Påskeferie or Easter holiday

Since both school and work were closed (and there was no mail on Thursday, Friday, or Monday!) it seemed like an ideal time to explore a bit of Denmark.  There was no worry about all the Danes having the same idea because there aren't very many of them (about 5.5 million).

We rented a car using our U.S. driver's licenses, which cost about half the price they charge Danes.  Unfortunately, we had to pay the same price per liter of fuel, but we saved a bit of money by having a diesel car, which is more common in Europe.  I am grateful that we have a standard shift car at home because that is what is offered here.  

From Roskilde, which is on the island of Zealand(Sjaelland), we headed to Faaborg on the island of Funen (Fyn).   The thirteen-year-old bridge between the two islands saves a ferry ride and the toll of 220 kr (>$40) was less expensive than a ferry, but it was clearly a good idea that a credit card lane had been included at the toll booth.

a courtyard in Faaborg

Because we didn't get lost and there were no traffic jams we arrived well before the departure of our ferry from Funen to AEro.  We used our guide book's map and found a controversial sculpture in the town square and more art in a courtyard.  We admired the town church and wooden boats and enjoyed the unexpected visit before heading to the ferry.

After an uneventful crossing, made more pleasant by the warm weather and calm water, we found the narrow road to the northwest.  We had read that the lighthouse at the end was worth the drive.  

close up of the Fresnel lens

lighthouse and beach from the ferry

What we hadn't thought about was the beach that would be near the lighthouse, which was our second unexpected find of the day.  After initially sharing it with another family, they left and no one else joined us.  One boat and two kayakers passed by, but the rest of the time we heard only the lapping of the water.  Bliss.

We made our way to the town of AEroskobing, a port town known for maintaining its charming old homes, some dating back to the 1600's.  

click to enlarge and see that the date above the door is 1690

We found a picnic spot with a good climbing tree and then wandered around town, imagining what it would be like to live there.  

My favorite part was a path between some truly quaint backyards and the beach.  I loved getting a peek at the lives of the natives (their laundry, vegetable gardens, flower beds) and the people themselves.

Finally we headed to Marstal at the other end of the island and found our hotel, a simple place with shared toilet and shower facilities.  It was right across from the harbor and a short walk to town, where we found falafel for dinner.  Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the local solar thermal plant, which is the largest in the world.

We all agreed it was a fantastic first day of vacation.