Big Tower (Store Tårn), Christiansø
A 17th‑century fortress tower turned lighthouse and exhibition space, the Big Tower on Christiansø pairs Baltic panoramas with rich naval history and island atmosphere.
Rising above the tiny Baltic outpost of Christiansø, the Big Tower (Store Tårn) is a 17th‑century fortress tower turned atmospheric lighthouse and cultural space. Once part of Denmark’s easternmost naval stronghold, it now combines thick granite walls, sweeping sea views and contemporary exhibitions. Climb through centuries of military history to a lantern crowned with modern optics, and step out to feel the wind, watch seabirds wheel below and trace the line of the old fortifications encircling the island.
A brief summary to Big Tower
- Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8 pm
- Friday 8 am-8 pm
- Saturday 8 am-8 pm
- Sunday 8 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Buy a combined ticket for the Big Tower and the Little Tower museum to understand both the military history and daily life of the old fortress.
- Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for steep, narrow stairs and low doorways inside the tower; some areas are not suited to limited mobility.
- Plan your visit for clear weather if possible, as the top of the tower offers some of the best sea and island views in the Ertholmene archipelago.
- Bring a windproof layer even in summer; the exposed upper levels and ramparts can feel significantly cooler than sheltered spots in the village.
- Respect nature‑reserve rules around the fortress walls, especially during bird‑nesting season, and keep to marked paths when exploring outside the tower.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Ferry from Gudhjem, Bornholm
The primary way to reach Christiansø and the Big Tower is by passenger ferry from Gudhjem on Bornholm, sailing roughly 18 km across the Baltic. The crossing usually takes 50–60 minutes each way and operates year‑round with more departures in summer. A standard adult return ticket typically costs around 250–350 DKK. Services can be affected by strong winds or heavy seas, and departures may sell out in peak season, so advance booking is advisable.
-
Bus plus on-foot transfer within Bornholm
If you are staying elsewhere on Bornholm, use regional buses to reach Gudhjem before your sailing time. Bus journeys from Rønne to Gudhjem usually take about 45–60 minutes depending on route and connections, with standard adult fares around 40–60 DKK one way when bought on board or via local ticketing apps. From the bus stop in Gudhjem, it is a short downhill walk through the village to the harbor and ferry terminal, but the gradient can be steep for those with limited mobility.
-
Bicycle connection to Gudhjem harbor
Cycling is a popular way to connect to the Christiansø ferry from other parts of Bornholm. Routes from nearby coastal towns typically take 30–60 minutes, while Rønne to Gudhjem by bike can take 1.5–2.5 hours depending on fitness and hills. There is no extra charge to bring a standard bicycle on many departures, but space can be limited at busy times and e‑bikes or cargo bikes may be restricted. Allow time for the final descent into Gudhjem, which is steep and requires good brakes.
Big Tower location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Windy Conditions
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Big Tower
A Baltic Stronghold on the Edge of Denmark
The Big Tower, or Store Tårn, anchors the skyline of Christiansø, a tiny granite island northeast of Bornholm that once formed the core of Denmark’s eastern naval fortress. Built in the late 17th century as part of the Ertholmene stronghold, the tower guarded vital shipping lanes in the Baltic. Its massive circular walls, pierced by narrow embrasures, evoke an era when cannons and signal flags ruled these waters, and the entire island operated as a self‑contained military community. From the ramparts around the tower you can still read the island’s defensive layout: low bastions hugging the shoreline, old gun positions facing the sea and the compact cluster of houses that once served officers, soldiers and craftsmen. The Big Tower was both lookout and symbol of royal power, a stone sentinel visible from far out at sea.From Fortress Tower to Lighthouse Beacon
Around 1800 the Big Tower took on a new role when it was converted into a lighthouse to aid navigation rather than deter enemies. The upper structure was reworked to house a lantern, and for generations its beam has guided ships between Bornholm and the Swedish coast on dark or stormy nights. Inside, you encounter traces of this transition from garrison life to maritime service: steep internal stairs, storage spaces turned into workrooms and exhibits explaining how light technology developed from simple lamps to modern optics. The tower’s stone base retains its fortress character, with heavy masonry and echoing interiors, but higher up the mood shifts. As you climb, narrow windows widen into viewing slits and, near the top, the lighthouse room feels almost airy. The contrast between the rough, centuries‑old stonework and the clean lines of the lighthouse equipment underlines how the building has adapted to changing needs while keeping its historic core intact.Exhibitions Inside the Granite Walls
Following a major restoration in the 21st century, the Big Tower has been carefully fitted out to host exhibitions and cultural events without overwhelming its historic fabric. Displays typically explore themes such as naval history, life on an isolated island community and the broader story of Ertholmene as a fortress. Archival images, models and artefacts reveal how the bastions, barracks, powder magazines and towers all worked together as a single defensive machine. In some seasons, the tower also serves as a venue for concerts, talks or art installations. The thick walls give performances an intimate acoustic, and contemporary works gain an extra charge from the surroundings: modern art and music unfolding in a space once shaped for war. At quieter times, interpretive panels allow you to explore at your own pace, tracing the lives of soldiers, lighthouse keepers and island families who passed through these rooms.Views Across the Ertholmene Archipelago
One of the tower’s great rewards is the panorama from the upper levels. Looking out, you see the neighboring island of Frederiksø linked by a narrow bridge, with the smaller Little Tower that now houses a museum about fortress life. Beyond lie low skerries and bird islands, protected areas where seabirds nest on bare rock and seals haul out on ledges. On clear days the horizon stretches towards Sweden and the Polish coast, emphasizing just how exposed and strategic this position has always been. From this height, the pattern of the island town becomes clear: rows of yellow‑washed barracks and houses, red roofs, the small harbor cupped between granite walls and the open Baltic on all sides. The vantage point makes the scale of Christiansø tangible—it is possible to walk around the main island in under an hour—yet the fortifications lend it the gravity of a much larger place.Experiencing Island Life Around the Tower
Visiting the Big Tower is as much about atmosphere as it is about individual exhibits. Outside, the wind carries the sound of waves slapping against the rocks and the cries of eider ducks and other seabirds. Narrow paths lead from the tower along the curtain walls, past old cannon positions still occasionally used for ceremonial salutes. In summer, grasses and wildflowers push up against the granite, softening the martial outline of the fortress. Because the islands are a protected nature area as well as a heritage site, there is a strong sense of respect for both environment and history. Simple rules help safeguard nesting birds, fragile vegetation and the tranquility of the small permanent community. Time on Christiansø often feels compressed: a few hours circling the ramparts, exploring the towers and watching the changing light over the sea can leave a vivid impression of life lived at Denmark’s farthest maritime frontier.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
18.3 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
21.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Domen
25.1 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Midterpilt
26.0 km
A modest stone cairn marking the highest point of Paradisbakkerne, Midterpilt is a quiet waypoint on Bornholm’s wildest woodland and heathland hiking routes.
Vang Pier
30.1 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Snogebæk Havn
33.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Klintebakken
33.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
37.2 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Geografisk knudepunkt
37.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Baptist Stein
38.1 km
Uncover the enchanting beauty and geological wonders of Baptist Stein, a hidden gem in Aakirkeby that captivates all who visit.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
39.0 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Bornholms Museum
39.1 km
Explore the heritage of Bornholm Island at Bornholms Museum, featuring archaeological artifacts and rich local history.
Den russiske bjørn
39.1 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholm Airport
39.4 km
Discover the beauty of Bornholm Island through its charming airport, your first step into Denmark's picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
St Nicholas Church
39.6 km
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christiansø Havn , Frederiksø lighthouse
0.1 km
Historic Baltic fortress harbour and lighthouse where granite ramparts, island life and open sea meet in a compact, atmospheric gateway to Christiansø.
Lille Tårn
0.3 km
Experience Bornholm’s World War II history up close at Kanonstilling G3, a well-preserved coastal battery offering evocative bunkers and sweeping Baltic views.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
18.2 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Oluf Høst Museum
18.3 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
18.5 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
18.6 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Røverborgen
18.7 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Hestestenene
18.8 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Kobbeådalen
18.9 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Randkløve Skår
19.0 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
19.4 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
The Swan / Svanen
20.6 km
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Helligdomsklipperne
20.6 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
20.6 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Svaneke Havn
20.7 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
Essential places to dine
Spektakel-bar
18.3 km
Leafy courtyard dining in central Gudhjem, where a focused menu, good drinks and only-outdoor seating create one of Bornholm’s cosiest evening hangouts.
Norresan
18.3 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
18.4 km
Hearty portions and classic Danish comfort food on the sunny slopes above Gudhjem’s harbour, ideal for a generous lunch or relaxed, no‑nonsense dinner.
Svaneke Røgeri
20.3 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
20.6 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
20.7 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Restaurant Pakhuset
20.7 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
20.7 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
20.7 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Stammershalle Badehotel
22.2 km
Historic 1911 seaside bathing hotel on Bornholm’s wild north coast, pairing Baltic Sea panoramas and rocky swims with refined Nordic dining and quiet coastal charm.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
24.7 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
24.8 km
Hearty Bornholm cooking in a former post office, where generous plates, local ingredients and a cosy courtyard turn Allinge’s everyday letters into lingering meals.
Terrassen
24.8 km
Wine, cocktails and Nordic comfort food on a wide harbour-view deck in historic Høiers Gaard, where Allinge’s sea air, granite coast and easygoing buzz meet.
Restaurant Margeritten
24.8 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
26.2 km
Cozy Danish restaurant and konditori in seaside Allinge, pairing nostalgic “mormor” charm with hearty comfort dishes, cakes and coffee just steps from Bornholm’s harbor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
18.3 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
18.4 km
A cosy seaside boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, blending relaxed Scandinavian fashion with the everyday charm of Bornholm’s most dramatic harbour town.
Janne K
18.4 km
Intimate Scandinavian clothing and lifestyle boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, pairing Nordic style with a Bornholm coastal sensibility in a calm, curated space.
Baltic Sea Glass
18.9 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
19.3 km
Spacious Bornholm farm shop on the rocky east coast, mixing English country fashion, Italian dresses and homey gifts in a cosy countryside setting all year round.
Art Box Bornholm
20.5 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Karamelleriet ApS
20.7 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Reflax
20.7 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
21.9 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
26.5 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
32.0 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
32.2 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
32.5 km
Quirky flea market, art gallery and cosy café gathered on one floor above Aakirkeby’s town square, mixing retro treasures, local creativity and relaxed Bornholm hygge.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
33.1 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Mollys Verden
33.3 km
A cosy Bornholm interiors haven in Snogebæk, where playful Nordic design, colourful homewares and quirky gifts turn casual browsing into a gentle little adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
18.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Søllings Bodega
20.7 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
20.7 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Penyllan Brewery
23.7 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
23.8 km
Seasonal seaside craft beer bar and burger spot in a former smokehouse on Bornholm’s Aarsdale harbour, pairing inventive taps with relaxed Baltic Sea views.
Ølstauan
24.9 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
24.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Underbar
25.5 km
Intimate cliffside bar beneath Hotel Nordlandet, where Nordic cocktails, candlelight and big Baltic horizons turn Bornholm’s wild north coast into your living room.
Cabaret Bornholm
26.3 km
Intimate cocktail and tapas bar bringing a touch of cabaret flair and late‑night atmosphere to the quiet coastal town of Allinge on Bornholm.
The Golden Rooster
28.9 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
29.0 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
Buddha Bar
32.5 km
Relaxed, Asian‑tinged bar on Aakirkeby’s central square, ideal for casual drinks, simple bites and unhurried people‑watching at the heart of inland Bornholm.
Dagligstuen
32.5 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Sørens Værtshus
33.1 km
Casual seaside pub in Snogebæk serving deep-pan stone-oven pizza, cold drinks and live summer music a short stroll from Bornholm’s sandy beaches.
Ølhuzed ApS
34.1 km
Cosy craft beer bar in the heart of Hasle, pouring Bornholm brews and European favourites with simple tapas, nachos and an easygoing neighbourhood vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Seasonal Only
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly