Gunnar Hammerich, the museum houses a collection of rarities he collected over his life in Ærø. Upstairs in the house, the walls are lined with over 3000 blue and white porcelain tiles. You’ll love this museum if you love antiques and looking at people’s cabinets of curiosity.

Flaske Peters Samling

Peter Jacobsen was an incredible resident of Ærø who spent his life making ‘ships-in-bottle.’ This museum is dedicated to his life’s work and contains over 750 tiny reproductions. He made over 1,700, but the museum features many different shapes and designs he created. Jacobsen used to brag that he drank every single bottle he made into a ship, although we should mention they are all made from milk bottles. Considering that Ærø is a maritime city, this museum felt wonderfully apt and one of those little oddities you’ll only find in a small town.

Det Gamle Værft

Sitting in the main harbour of Ærøskøbing is the mini ship-repair shop. There is always a vessel sitting out in the yard in different stages of repair. It’s entertaining and interesting to watch them fix up these old boats to head back out on the waters. Just like new. During certain times of the year, they offer tours and even let you learn how to work a blacksmith’s forge used to repair the ships.

Follow the Nightwatch in Aeroskobing

During the busy summer months, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can get a nighttime guided tour of the old city of Ærøskøbing. Your guide will be dressed in the old-fashioned garb of a nightwatchman and will lead you around the city as the sun begins to set, giving the entire place a different atmosphere and appearance. All the guides are great storytellers, and you’ll learn unique tales and legends from the town’s history told by the locals themselves.

Molestien Lane

This thin gravel path across from the beach is a lovely way to peek at some of the real, lived-in houses in Ærø. The path backs out on the back gardens of various residents on the island. Some used to be occupied by boat captains who made Ærø their home. The locals nicknamed this pathway “Virgin’s Lane” as younglings used to court along this path in clear view of their parents, who sat in their gardens watching over them. As you walk along the path, you’ll see dozens of old boats sitting on the grass, flowers and moss growing over their bright and colourful hulls.

Bio Andelen

Bio Andelen, or Andelen Cinema, is the town’s only movie theatre and Denmark’s smallest cinema. Various international films are shown here in their original language, so you’ll almost always find something to watch if you speak English. It’s a great way to spend an evening with the locals!

Ærø Bowlingcenter

If the weather is a little less than perfect, the bowling alley is a great option if you want something to do in the evening or even during the day. There might only be four lanes, but this quaint little alley with its charming cafe is a lovely place to while away the time.

Aero Whisky

You’ll find a long grey building along the Old Merchant’s Court with teal window frames and a small sign with the letters’ DKG’. This is Ærø’s Whisky distillery in Danish called ‘Den Gamle Købmandsgaard.’ The large shop does more than sell whiskey; it is like a little market with delicious baked goods, local produce and whiskey. Their original purpose for establishing the DGK was to help create more jobs in Ærø outside of just the tourism business and to highlight the incredible farmers, cooks and craftsmen in Ærø.

The whiskey distillery is the smallest in Demark and is housed in an old washhouse. You can tour the distillery during high season and sample the whisky they make year-round. It’s interesting to learn that the wort they used in the distilling process is actually provided from the Rise Bryggeri (brewery) just a few villages over. It’s lovely to see how each of these businesses is helping each other to create a better product instead of competing against each other. That is teamwork at its finest.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peter Boy (@medstroem)

Blåbær Gårdbutik

Blåbær Gårdbutik is an adorable shop selling a variety of goods, all of which were produced in Ærø by items farmed on the island. From goat’s milk soaps, handicrafts, beeswax candles and sheep wool clothing, everything you’ll find here is made by the locals. The farm was first built in 1850 and has been raising different animals ever since. They are committed to sustainability, quality and animal welfare and welcome visitors to see their farm in the works and visit the shop. During the summer, they even have a small cafe where you can sit on picnic benches and enjoy the sounds of the farm around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by BLÅBÆR gårdbutik (@blaabaer_gaardbutik) on Aug 26, 2018 at 8:44am PDT

Things to Do in Marstal

While Ærøskøbing might feel like a fairy-tale village, Marstal feels like a maritime museum. For centuries Marstal vessels have sailed the seven seas, and even today, its dock is full of commercial and personal boats. Marstal is the economic centre of Ærø and where you can find most day-to-day shops, like the largest supermarket on the island. Ærøskøbing feels like it stopped in the middle ages, while Marstal stands at the forefront of innovations and solar power. The island is on its way to being completely self-sufficient, with Northern Europe’s largest solar power complexes and dozens of windmills powering the island.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Marstal is the most popular attraction drawing people into the city. The museum details the maritime history of Denmark since the 1600s, and its 37 exhibits span over 5 buildings in Marstal! There are 200 model ships, 130 ships in a bottle, portraits of famous sailors and lots and lots of gear and equipment from original ships. If you’re a fan of maritime history, this doesn’t get much better!

Church of Marstal

The Marstal Church dates back to 1738. The church’s exterior is a simple white brick and red-roofed design with a copper steeple. Inside, things are a little bit different. You’ll notice right away when stepping inside the strong colours! The blue benches are a symbol of the sea and eternity. At the front of the nave is the bright red altar, a lovely triptych painted by the maritime and Greenland painter Carl Rasmussen in 1881. As is fitting for an island church, it depicts Christ calming the storm on the Lake of Genezareth. From the ceiling hang dozens of miniature ships intermingled amongst the chandeliers.

Things to do in Søby

Søby is the smallest of the main villages in Ærø. They call it the gateway to Europe as it is the northernmost point on the island and, therefore, the closest to the mainland of Europe. Today, you’ll find most of Ærø’s fishing fleet. Tourists looking to hire a boat to go out on the water to see if they can get the catch of the day often gather here early in the morning before the sun has even risen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Maiken Ingstrup (@gingit_travels) on Oct 14, 2018 at 9:24pm PDT

Skjoldnæs Fyr

At the island’s tip, bikers who make it out here will be rewarded by a beautiful site; the ‘Skjoldnæs’ Lighthouse. It was built in 1881 and still stands today as a landmark of the island. You can still climb to the top, with the most scenic views of the island and across the Baltic Sea. If you feel like the bike ride up here might be too much, you can always take the free bus, which runs all the way to Søby, where you can walk the rest of the way to the lighthouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Anne Kathrine Elmsgård (@akelmsgaardphotos) on Dec 2, 2018 at 12:32pm PST

Sæberiet

Sæberiet is a small shop which sells soaps and spiced salts made from different flowers and herbs all grown on the island. During the summer, they open their doors to guests who can come in and see the soap workshop in action. Their unique scents, like elderflower, scotch rose, marigold and lemon balm, make for a wonderful souvenir of the island.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ærø soap company (@aeroesoapcompany)

Herremark

This charming little white cottage sells a blend of hand-picked vintage goods, often themed to the season, locally made products and handicrafts. It is a bright and cheery store, and the people who run it are so happy to welcome you inside to browse all their wonderful goods. I love scouring for vintage finds when travelling; they are always so different than what we can find back home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by H E R R E M A R K (@herremark) on Oct 26, 2017 at 2:43pm PDT

Økogård Vitsø

This little farm is run by Johannes Hets, who has three big passions: yoga, farming and bees! They offer yoga classes with an unbeatable sea view out in the garden when the weather permits. It’s open to beginners and experts, so if you’re interested in starting your day with a little meditation and relaxation, don’t miss visiting this Johannes. If yoga isn’t your thing, you should still pay the farm a visit and explore the incredible garden which Johannes has grown specifically for his bees. During the summertime, there are bee presentations held by Johannes where visitors can even try their hand at holding bees and tasting the amazing honey the natural flowers of Aero help to produce!

Other Things to See and Do Around the Island

Bregninge Kirke

Biking over to the Bregninge kirke (Bregninge church) is a great way to explore the island’s centre. You’ll be able to spot it long before you arrive, as its tall black tower is visible above the treetops. But like the other churches on the island, they are all inland where the steeples cannot be seen from the water. This was a strategic piece of city planning done by the Islanders.

This would prevent pirates from coming ashore in the middle ages as they would assume the peaceful island was uninhabited. Remnants of the first church built here have been dated back as far as 1100. The current incarnation is a 15th-century gothic design. Inside you’ll find a series of murals of Jesus’ Passion and the life of St. John the Baptist. But my favourite part of the church is the cemetery. A few gravestones are surrounded by a fantastically manicured hedge and flower garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Catherine (@under_suffolk_skies) on Jul 21, 2018 at 4:42am PDT

Bregninge Store Kro

Down from the Bregninge Church, you’ll find the adorable Bregninge Store Kro. This store is like a little flea market open year-round. Here you’ll find some treasured antiques from all around Denmark, making for a really unique souvenir. If you’re looking for a doorknob or drawer, pull. There are hundreds here to choose from, each with its own vintage charm.

The Vesterstrand Beach Huts

Down from Bregninge, you’ll find dozens of picturesque tiny huts lining a long stretch of sand. These beach huts are brightly coloured and designed to suit each owner’s personality. The miniature huts along the sand have been used here for generations. Once just simple wooden shelters, they are now incredibly functional getaways where locals enjoy picnics on their little balconies, which stretch out from under darling awnings.

It was a bit rainy when we arrived, so no one else was on the beach but us. We hid under one of the huts to avoid the pouring rain as it got worse and worse and hoped that no one would come to shoo us away. Luckily they did not, and we spent the time waiting out the rain, peeking inside the little windows into these huts. Inside, they looked like a minature version of a cottage, with their knickknacks all over the walls, rich textiles layering the small chairs and couches and some even were complete with a sink and a toilet!

Voderup Klint

A few kilometres down from the Beach huts, you’ll find the Voderup Klint. The Voderup’ Klint’, or ‘cliff’ in English, is a 33-meter-high cliff which leads down to a rocky beach. This stretch of emerald green grass reaches out towards the sea and looks more like Ireland than Denmark. It is a scenic place to have a picnic or lunch and watch the waves rise and fall on a windy day. A small pathway leads you down from the top of the cliff towards the water. You can hear the sea crash against the shore as you continue down, and the fresh air here is enough to cure whatever ails you!

Rise Bryggeri

If you find yourself near rising Bryggeri, stop for a cold Danish beer. This was once a small dairy farm which has since been transformed into a cafe and the only beer brewery on the island. The brewery was originally opened in 1926 but closed its doors in 1962. Lucky for you, it was reopened in 2004 when Aero was put back on the map for its incredible tourist appeal and energy-efficient solar power technologies. This microbrewery focuses on quality vs. quantity, so you might pay a little more for what you get, but it’s well worth it. Be sure to try out the nutty and sweet Walnut beer as they make the most unique creation. Upstairs from the brewery, you’ll find a lovely cafe serving uncomplicated Danish comfort food, perfect for warming you up after a windy bike ride.

Ærø Cigar

If smoking a cigar on the balcony with the seaside in your sights is your thing, stop by Ærø Cigar. These small producers grow and hand roll their cigars from pesticide-free farms with locally grown leaves. Danish cigars are unique and worth trying, if only as a special treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Den Gamle Købmandsgaard (@dengamlekoebmandsgaard) on Apr 6, 2018 at 2:03am PDT

The Kragnæs Passage Grave

Across the island, there are various Neolithic burial mounds, passage graves and dolmens which trance the pre-Christian history of life on the island. The most famous of these grave sites is the passage grave from the Stone Age, around 3200 BC! A passage tomb consists of a narrow passage made of large stones and one or multiple burial chambers covered in earth or stone.

From afar, it looks like nothing more than a pile of lush grass, but as you approach, you’ll see an arrangement of rocks which forms a chamber. The chamber is 17 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. The rocks on top were not only to mark the tombs; they were a gathering spot for the Viking ancestors. The stones were thought to help with fertility, and even in more modern times, locals have been known to chip off bits of stones and take them home in the hope it imbues them with virility!

Langdyssen Tingstedet

Near the church of Stone Rise, you’ll find a 6,000-year-old dolmen. A ‘dolmen’ is a megalithic tomb with large, flat stones on top of upright ones. While the island was once home to more than 200 of these sites, less than 13 survive today. Once more, these don’t look like much from afar, but when you get closer, you’ll see the ground begin to rise up, and the risen ground takes the shape of a Viking ship. Archaeologists studying the history of Vikings on the island have found evidence that the Viking chiefs were buried here along with their ships.

øhavstien

øhavstien, or the “Archipelago Way,” is a 200-km long hiking trail and one of the longest hiking routes in Denmark. It is divided into seven different sections spread out across Denmark. The 7th section is located in Ærø and starts in Ærøskøbing and runs all along the coast to Søby or vice versa. You can hike the entire trail or take just a few hours to experience some of the trails. The trail allows you to take in all the island’s coastal areas in one fell swoop. The trail is well-marked along the route, making it easy for even beginner hikers to set out. Ærø is a great place to hike since it’s mostly flat, especially around the coast, and you’re promised some incredible views. If you’re tired of being on 2-wheels, this is a great break from the bike.

Where to Eat

Ærøskøbing Røgeri

Ærøskøbing Røgeri was our favourite place to eat while we were in town. During the off-season and even on most weekends, many places close between 5-6pm. So we’d often pick up one of these meals to take back with us for a later dinner. The small restaurant serves smoked fish of all different varieties. Smoked fish is a local delicacy of the Danes and a must-try if you’ve never sampled it. You’ll smell that unique aroma of salt and fish when you walk inside. Try all their different side dishes, and don’t immediately go for the fries.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Valery C (@rowyn_vc)

Cafe Aroma

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Aeroskobing, look no further than this absolutely adorable, colourful cafe. This cafe serves up some gourmet Danish treats made from local ingredients. Their charcuterie platters are great options if you want to try a variety of Danish delicacies. In the summer, the barbeque on the terrace is open and is a wonderful place to watch people while eating. If your hotel or guesthouse is in town, this cafe is also great for a morning cup of coffee. For dessert, don’t miss the apricot ice cream, a local specialty. The restaurant is closed for the winter season but is open again in the Spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by ELLE DK (@elledanmark) on Jul 27, 2017 at 1:45am PDT

Restaurant Mumm

An option for a fancy dinner in town is Restaurant Mumm. Reservations are recommended since it’s a popular joint, and there aren’t a lot of seats inside, especially during the busy summer season and on the weekends. But unlike Cafe Aroma, this restaurant is open all year long and even prides itself on having custom menus for each season, highlighting the different ingredients that time of year produces. The restaurant’s interior has a romantic candlelit atmosphere, while the terrace is overgrown with greenery and has a more laid-back feeling if that’s what you prefer. It’s definitely a pricer option, but if you’re looking to celebrate something special, this is the place for you.

Ærøskøbing Bageri Aps

I might be biased since I LOVE baked goods, but I think this is the best place to eat in Aero. This adorable little bakery serves tons of sweets inside a cozy red brick cafe, a converted 18th-century house. Ask the nice ladies inside what they recommend instead of just getting what’s familiar to you. They also sell fresh bread here, so grab a loaf and head to the grocery stores for a few other items to make yourself a stunning picnic!

Ristorante Pizzeria Badehotel Harmonien

If you want to try something other than Danish cooking, head down to the Pizzeria inside the Badehotel Harmonien hotel. This restaurant has a wood fire oven for freshly baked pizzas and is located along the waterfront. On warm summer evenings, you can eat alfresco with the sounds of the sea as the backdrop.

Glasseriet

In the summer, the Glasseriet serves up different flavours of Italian gelato inside a little gallery space featuring art and a variety of handblown glass objects. This unique blend of shops is great about this small town; they can do whatever they want.

Café Vaffelhuset

Located right up from the waterfront in Marstal, Café Vaffelhuset is a great place to cool down on a hot day. They sell delicious waffles topped with ice cream for only $6 US. During the summer, they have tables on the street so you can enjoy your dessert while watching people go by. So many people arrive on bikes, and it’s nice to watch them cruise by.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stracciatella Worldwide (@stracciatella_worldwide)

SuperBrugsen

The supermarket in Marstal is the largest on the island. Locals gather to shop for themselves, so it’s a great opportunity to see all the different foods offered at small-town Danish supermarkets. This store is open until 7pm, which is very late in Aero, so if you ever find yourself with nowhere to eat at 5pm because everything is closed, head down to the grocery store!

Den Gamle Vingaard

This little pub in Marstal feels like walking into an old farmhouse. There is various antique farming equipment hanging from the ceiling. Try the “fish of the day” with samsø potatoes and a special mustard sauce. This is the best way to get the freshest catch and maybe even try something you might never have eaten before.

Ærø is truly a rare gem, a secret escape even the Danes love to visit when they have time to explore their own country. There are various islands off the coast of Denmark, each with its unique characteristics. But my favourite has to be Ærø. There is a certain magic found here; along the azul-coloured coastlines or lush green hills. Place to find those quiet moments important to travel. In these quiet moments, you have a chance to reflect, absorb everything you’ve discovered, and make those discoveries a part of your soul and etched into your memory. I am counting the days till I can return here. This place where my heart found a stillness and peace. Something truly so hard to find in this busy, non-stop world. I hope you find it too.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Natural Beauty of Ærø Island [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.