STAGE 1

Starting in Sønderborg on Stage 1 of the route, you cycle towards Høruphav, through the Sønderskov forest. Here, you ride through several quaint countryside villages on Als before arriving at the ferry in Fynshav. This is the ferry to Bøjden, on Fyn and to Søby, on Ærø. Jump on the Ærø ferry and set course for Søby. After an hour on board, you arrive in the town of Søby, which has a lovely, child-friendly beach. Should you fancy riding a few extra kilometres, the impressive Skjoldnæs Lighthouse and the beautiful Ærø Golf Course, are both close to the Route.

The Baltic Sea Cycle Route stretches from Søby to Ærøskøbing and is nearly 18 km long. You will ride through the beautiful Danish countryside, passing the old manor house of Søbygaard and the cosy little town of Skovby. Here, you will also find yourself on ‘Ærø’s Alps’ where even experienced cyclists are put to the test. Your reward is the view! For most of the journey, you are accompanied by a spectacular view over the archipelago towards Fyn. On the route near Ærøskøbing, you ride along the beautiful Borgnæs Bugt (Borgnæs Bay). Once you reach Ærøskøbing, you can venture through the cobbled streets on a little journey of discovery. From Ærøskøbing you have another ferry journey, which this time takes you to Svendborg on Fyn.

It is also possible to start Stage 1 in Svendborg, sail from here to
Ærøskøbing and follow the Baltic Sea Cycle Route to Søby and
Sønderbog, eventually picking up Stage 14 of the route here.

The top attraction of Ærø is its stunning countryside. It is a combination of the gently flowing beaches, set against the backdrop of the South Fyn Archipelago and the more wild and rugged stretches of coastline against the Baltic Sea that makes Ærø’s countryside so unique. A ramble on Ærø is an obvious choice for nature lovers. If you visit the area of Vitsø, you can find salt meadows, wetlands and water holes, the habitat for a vast range of geese and ducks. You may also pay a visit to Voderup Klint where large parts of the cliff have eroded to form long step-shaped terraces. On the northern side of Ærø, you will find a beautiful lighthouse, Skjoldnæs Fyr. It can be seen all the way from Kiel in Germany. It was built as a beacon, after Denmark was defeated by Germany in 1864, to greet our friends and family from afar. Around the lighthouse, you now find one of Europe’s most beautifully placed seaside golf courses. Fishing for pleasure on Ærø is world-class! You are almost guaranteed a catch of Sea trout along this extraordinary coastline.

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