Tour 9: Seafaring, hiking, and kilometres of natural pier

Marstal has an extensive maritime history centred around the Marstal Harbour - a natural harbour shielded by the headland Eriks Hale. These natural conditions as well as its location on one of the "main roads" between the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean led to extensive shipping activity. This development culminated around 1900 with a resident fleet of more than 300 cargo ships, 150 fishing vessels and 8 shipyards.

Feel the winds of history at Marstal Maritime Museum and the maritime atmosphere at Eriksens Plads (Eriksens Shipyard).

From here, head out to Eriks Hale, Marstal's natural pier created from materials transported here by ocean currents from the cliffs along the south-east coast of Ærø. Eriks Hale, which is also home to the bathing houses of Ærø, has two kinds of sea; on one side the gentle 'Little Sea', which forms a kind of shallow bay between the marina and the beach, and on the other side, you’ll find the lively Baltic Sea - or 'The Big Sea' among locals.

Time required

At least 4 hours

Recommended means of transportation

By foot

Special notes

The distance of the recommended tour is approximately 8 km.