Denmark Søby Volde, Aerø, Denmark

Perched on the historic hill of Søby Volde on Ærø’s northwestern tip, this spot offers one of the island’s most dramatic sunset views. Once the site of an ancient fortification, it now feels like a peaceful lookout where the land, sea, and sky merge into golden fire at the end of the day. From this elevated position, you can see far across the water — the silhouettes of distant wind turbines, the quiet coastline below, and flocks of birds gliding through the glowing air. As the sun dips behind the horizon, the scene turns into a painter’s dream: layers of orange, gold, and deep red filling the sky in a slow, mesmerizing fade.

This shot was taken with a telephoto lens, which is ideal for compressing the scene and making the setting sun appear larger and more powerful. A focal length between 200–400mm works beautifully here to frame the sun, the silhouettes, and the subtle textures in the light. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to set up and find the perfect position — the birds often start circling around this time, adding beautiful motion and life to the frame. A tripod and a fast shutter speed will help keep them sharp against the glowing sky. Keep your white balance slightly warm to emphasize the natural tones of the scene.

Søby Volde is easy to reach by car or bike from the town of Søby. There’s a small parking area at the base of the hill, and from there, it’s a short walk up to the top — just a few minutes but enough to feel like you’ve stepped into a place filled with history and peace. The area is open and quiet, with no facilities, making it the perfect place to pause and take in the view. If the weather is clear, you’ll witness one of the best sunsets on Ærø, with the horizon glowing over the sea and the island slowly sinking into twilight. Bring a jacket — the wind can be strong up here, but it only adds to the atmosphere.