Bornholm Island Attracts International Travelers to Denmark
Bornholm Island in Denmark [Image by Małgorzata Miłaszewska on Wikimedia Commons]Nestling in the Baltic Sea, the picturesque Bornholm Island has become a popular location for international travelers and residents. In 2023, the island in Denmark attracted many international residents, most especially from Germany (18 percent), Italy (8.6 percent), Poland 8.3 percent, Sweden (7.1 percent and Ukraine (10.6 percent). Why were these international residents seeking out a new life on Bornholm Island? Moreover, why is the island attracting so many tourists each year?
Why is Bornholm in Denmark so popular?
Hammershus Castle [Image by Bente Jønsson from Pixabay]Recently, Bornholm’s Mayor Jacob Trøst revealed the attractions on the island that are drawing so many international residents and travelers. Among the top attractions is that Bornholm has a favorable microclimate compared to mainland Denmark, including everything from the highest sunshine hours to the idyllic white sand beaches. Those beaches even caught the attention of Napoleon in the past.
Moreover, the natural and cultural attractions of the island include the sprawling Hammershus Castle ruin, the historic round churches believed to have Templar origins and Denmark’s tallest waterfall. Meanwhile, with its pleasant climate and beautiful nature is a perfect place for hiking, including organized hiking tours.
Lighthouse and white sand beach and dunes [Image by Thomas from Pixabay]Bornholm Island has been voted Denmark’s best vacation destination for two years running at the prestigious Danish Travel Awards. The island has also been named one of Europe’s best holiday islands by Conde Nast Traveler.
The island’s growing appeal to international travelers
Despite the island’s modest population of 40,000, Bornholm attracts an amazing 600,000 visitors annually. These tourists mainly visit from Denmark, Germany and Sweden, but the attraction is growing for tourists from farther afield.
The island’s peak tourist season is typically from mid-June to early August. However, locals have said that favorable weather continues well into September.
Church [Image by Per Trangbæk on Wikimedia Commons]Besides its natural and historical appeal for travelers, Bornholm also offers a growing job market in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy and tourism. These opportunities, along with the island’s tranquil atmosphere, has positioned the Danish island as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for those seeking a good lifestyle, beautiful scenery and warm weather.
Getting to Bornholm Island
Bornholm Port [Image by Thomas from Pixabay]The easiest way to access Bornholm is by a direct ferry from Sassnitz on Rügen Island in Germany, which takes around three-and-a-half hours.
The ferry service opens on March 21 and offers three weekly departures throughout spring, on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In summer, the ferry offers daily departures from Wednesday to Monday,
Travelers can also head to the island by high-speed ferry from Ystad in Sweden, or catch a flight from Copenhagen to Rønne on Bornholm. A ferry ticket costs from 94 euros (around $100) for a car with up to five people.
Bornholm windmill [Image by Dorothe from Pixabay]As the island’s reputation as a creative hotspot and haven for professionals grows, Bornholm’s reputation is sure to soar in the coming years. Read more about Bornholm Island in Denmark on its official tourism website here.
Anne Sewell: Anne is a freelance writer and travel writer who has spent much of her life in southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and is now living on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.