DENMARK - Scandinavia - page 275

of Peter's favorites was the “diver-bottle”—an extra-wide bottle with two sep-
arate ship models inside: One shipwreck on the “ocean floor” at the bottom
of the bottle, and, above that, a second one floating on the “surface.” A video
shows the artist at work, and nearby you can see some of his tools.
In the second building, you can read some English panels about Peter's life
(including his mischievous wit, which caused his friends great anxiety when
he had an audience with the king) and see the headstone he designed for his
own grave: A cross embedded with seven ships-in-bottles, representing the
seven seas he explored in his youth as a seaman.
Hammerich House (Hammerichs Hus) —These 12 funky rooms in three
houses are filled with 200- to 300-year-old junk.
Cost and Hours: 30 kr, late May-late Aug daily 12:00-16:00, closed off-
season, Gyden 22.
Ærø Island Bike Ride (or Car Tour)
(See “Ærø Island Bike Ride” map, here .)
This 15-mile trip shows you the best of this windmill-covered island's
charms. The highest point on the island is only 180 feet above sea level, but
the windcan bestrongandthe hills seem longandsurprisingly steep. Ifyou'd
rather drive the route, you can rent an electric car at the TI (summer only, see
here ) .
As a bike ride, it's good exercise, though it may be more exhausting than
fun if you've done only light, recreational cycling at home. You'll pay more
for seven gears instead of five, but it's worth it.
Rent your bike in town (see “Helpful Hints,” here ) , and while my map and
instructions work, a local cycle map is helpful (free loaner maps if you rent
from Pilebækkens Cykler, or buy one at the TI). Bring along plenty of water,
as there are few opportunities to fill up (your first good chance is at the WC at
the Bregninge church; there are no real shops until downtown Bregninge).
• Leave Ærøskøbing to the west on the road to Vrå (Vråvejen, signed Bike
Route #90 ). From downtown, pedal up the main street (Vestergade) and turn
right on Vråvejen; from the bike-rental place on Pilebækken, just turn right
and pedal straight ahead—it turns into Vråvejen.