Hammershus Castle

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Hammershus Castle, built in the 13th century on the northern tip of Bornholm, is the largest castle ruin in North Denmark. It is now also the site of a Museum of Art.

[edit] History and description

Hammershus is the highest point on Bornholm with a spectacular view of Sweden and all the ocean surrounding the island. Surrounded on its other side is a deep valley, water filled hollows, and dense forest. There are numerous points before arriving at castle where enemies could be stopped. The castle protected Bornholm until the late 17th century.

The castle's steep hilltop location made it extremely difficult to conquer and strategically a excellent viewing post to monitor enemy positions and supply movement.

The castle was built with box-like rooms surrounded by rings of fortifications. Each provided an additional layer of protection from invaders. Two natural spring ponds provided fresh drinking water on side of castle. Five centuries of unrest and power struggles followed between Scandinavian monarchs.

[edit] Art and Kunstmuseum

Because of the unusual pure light on Bornholm and because it has only 4 hours of darkness in summer, many of Denmark's earliest artists painted spectacular views of Hammerhaus. One of the most famous is by Anton E. Kieldrup (1827-1869), created in 1849, which is on display at Bornholm's Museum of Art ("Kunstmuseum").