Fries family embraces rural life on Ærø after moving from Berlin

Frauke Fries recalls a particularly stressful morning when her dog ran away, leaving her alone with her two small children, without a car and a flat tire on her bicycle. Living in the countryside in a new area without acquaintances can be daunting. However, she received unexpected help from friendly neighbors—one offered to supervise her children while another fixed her bicycle. “That would never have happened in Berlin,” she says, reflecting on her more urban past.

Now residing with her husband Florian and their three children in a historic thatched-roof home in Søby, on the Danish island of Ærø, Fries has embraced her new life. The couple moved from Berlin five years ago, seeking a better environment for their children. “Berlin is a fantastic city, but not a place for children. Our motivation has been our kids, who can grow up here with space and freedom,” she says as her kids enjoy snacks at the kitchen table.

Ærø has experienced a significant increase in its German population, now totaling about four percent, with many families moving to the island. Local school director Gitte Slejborg notes that at least 40 of the 118 students have parents from other countries, with 24 coming from Germany. This influx has prompted the school to seek additional funding for language support.

The Fries family has integrated well into the community, with Frauke leading a choir and Florian appreciating the balance of life on the island. They enjoy cultivating their own garden and relishing the freedom of rural living. The family’s commitment to their new home shows no signs of wavering, frequently welcoming visitors from Berlin but always looking forward to returning to their tranquil life on Ærø.