Naturpark Christiansø

Denmark’s easternmost nature park offers a very special nature. The sharp rock formations are breeding grounds for birds that can only be found in a few places in Denmark. The nature park is also home to the largest population of grey seals, the country’s largest predator, which frolics in the water for visitors to see. Naturpark Christiansø, with its location northeast of Bornholm, is Denmark’s easternmost nature park. The park is distributed across the two inhabited islands of Christiansø and Frederiksø, the uninhabited Græsholm, and a number of smaller islands and islets. With only 38 hectares, the nature park may seem small, but in addition to the land area, there are 1216 hectares underwater in the surrounding Baltic Sea. Mediterranean atmosphere and playful seals. The nature on the beautiful rock formations is unique. Here is a large bird colony for razorbills and guillemots, which otherwise are only found in the North Atlantic. Naturpark Christiansø is a breeding ground for approximately 10 percent of all Danish eider ducks, and the largest population of grey seals – the country’s largest predator – is also found here, where they frolic in the water and catch fish. In spring and autumn, hundreds of thousands of birds migrate over the islands on their journey between winter quarters and breeding grounds in Scandinavia. On an autumn day, large flocks of birds can sit on the islands, waiting for better weather for their migration south. The plants in Naturpark Christiansø are affected by the dry summers, so goat’s-beard, mulberry, and fig grow well. The clean air provides a breeding ground for masses of lichens on stones and rocks, and frogs and amphibians thrive in the shallow ponds. On warm spring and summer days, the atmosphere on the islands is therefore almost Mediterranean-like. Denmark’s only sea fortress. In 1684, the islands became home to Denmark’s only sea fortress, when King Christian V decided to build a naval base here. With two powerful cannon towers, massive cannon batteries around the harbor entrance, and kilometers of fortress walls, the islands ended up as a very strong fortification. When the naval base was dismantled in 1856, the island was developed with small ponds, gardens, and barracks buildings for the people who later built up a fishing community. The streets with the old barracks, small “soldier’s houses” which now function as summer cottages, and the car-free roads make the islands a peaceful and almost secret place. By ferry or in your own boat, you can visit Naturpark Christiansø all year round and experience the nature and the exciting history – you are welcome.