Vitsø

Denmark Coastal 1 - Excellent

Vitsø is a bathing beach located on the northern part of Ærø island in scenic surroundings along Lillebælt, west of Søby. The beach is 135 meters long and 10–15 meters wide, composed of medium-sized stones that extend several meters into the water. A bathing bridge leads over the stones to the water's edge. The beach is surrounded by a small developed area and Søby Camping, with a broad green zone creating a pleasant atmosphere and providing habitat for diverse birdlife.

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Water

Lillebælt is classified as brackish water. The current direction is variable, and water levels rise gradually from the shore at Vitsø. The beach is 135 meters long and 10–15 meters wide.

Location

West of Søby on the northern part of Ærø, Denmark. The beach is marked by a blue line on the overview map. Parking and facilities are available at Søby Camping nearby.

Facilities

Bathing bridge, warning signage for reduced water quality, toilet facilities, and rescue ring.

Season

1 June to 1 September. Routine water quality monitoring occurs during this period.

Water Quality

Water quality classification: Excellent. The classification is based on routine sampling during the bathing season testing for two indicator bacteria: E. coli and enterococci. The classification was calculated using data from 2015–2019. Treated wastewater from Søby Wastewater Treatment Plant is discharged approximately 350 meters south of the beach via a 500-meter pipe, with high water exchange at the discharge point preventing normal impact on bathing water quality. A stormwater pipe 350 meters south of the beach poses a risk of high faecal bacteria concentrations during heavy rainfall.

Risks

Risk of short-term contamination from a stormwater pipe 350 meters south during heavy rainfall; sewage overflow can occur if the sewer network is overloaded by sudden rain, potentially degrading water quality for up to 72 hours. Swimming is discouraged near the stormwater discharge. Low risk of blue-green algae blooms. Low risk of phytoplankton blooms. Low risk of large quantities of macroalgae washing ashore. Very low risk of chemical contamination such as oil spills. Glass fragments and litter may occasionally occur. Sudden contamination from accidents involving pleasure boats, manure tanks, and sewer pipes is possible.