Warm, affable B&B on Danish island of Ærø with relaxed atmosphere evoking a dream of eternal Summer

Aggershøj / Marstal / Ærø / Denmark

When traveling, the normal thing would be to first decide where to travel and then to start looking for a nice hotel to stay at. But for me, it is the direct opposite. My approach is usually that the actual hotel is what draws me to a destination. Which was the case with this particular hotel, it was it who made me travel to the remote island of Ærø which I am thrilled of. The hotel is called Aggershøj and is a real treat.

Ærø is placed right between Fyn and Jylland in the southwestern part of Denmark. The only way to get here is by sea (there are several ferry options of you don’t have your own boat) which makes this destination even more exotic. I love islands, especially the ones without a bridge. On the outskirts of the cute little town of Marshall, at the eastern edge of the island is where you’ll find Aggershøj.

Aggershøj dates back to 1908 and until the current owners, Line and Carsten (and the cute dog Gerda) took over, it was a home for widows and children of deceased sailors. It was a vacation home where they could come to enjoy some time away from home. Line told us that this place came on the market and they were interested in buying it, but backed out last minute. They couldn’t let go of the thought of this little gem and what could have been, so they contacted the one who actually bought it and they agreed that they would rent it for 10 years with an option of extending it with another 5 years.

The B&B was in a fairly poor state when they took over so a lot of time, effort and energy has gone into creating the wonderful B&B that stand here today. Line has a background in design which is easy to see when exploring the hotel. The look is so attractive with a mix of vintage and new stuff, bold colors and a very personal touch. You can tell she has a good eye. The ground floor is like a living room for us guests, where one can hang out, read, relax or have a drink from the honesty bar. Upstairs is Line & Carsten’s living quarters. The rooms are situated in a separate building in the back and they are all named after classic harbor towns around the world. The 10 rooms are all the same size but differ in color and design. They are all small, or they are just big enough. The bathrooms and showers are shared which worked like a charm when we stayed, although the B&B was fully booked.

One of the best things with Aggershøj is the garden. It is vast with numerous different seating (and laying) arrangements. The coolest feature is the Asian inspired gazebo that is now a bar where Carsten mixes a mean Aperol Spritz to be enjoyed in the shade under the trees.

Watiing for the ferry to take us to Ærø.

The main lounge where you are invited to feel right at home. Just find a comfy place and relax.

Love when there are fresh flowers in hotels. A good way to create a homely atmosphere.

The breakfast room with the most stunning wood burner.

Our room was small and cozy, with muted hues and soft lighting.

Bathroom products from Danish company Frama.

The showers are shared with the other guests. Love these vintage tiles.

Everywhere in the garden there are seating areas, sun loungers or plush blankets laid out for you to relax.

Gerda is the hotel dog looking after us guests. She is a role model when it comes to relaxing in the shade.

The Asian-inspired gazebo turned garden bar.

M walking through Marstal in the morning light on his way to the sea for a morning dip.

After the dip, time to return back to the hotel in time for breakfast with freshly baked bread and buns, as well as homemade jams and granola. And coffee!

A little post-breakfast snuggle with Gerda.

M on his bike heading towards Ærøskøping. The bike path into town is snakes along the water.

Ærøskøping is an insanely cute town with its colorful houses and cobbled streets, lined by hollyhocks.

You must visit *Den Game Købmanden* when in Ærøsköping. It is a mix of café, shop, bar and restaurant. Bring a bag since I promise you will want to bring some stuff back with you.

Good to refill the system with some energy before the bike ride back.

The best post-exercise drink, a chilled Aperol Spritz to enjoy in the garden.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for a relaxed and beautifully designed B&B where it truly feels like you are staying at a friends place. If you are a fan of great breakfasts in the morning sun and affable, warm service, I know you will love Aggershøj.

My favorite thing about this place…

…are (since they are several) Line’s design. It is right up my alley with its eclectic mix of items and rich use of colors. I also want to mention the breakfast since it is something extra. And then finally the relaxed atmosphere at the place where it was easy to feel right at home, strolling around like you owned the place. And to be honest, in my fantasy, I kind of pretended that I did.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to borrow some bikes from the hotel and explore the island. We loved the next town of Ærøskøping. An incredibly cute seaside town with traditional, Danish houses, cobbled streets and lush gardens brimming with hollyhocks in an array of colors. If you come here, you must have something to eat or drink at the Den Gamle Købmandsgaard. And just remember to bring swim suit so you can stop for a dip on the way.

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La Scuola B&B, Lusiana, Veneto, Italy

La Maison Plûme, Rives-en-Seine, Normandy, France

Moka & Vanille, Heusden-Zolder, Limburg, Belgium