Denmark’s Sunshine island of Bornholm is a haven for both artists and holidaymakers, attracted by its climate, peaceful lifestyle and natural beauty.
Bornholm, occupying an area of 588.36 square kilometers (227.17 sq mi) is a “Scandinavia in a nutshell: Sitting in the middle of the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Poland, this enchanting island features a variety of landscapes typical for different areas of Scandinavia.
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History
Bornholm has been fought over for centuries. Usually it had been ruled by Denmark, but also by Sweden and Lübeck, Germany. The ruin of Hammershus, at the northwestern tip of the island, is the largest medieval fortress in northern Europe, testament to the importance of its location. This island and Ertholmene is what remains in Denmark of Skåneland east of Øresund, having been surrendered to Sweden in 1658 but with Bornholm after a local revolt later regained in 1660.
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Denmark’s Sunshine Island
It is a peaceful place, home to about 40,000 Bornholmers, with no large towns and almost no industry. The chief industrial activities are dairy farming and arts and crafts industries such as glass production and pottery using locally worked clay.
The island is known as Solskinsøen (Sunshine Island) because of its weather and Klippeøen (Rock Island) because of its geology, which consists of granite.
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Holidaymakers favorite
Visitors have a perfect opportunity to relax, although from early July until the end of August the population swells fourfold with holidaymakers.
It is three hours from Copenhagen by train/ferry, and 30 minutes by plane.
Denmark’s Sunshine Island, compiled by Tor Kjolberg