Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at the charming atmospheric Christiansø Gæstgiveriet and get to experience the island
once most of the day-trippers have gone.
A seasonal fishing hamlet since the Middle Ages, Christiansø fell briefly into Swedish
hands in 1658, after which Christian V turned it into an invincible naval fortress. Bastions
and barracks were built; a church, school and prison followed.
Christiansø became the Danish Navy's forward position in the Baltic, serving to monitor
Swedish trade routes and in less congenial days as a base for attacks on Sweden. By the
1850s, though, the island was no longer needed as a forward base against Sweden, and the
navy withdrew. Those who wanted to stay on as fishermen were allowed to live as free
tenants in the old cottages. Their offspring, and a few latter-day fisherfolk and artists, cur-
rently make up Christiansø's circa 100 residents. The entire island is an unspoiled reserve
- there are no cats or dogs, no cars and no modern buildings - allowing the rich birdlife,
including puffins, to prosper.
If the hectic pace of life on Christiansø is getting to you, try escaping to a smaller is-
land,
Frederiksø
, by the footbridge.
Græsholm
, the island to the northwest of Christiansø, is a wildlife refuge and an im-
portant breeding ground for guillemots, razorbills and other sea birds. It has to be one of
the most remote places in Denmark and the locals protect its environment fiercely.
Together these three are known as the Ertholmene Islands, and they serve as spring
breeding grounds for up to 2000 eider ducks. The ducks nest near coastal paths and all vis-
itors should take care not to scare mothers away from their nests because predator gulls
will quickly swoop and attack the unattended eggs. Conservation laws forbid the removal
of any plants from this unique ecosystem. Interestingly, the islands have been also attract-
ing a colony of seals since 2011.
Sights & Activities
A leisurely walk of around an hour is all that's needed to explore both Christiansø and Fre-
deriksø, making this a satisfying day trip.
Towers
The main sights are the two stone circular defence towers.
Lille Tårn
LANDMARK, MUSEUM
