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LOCATION
Bornholm is one of Danish islands located near the coast of Sweden, the subject of competition between Danish and Swedish kings for centuries. Despite its turbulent history, Bornholm has preserved its numerous medieval monuments, including exceptional 12th century fortified churches. The island has been Protestant since the mid-16th century. Due to its mild climate and great tourism infrastructure, nowadays it is mainly a resting place. Ronne (55°06′20″N 14°42′10″E) located in the western part of the island and inhabited by almost 14,000 people is the main administrative centre. The town offers ferry connections with Ystad (Sweden), Køge (Denmark) and Sassnitz (Germany), and possesses a small airport providing permanent flights to Denmark.
SIGHTSEEING
It is not worth limiting the tour of Bornholm to sacral buildings. The abundance of special places, picturesque settlements, and mainly defensive facilities are bound to enchant everyone. The distances on the island are small, since the most distant places are only 50 km away from each other. Bornholm is convenient for either a car or a bike. An alternative to a stay in Ronne may be numerous private accommodation facilities and guesthouses scattered around the island. The places we selected are situated in the central and northern part of the island. The churches in Østerlars and Øster are open on weekdays from May to October (10 am – 5 pm, admission payable). The Hammershus Castle is open throughout the year, and the adjacent Hammershus Visitor Centre (with a museum exhibition) operates from mid-April until the end of October every day (from 10 am to 4 pm, in summer until 8 pm) and in winter at weekends (10 am – 4 pm).
ATTRACTIONS
Hammershus is picturesque ruins in the north of the island – the remnants of a castle constructed upon the order of bishops from Lund. According to scientists, it served as the basis for Danish crusades in the 13th century. The historical exhibition in the Hammershus Visitor Centre describes the rich and tragic history of the castle. In Olsker settlement situated to the south of Hammershus there is St Olaf’s Church (Sankt Ols Kirke) dating back to the mid-12th century. The defensive church in Østerlars (Osterlars kirke) originates from the same time period. It is surrounded by an old cemetery, and the interior is adorned with polychromes from the mid-14th century, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. The church in Aakirkeby is worth seeing as an interesting Roman temple, bigger than the foregoing ones. With its original tower, it was erected around 1100. Inside there is a beautiful stone baptismal font with a runic inscription (Dobefonten).
