Svaneke is a small, picturesque town located on the eastern coast of the island. Its rocky coastline, with coves and promontories, adds charm to this place.
In modern times, Svaneke benefits from fishing industry and tourism. The town attracts many applied artists who establish their galleries, creating a unique atmosphere. The houses and streets in Svaneke have preserved their original character, reminiscent of architectural styles from the 16th and 17th centuries. As a result, in 1975, the town was awarded the prestigious European Golden Medal in recognition of its careful preservation of the historical heritage.
In the town, you will also find the local brewery, Bryghuset, which is the only brewery on the island of Bornholm. Visitors can taste various types of beer and learn more about the brewing process. Another popular attraction is the "caramel factory," which attracts both locals and tourists. In addition to the opportunity to taste delicious caramels, visitors can also see how they are made.
Svaneke is often considered one of the prettiest towns in Denmark. Its charming streets, well-preserved buildings, and beautiful sea views attract visitors from across the country. Tourists are also offered the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike, to enjoy the natural beauty of the island of Bornholm.
The history of Svaneke dates back to medieval times when it gradually developed from a small fishing settlement into a full-fledged town. In the 15th century, it received merchant rights, which contributed to its further growth. The main driving force behind the city's expansion was the abundant herring catches in the Baltic Sea and the trade associated with it.
Svaneke reaped significant profits from fishing and herring trade, which led to the prosperity of its residents. However, over time, herring stocks in the Baltic Sea began to decline, resulting in reduced income and affecting the city's economy.
To cope with the situation, wealthy merchants from Svaneke decided to invest in surrounding agricultural farms. They focused on agriculture, which allowed them to diversify their sources of income and maintain economic stability.
In the 19th century, the town experienced a certain stagnation in development. Despite plans for a railway expansion, the railway line was never extended to Svaneke. This meant that hopes for trade development through railways were dashed. Although a new harbor and shipyard were built, these ventures did not achieve the expected success and did not bring about the intended economic growth.
Despite these challenges, Svaneke found its unique character and preserved its historical heritage. Today, the town is renowned for its charming atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and artistic spirit. Although herring trade no longer plays as significant a role as it once did, Svaneke continues to attract tourists with its picturesque location, applied art galleries, and local craftsmanship.
Svaneke Kirke: The Historical Church and Symbol of the City - This local church in Svaneke has a long and rich history. Some preserved fragments of the building date back to 1350. The structure stands out with its distinctive tower, from which a swan, the city's iconic symbol, looks down upon us.
Svaneke Smokehouse: A traditional fish smokehouse - it is a well-known and unique fish smokehouse located in Svaneke. This large smokehouse stands out with its distinctive five white chimneys, which are visible from afar. Since its establishment in 1919, Svaneke Smokehouse has been preparing smoked herring according to a four-generational recipe.
This place has a long tradition and is an important part of the fishing culture in the region. Smoking fish is an art that requires experience, knowledge, and attention to detail. Svaneke Smokehouse has preserved these traditions over the years, passing them down from generation to generation. The smoked herring prepared according to their closely guarded recipe is a true delight for the taste buds.
Pyramid-shaped Water Tower: Jørn Utzon's Architectural Landmark - In Svaneke, there is an extraordinary architectural landmark of contemporary design - a pyramid-shaped water tower. This unconventional structure was built in 1952, designed by the renowned Danish architect, Jørn Utzon. The water tower, although no longer in use, serves as a fascinating example of modern design and is an important element of the city's landscape.
Bechs Mølle: The Oldest Windmill in Denmark - Built in 1629, it proudly holds the title of the oldest standing windmill in Denmark. This historical landmark holds great significance for the town of Svaneke and attracts both history enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts alike.
In recent years, extensive conservation efforts have been carried out to preserve the authenticity of the windmill. The aim was to maintain its original structure and machinery, providing visitors with a glimpse into the 17th century.
Throughout its long history, Bechs Mølle was one of three mills located on the northern outskirts of Svaneke. It served the local community by providing flour and played a significant role in the town's economy. Today, it stands as an important monument, reminding us of bygone times and the technology used in flour production.
Major conservation works took place at Bechs Mølle in 1972-1973 and then again in 2002-2007. Thanks to these efforts, the windmill has preserved its historical identity and has become a source of pride for the town. Since 1960, it has been recognized as a historic building, bearing witness to centuries past.
Svanemøllen: The Charm of a Wooden Mill - Located west of Svaneke, Svanemøllen is a wooden mill with its unique history. Built in 1857, it served its function until the 1950s, providing the townspeople with fresh flour and being an important element of the local economy. Since 1960, it has been recognized as a historic building that attracts attention with its charm and historical significance.
Svaneke Bolcheriet: The Magical Candy Factory - It is a renowned candy factory that enriches the town with its unique aroma and flavors. It is a place where you can uncover the secrets of creating these colorful and aromatic treats. Watching the craftsmen at work, blending colors and flavors, it's hard to imagine the end result of their efforts. However, it is precisely this mystery and surprise that make a visit to Svaneke Bolcheriet so exciting. The scent of sweet candies fills the air, and every step in the Bolcheriet factory reveals new culinary adventures. By observing the candy-making process, you can gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each piece of candy.
Østermarie: Encounter medieval history and modern architecture - located west of Svaneke, this charming town entices tourists not only with its tranquility and natural beauty but also with its historical treasures. In the heart of the town, you will find the ruins of a medieval church dating back to the first half of the 12th century. These picturesque ruins are considered valuable landmarks due to their architectural and technical details, which provide important information for archaeological research. Adjacent to the old ruins of the medieval church stands a new Neo-Romanesque-style church. This harmonious blend of past and present creates a unique atmosphere in Østermarie. Some elements from the ruins have been transferred to the new church, such as the pulpit and baptismal font, which hold significant historical heritage.
Louisenlund: Mystical cluster of prehistoric stones - located 5 km west of Svaneke towards Østermarie, this place has a magical atmosphere and houses Bornholm's largest collection of prehistoric cult stones, known as menhirs. In the forest, amidst the trees, approximately 50 giant stones are arranged, serving as extraordinary witnesses of ancient times. Some of these stones exceed a height of 2.5 meters, impressing with their monumentality.
While strolling through Louisenlund, you inevitably feel the mystical aura of this place. The stones, set in a non-random configuration, seem to radiate the energy of ancestors, immersing you in an ancient world and the mysteries of bygone eras. You can imagine how the prehistoric people, with great reverence and faith, placed these stone monoliths, hoping for prosperity and protection against natural forces.
An interesting fact about the name of this place is the story associated with Danish King Frederik VII, who visited the area in 1851. Inspired by the beauty and atmosphere of the place, he named it after his beloved wife, Louise. Since then, this place has been known as Louisenlund, which roughly translates to "Louise's Grove."
Listed: Charm of old houses and fishing history - located approximately 1 km northwest of Svaneke, this picturesque fishing village captivates with its traditional charm. Situated by the sea, the village bears witness to Bornholm's rich fishing history. While strolling through its streets, you can discover well-preserved old houses with characteristic half-timbered construction.
These charming wooden buildings transport us back in time to when fishing played a vital role in the region's economy. Listed, thanks to its convenient seaside location, had significant importance in herring fishing in the Baltic Sea as early as the Middle Ages. The port in Listed was bustling with life, and fishermen set sail on long fishing expeditions. As you walk through Listed, you can imagine the scent of sea salt and the sounds of fishermen's work as they brought their fresh catches ashore. Time has stood still in these charming streets, and the traditional houses remind us of the old days when fishing was the foundation of community life.
Brændesgårdshaven: Denmark's oldest amusement park - opened in 1933, it is the oldest amusement park in Denmark. Located on a 6-hectare area, this charming park offers something for both adults and children. Since its inception, Brændesgårdshaven has consistently attracted tourists and locals from the region who seek to spend active and joyful time.
One of the main attractions of the park is the heated pool, maintained at a pleasant 22°C. It is the perfect place for relaxation and cooling off on warm summer days. Both children and adults can enjoy the water slides, providing an additional dose of fun and adrenaline.
Brændesgårdshaven also offers a mini zoo, a favorite spot for children. Little ones can admire various animal species, interact with them, and learn something new. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to have closer contact with nature and consciously explore its richness.
For speed enthusiasts, go-karts are also available, providing exciting races on the track. Both children and adults can compete and test their driving skills.
In addition to the mentioned attractions, Brændesgårdshaven offers many other entertainments and attractions. The park provides diverse possibilities for spending time, ensuring that everyone can find something for themselves. It is the perfect place for family outings, gatherings with friends, or simply a relaxing day in the great outdoors.
