Hammershus
On a steep rocky prominence

...at the northern tip of the island you'll find the impressive medieval fortress of Hammershus.

It's the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe and the most popular attraction on Bornholm - a place to fire the imagination and bring the history of Bornholm to life.

Near the ruins you'll find a Visitor Centre that tells you all about the history of Hammershus. On a clear day you can see all the way to Sweden.

Illuminated Hammershus

Experience the largest ruined castle of Northern Europe bathed in light.

Also this year, the Emergency Force of Bornholm will make light trainings on Hammershus. The light trainings take place on the 11 January, 8 March, 4 May, 12 July, 13 September and 8 November 2010.

You can follow the preparations from about 7.30 p.m. and the light will be turned on around 09.00 p.m. - dependent on the twilight.

The illumination is made of the liables for military service and their officers from the Emergency Force of Bornholm.

Facts:

The oldest part of the fortress was probably built in the early 12th century to consolidate control of the island by the Archbishop of Lund (which was then part of Denmark), which he had acquired through a treaty with King Svend III Grathe of Denmark.

For the next 500 years Hammershus was the stronghold of the island's various rulers. Hammershus was rebuilt and extended on several occasions.

In 1660-61 King Christian IV's daughter, Leonora Christine, and her husband, Corfitz Ulfeldt, were imprisoned in the castle for treason. A dramatic escape down the walls and cliffs failed.

In 1743 Hammershus was finally abandoned as a stronghold. And the people of Bornholm were free to gather building materials from the site until 1822, when the ruins were put on the national historic register.

Hammershus, Langebjergvej 26, DK-3770 Allinge

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