Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Island · Gudhjem, Região da Capital
Christiansø
The island-fortress of the Ertholmene archipelago, about a 1-hour boat ride from Gudhjem, with 17th-century walls and towers, around 90 residents, no cars and seabird colonies.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Christiansø
Christiansø is the largest of the inhabited islands of Ertholmene, a small granite archipelago about 18 km northeast of Bornholm. In 1684 King Christian V built a naval base there to watch Sweden in the Baltic, with ramparts, gun batteries and the round towers Store Tårn and Lille Tårn. The nearby island of Frederiksø, linked by a footbridge, completes the site.
The island has no cars and has about 90 residents, who live in the old garrison houses. It is administered directly by the Ministry of Defence and does not belong to any municipality. Store Tårn houses a lighthouse and a small museum, and a path circles the island along the ramparts and the rocks.
The archipelago is a nature reserve, with colonies of eider, gulls, auks and other seabirds, which can be seen up close in spring and summer. The neighbouring island of Græsholm is a bird reserve with no access. There is a guesthouse and a small campsite for those who want to stay overnight on the island.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day with the return boat; a full day to walk without hurry.
Best time
From May to September, with more boat departures and seabirds on the nests. In winter the boat runs fewer trips and may not sail in rough seas. Check the timetables.
How to get there
By boat from Gudhjem, about 1 hour, with daily departures in summer. There are also boats from Allinge and from Svaneke in season; check.
Tip
Bring a windbreaker and a snack. Keep quiet near bird colonies and respect closed areas during nesting season.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Christiansø
How to get to Christiansø?
By boat from Gudhjem, in about 1 hour. Check timetables, especially outside summer.
Can you stay overnight on the island?
Yes, there is a guesthouse and a small campsite. Book in advance.
Does the island have cars?
No. It has about 90 residents and is explored on foot.