Ærø

Denmark is a land of islands.  There are three main ones, but it has has over 4,000 islands in total so there's plenty to be explored.  Last weekend I went with my host family to a wonderful place called Ærø.  This island can only be reached by ferry and the kids were more than a little excited for the trip across to the other side!

It was a bit cold, but the kids had a blast taking in the view.

Once on land we explored the charming little town, Ærøskøbing.  It's hard to do it justice with photos - it's a place with classic old-Danish architecture, cobble streets and a lazy, small town air that is infectious.

 

A little girl and her giraffe could not be bothered to stay with the rest of us.

Our next stop: "Ærø Accordian Festival"

People were piling in to come hear the music in their cars, by motor cycle, bike or on foot.

This accordion orchestra included about 10 members... none of them under the age of 75 I think.  They played some old Danish tunes and a few familiar American ones too.

The accordion scene is strong in Denmark, and is a sub-culture of its own.  Young and old turn out to play, listen and hang out for this 3-day festival on the island.  As is typical at most any Danish social event, you will see people eating hotdogs and pancakes, and drinking beer.   

Choose your dog.... would you like remoulade or hot ketchup with that?

We took a break from the music for playtime!  This is the coolest... I have no clue what it's called.  You crawl up about 30 feet, and then slide down.  Perhaps it could be called a "Spiderman Junglegym"??

We drove around exploring the rest of the island which is beautiful in a very simple way. 

The most rugged coastline I've seen in Denmark. Lovely.

The local Hotel.

Skjoldnæs fyr

Last stop: Skjoldnæs lighthouse.  It was built in 1881 by Swedish stone-masons... some of whose descendants still live on the island.  Climbing the tower is a great way to get a view of the countryside and the sea.

The Danes and their ships!  It's just amazing some of these old viking-style ones are still in everyday use.

Time to go home.  This was a fabulous trip, and an essential go-to place if you're ever in Denmark!