Skarø

For the fictional planet in Doctor Who, see Skaro.

Skarø (Danish pronunciation: [ˈskɑːˌʁœˀ]) is a Danish island south of Funen. The island covers an area of 1.97 square kilometres (0.76 square miles) and has 26 inhabitants.^[1] The island can be reached by ferry from Svendborg and Drejø.^[2]

Geography and Population

Skarø, a Danish island located in the South Funen Archipelago, spans approximately 1.97 km². With around 26 inhabitants, the island is an integral part of Svendborg Municipality. Accessible by ferry, M/F Højestene, as a stop between Svendborg and Drejø.

Tourism and Accommodations

During the summer months, Skarø attracts numerous sailors, kayakers, and other tourists. Accommodation include small hotels or cafes, as well as cabin rentals. Additionally, the island's community hall is available for rental, accommodating up to 25 overnight guests.

Map of the southern part of Svendborg County in Denmark showing Skarø island

Museums

Adjacent to Skarø Sommerpensionat, Øhavssamlingerne and FultonMuseet with Skippers Hule showcase the maritime history of Mogens Frohn Nielsen, the skipper of the school ship Fulton. Exhibits include Mogens Frohn's collections stored on the aft deck of a 15.5-meter model of Fulton. Øhavets Skolestue and Øhavsbiografen provide insights into life in Drejø Sogn from 1532 to the present day.

Festival and Events

The first weekend of August hosts the Skarøfestival Love In - Festivalen på Skarø. Micro-festival draws from 1000 to 1500 visitors and is island's tradition since 1994.^[3] The island also hosts various themed weeks and island camps during the summer.

Church and Royal Visits

Established in 1900, Skarø has had its graveyard and chapel, later attaining church status in Drejø Sogn in the 1920s.^[4] After significant renovation, the church was rededicated in February 2015. Skarø has received royal visits, including King Christian the Tenth in July 1927 and Queen Margrethe and Prince Consort in September 2008.

Fauna and Nature Resources

Skarø is home to a population of rare European green toads, adding a unique touch to the island's natural ambiance. The island also maintains purebred brown bees and utilizes natural resources such as birch sap and sugar kelp, contributing to diverse applications, including ice cream production for Singapore Airlines.^[5]

References

1. Danmarks Statistik: https://www.statistikbanken.dk/BEF4 Data from January 1st
2. "M/F Højestene". Svendborg Havn. 2020-02-24. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
3. "Skarøfestivalen – Vi ses 31. juli – 3. august 2024" (in Danish). Retrieved 2024-05-29.
4. "Skarø Church". VisitSvendborg. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
5. "Skaroe Ice Cream x Singapore Airlines | Singapore Airlines Denmark". Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2024-12-27.

55°00′N 10°29′E