One Of Rick Steves' 'Favorite Island Getaways' Is Among The Best In All Of Europe

Denmark is steeped in rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. It's a well-balanced mix of old and new, innovative development and natural preservation, an energetic capital city, and forested hills that meet rugged coastline dotted with charming towns. The Danes are famous for the lifestyle concept of 'hygge' –  pronounced "hoo-gah" and loosely translating to a combination of 'coziness' and 'enjoying the simple things.' Denmark has many under-the-radar destinations, including one of travel guru Rick Steves' favorite island getaways: Ærø.

When thinking of island vacations in Europe, the mind usually wanders south to Greece or Italy because of their beauty and well-deserved reputations. We typically imagine sunshine and aqua-blue Adriatic or Mediterranean waters gently washing against the shores of white sand beaches. A trip to a Nordic island like Ærø might not spring to mind, but it offers an equally unforgettable experience. As Visit Denmark says, Ærø is "Hygge in miniature."

Six miles wide and twenty-two miles long, this sliver of land has green rolling hills, cobblestone street villages, cliffs overlooking the sea, and small, colorful houses lining the beach. Perfect for biking, Rick Steves wrote that Ærø is a "peaceful and homey place, where baskets of strawberries sit for sale on the honor system in front of farmhouses. I enjoy biking into the idyllic countryside, past farms and windmills, struggling uphill... then winding down past a fine 12th-century church, a 6,000-year-old burial place, and a little brewery." It's not the sun-drenched Adriatic, but a trip to this island in the Baltic Sea is a decidedly Nordic escape to peaceful small towns, quiet country lanes, and crowd-free beaches. There's a reason Rick Steves calls it one of the best island getaways in all of Europe.

Denmark has 444 islands, many of which, like Ærø, are only reachable via ferry — there are a few things you need to know before taking a European ferry. The quickest route to Ærø is flying to Copenhagen, making the two-hour journey to Svendborg via train, bus, or car, and then jumping on a ferry. It's a country loaded with islands, so there are other ferry routes if you want to visit other areas nearby. As it's close to the German border, flying to Hamburg and making your way north is also doable.

Once on Ærø, there are plenty of accommodation choices, but no global chain hotels. The island keeps its authentic, timeless feel with smaller, boutique hotels, holiday homes, and camping. The ferry from Svendborg arrives in the harbor of Ærøskøbing, the main hub of the island. The most well-preserved 18th Century village in Denmark, it's often referred to as "the Fairytale Town," and has many holiday rentals and quaint hotels. 

The island has a scattering of villages with other overnight options like the Villa Blomberg, a quaint, family-friendly hostel just a short walk from the ferry terminal. In the northwest corner of the island is the village of Søby and Søby Strand Camping near the sea. Visitors can even stay in a five-person glamping tent on an organic farm at Casa Ghiorsi near the village of Skovby. Whether it's a boutique hotel or a tent near the beach, Ærø is an easy island to navigate and has attractions for all types of travelers.

Ærø is quite small, so it's very easy to get around. There's a free public bus that you can hop on and off as you please, which is important in the colder months or rainy weather. The aforementioned and picturesque town of Ærøskøbing is a must-visit with cobblestone streets, restaurants, Ærø Whisky micro-distillery, and the Torvet (marketplace), a local meeting point with bustling outdoor cafés. With activities in all seasons, Ærøskøbing has a jazz festival in summer and a quaint Christmas market in winter.

Just outside of Ærøskøbing is Vesterstrand and the famous, colorful beach huts that line the coast. Bright, tiny, and with even the smallest details well-preserved, they look like something from a children's book. The plots are rented forever, but the clauses strictly state that the huts must be kept as they are, no additions or installations. Quite literally frozen in time, they add to the authentic feel of Ærø.

The thin, L-shaped island has one main road running through the middle. Rick Steves loves (and advises) cruising on a bike and taking in the sights along the way — just be sure to know the local cycling etiquette in Denmark. Stop for panoramic views at the cliffs of Voderup Klint, visit Eriks Hale Strand beach, featuring more of the famous colorful huts, or go all the way to the northern tip of the island to visit Skjoldnæs Lighthouse. Built in 1881 by Swedish stone-masons, the old lighthouse master's residence has been transformed into the clubhouse for Ærø Golf Club. No matter which places make the itinerary, do as Rick Steves does on the island: Picnic, watch a sunset, and take it slow. An enchanting island getaway, Ærø surely is "Hygge in miniature."