Experience an active and authentic sailing holiday on the Aron in Danish waters, where everything is about good sailing, good food, conviviality, Easter traditions and actively participating (within the limits of your capabilities) in all daily activities on board.
One of the best ways to explore these islands is aboard the traditional schooner Aron. This beautiful historic Danish sailing ship, managed by experienced skippers Gorm and Helene, offers an authentic sailing experience. Both skippers were born and raised on the Danish islands and therefore know the best, most hidden spots to take their guests to.
Your adventure begins in the charming town of Svendborg, located south of the island of Funen. This sailing area is known for its sheltered, calm seas and moderate winds, making it a perfect introduction to traditional sailing. On board the Aron, you will learn the tricks of the trade in a safe and supportive environment, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The low waves and minimal swell ensure that sailing between the islands rarely causes seasickness, allowing you to fully enjoy your time on the water.
During the trip, we let the wind determine which islands and towns we will visit. The possibilities are endless: from the almost Caribbean-looking beach of Lundeborg to Gorm’s home village of Troense, the fishing town of Bagenkop, the adventurous Ærøskøbing, or one of the idyllic small islands.
On Easter Saturday, we will moor on the island of Ærø in the village of Marstal, to experience the rich Easter traditions there.
Maybe you’ve heard of them? The crazy islanders who sit on the beach in all weathers, cooking eggs, grilling sausages and toasting each other. And that is exactly what the islanders do – along with a host of guests who have discovered the tradition themselves and ‘voluntarily’ join in.
In the days leading up to Easter Saturday, and especially on that day, the ferries are full; everyone has to ‘go home’ to Ærø to cook eggs. City streets are deserted and shops and museums are closed with a sign on the door: ‘We are cooking eggs!’
Hundreds of people gather around the island and build bonfires on the beach – often with two, three or more generations around the same fire. Throughout the day, eggs are boiled, sausages roasted and tall tales told. And all this is washed down with a beer – perhaps a local Easter brew from Ærø Bryggeri.
The tradition dates back to around 1900, when older children went to the farms on Easter Saturday to sing to the residents and collect eggs, which they took to the beach and boiled in seawater… Or maybe it was the farm girls and boys who finally had a day off and wanted to celebrate.
The origin of this custom is a bit of a mystery, but it is definitely related to the Danish concept of ‘hygge’.
