Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hammershus Slot
The impressive 13th-century ruins of Hammershus Slot, dramatically perched on top of a
sea cliff, are the largest in Scandinavia. Construction probably began around 1250 under
the archbishop of Lund, who wanted a fortress to protect his diocese against the Crown,
engaged at the time in a power struggle with the Church. In the centuries that followed, the
castle was enlarged, with the upper levels of the square tower added on during the
mid-16th century.
Eventually, improvements in naval artillery left the fortress walls vulnerable to attack
and in 1645 the castle temporarily fell to Swedish troops after a brief bombardment. Ham-
mershus served as both military garrison and prison - King Christian IV's daughter,
Leonora Christine, was imprisoned here on treason charges from 1660 to 1661.
In 1743 the Danish military abandoned Hammershus and many of the stones were car-
ried away to be used as building materials elsewhere. Still, there's much to see and you
shouldn't miss a stroll through these extensive fortress ruins. The grounds are always open
and admission is free.
THERE BE TROLLS
As you travel around Bornholm you will almost certainly spot drawings and figures of the
island's mascot: a disreputable-looking horned troll called Krølle Bølle who originated in
stories told by local writer Ludvig Mahler to his son in the early 1940s. Usually depicted
with a ready-smoked herring dangling from his fishing rod (a neat trick that, even for a
troll), Krølle Bølle is said to live with his parents, Bobbasina and Bobbarækus, beneath
Langebjerg Hill, close to Hammershus Slot, appearing on the stroke of midnight when an
owl hoots three times.
Getting There & Away
There's an hourly bus (2 or 8) from Sandvig to Hammershus Slot, but the most enjoyable
way to get here is via footpaths through the hills of Hammeren - a wonderful hour's hike.
The well-trodden trail begins by the Sandvig Familie camping ground and the route is
signposted.
