Rønne
History of Rønne
Rønne is the main town on the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm, situated at the island’s southwestern tip. The town’s history is closely intertwined with that of Bornholm. Its natural harbour was probably what prompted people to establish a settlement here as early as the Viking Age. Rønne is first mentioned in 1277, while the founding of the merchant settlement is dated to 1327. Like the island itself, Rønne changed hands frequently, passing between Danes, bishops and German merchants. After Hammershus Fortress fell into decline in the 17th century, Rønne became the main town of Bornholm. Since 1658, Bornholm—and therefore Rønne—has been definitively part of Denmark. At the end of the Second World War, Soviet troops bombed Rønne because of the German occupiers’ resistance, and the entire island of Bornholm remained under occupation until early 1946.
Rønne auf der Insel Bornholm
Photo: © Destination Bornholm
Rønne, the capital of Bornholm
One third of Bornholm’s population lives in Rønne. With 15,000 inhabitants, it is by far the largest town on the Baltic Sea island. Its many small houses give the town a relatively large footprint. Rønne’s most important economic asset is its large ferry port. Ferries sail from here to Denmark (Køge), Sweden (Ystad), Germany (Sassnitz-Mukran) and Poland (Świnoujście/Swinemünde). This makes Rønne one of the most important ferry ports in all of Scandinavia. Increasingly, the town’s harbour is also a port of call for cruise ships. The extensive harbour area also includes two marinas: a small one in the southern harbour, Søndre Havn, and a larger one, Nørrekås Marina. Bornholm Airport, near the town, offers several daily flights to Copenhagen. During the summer season, flights also serve several airports on mainland Europe.
A destination for a Baltic Sea holiday on Bornholm
The Bornholm Museum in Rønne is an ideal starting point for a holiday on the island. Visitors looking for information about things to do can stop by the Welcome Centre. The traditional venue for Bornholm’s Cultural Week in September is the Great Square. It is also home to an unusual granite sculpture by a Japanese artist, depicting a sundial. The old citadel on the outskirts of town is part of Bornholm’s strongly military history. Construction began in 1687, and today it houses the Defence Museum. Erichsens Gård, in one of the old town’s narrow lanes, is an example of a prosperous islander’s home. Today, it is one of Bornholm’s many museums. A visit to one of the numerous small restaurants in the island’s capital, Rønne, is especially worthwhile; these include several fish restaurants and smokehouses. Holidaymakers on the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm will also be sure to find something to their taste in Rønne’s many boutiques selling ceramics and textiles typical of Bornholm.
Holiday destination Rønne
There is a wide choice of holiday accommodation in Rønne. Visitors to Bornholm can choose from several hotels, including some larger ones, and guesthouses, as well as numerous holiday homes and apartments and two campsites. A visit to Rønne is a must for anyone holidaying on the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm.
Places of interest on Bornholm
