Travellers in Scandinavia no trip to Denmark is complete without a stop over on the beautiful island of Æro. Situated south of Fyn and accessible by a short ferry ride from the town of Svendborg (ferrys also run daily from Søby, Jutland), Æro has the all the charm and beauty of local Danish culture on this small island, and nothing beats an afternoon cycle across this very colourful landscape surrounded by the Baltic waters during the warm summer months from April to October. After a day out (and that's all it takes) across Æro, your appetite for some fine culinary delights will be best satisfied at Den Gamle Vingaard, located in the idyllic coastal village of Marstal. The standard and quality of the food is excellent. Imagine, if you will, a crossover between Danish Irish German cuisine, very hearty portions served up with a service and a smile second to none. The selection of fine wines and beers will leave you spoiled for choice. What really makes this family restaurant so special is the surroundings inside and out. Old style, full of interesting ornaments and antiques, very charming and unchanged from it's early years, you'll feel you've walked back a step or two in time once you've stepped inside. There is a nice surprise in store for the unsuspecting visitor who dines here during the evening hours. The small and atmospheric Irish Bar connected to the restaurant awaits your custom after 9pm every evening during the summer months, with live music seven nights a week from musicians brought in from Ireland, Scotland and even afar as the USA. So after your appetite has been satisfied, wash it all down with a pint of Guinness or maybe a wee Irish whiskey and enjoy the craic right next door. The perfect end to a perfect evening on Denmark's most beautiful island. P. J. Kelly read more
