Few places have ever left such an impression on my heart as Denmark's hidden Ship-In-A-Bottle Island, Aero. Our three days in Aeroskobing were perhaps our favorites of all as we, jet-lagged travelers, enjoyed the Sabbath of this remote place.
The only way to Aero Island is via ferry from Svendborg, which we connected to via Odense (Hans Christian Andersen's hometown) after a train ride from Copenhagen. Despite being virtually untouristed while we were there, Rick Steves was on the island the week before us: I can see why this is his favorite off-the-beaten-path retreat in all of Europe.
We're but a short nine miles from Germany, and many of the sailboats tethered to the marina boast German flags.
We stayed at this precious B&B, and were well cared for & fed by Heidi.
The view from our room out to sea.
Molestien Lane, the little gravel path along the sea, is tucked behind a row of captain's houses and well-groomed gardens. It's nicknamed "Virgin's Lane", as teens could court here in view of their snooping parents.
Small skips are sprinkled everywhere, just abandoned to a patch of grass somewhere near the harbor.
Every lane is cobbled with fairytale charm.
The residents--and after a few days, I felt like I knew each one in Aeroskobing, though there are 7,000 total in 22x6 mile Aero Island--take great care to decorate the windows and doors of their sleepy little homes. Every peek inside held a treasure.
The residents like to peek outside as well :)
I adore this higgledy-piggledy collection of globes.
The Ship-In-A-Bottle museum was across the street.
Salty sea air and vibrant, sun drenched colors abound.
I adored this little shop.
Aero had its own brewery, which was the talk of the island.
The beer was amazing.
So was the food here.
When we weren't exploring ancient lanes of kissing rooftops, we spent loads of time at the park.
Their parks are so much better than ours!
Now Mark's researching zip lines on Ebay.
The harbor (right beside the park).
And from the park, a little path led to the beach of Monopoly-style huts.
"What's this, Mom?" Gryffy asked, extending a jelly fish in his hand.
Fortunately, it didn't sting.
There were jellyfish everywhere; I'd never seen so many!
I'll let the rest of the pictures speak for themselves of this enchanted little island.
Lupin flowers everywhere.
The school.
The loveliest little graveyard I've ever seen.
Leaving Aeroskobing, a countryside dotted in red poppies.
How do you leave a dreamy place like this?
The only way I know to do it is with the fjords of Norway looming on the horizon...
Lovely, just lovely- I love all of the colors. You are making me want to go!
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