Christiansø Harbour & Frederiksø Lighthouse
Historic Baltic fortress harbour and lighthouse where granite ramparts, island life and open sea meet in a compact, atmospheric gateway to Christiansø.
Set at the heart of tiny Ertholmene in the Baltic Sea, Christiansø Havn and the Frederiksø lighthouse form a compact, atmospheric harbour scene where fortress walls, granite quays and the sea meet. Once a strategic naval base and fortified outpost guarding Denmark’s eastern flank, the twin islands of Christiansø and Frederiksø are now a peaceful maritime enclave. Yachts and small ferries share space beneath historic ramparts, while the distinctive lighthouse rises from an old defensive tower, guiding ships and offering a powerful sense of life on a windswept, sea-wrapped stronghold.
A brief summary to Christiansø Havn , Frederiksø lighthouse
- Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim for a clear, calm day if possible; the interplay of light on the water and stone ramparts makes the harbour and lighthouse especially photogenic.
- Bring an extra layer, even in summer; the exposed harbour and lighthouse area can feel significantly cooler and windier than mainland Bornholm.
- Allow time to explore both sides of the harbour via the bridge so you can see the lighthouse tower and basin from multiple angles and elevations.
- If you are sensitive to motion, be prepared for some swell at the quays when wind and passing traffic stir up the narrow harbour basin.
- Carry water and small snacks; while there are services on the islands, opening times can be limited outside the main summer season.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Ferry from Bornholm (Gudhjem to Christiansø)
The primary way to reach Christiansø Havn and Frederiksø lighthouse is by passenger ferry from Gudhjem on Bornholm, operating most of the year with more departures in summer. The crossing typically takes about 55–65 minutes each way and can be choppy in strong winds. A standard adult return ticket usually ranges around 200–350 DKK depending on season and availability. The ferry carries only passengers and light cargo, so vehicles stay on Bornholm, and sailings may be cancelled in very rough weather.
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Organised boat excursion from Bornholm
In the main holiday months, several companies on Bornholm offer pre-booked day excursions by boat to Christiansø, often departing from Gudhjem or nearby harbours. Travel time on these trips is usually 1–1.5 hours each way, including boarding and disembarkation, with time ashore to explore the harbour, fortress and lighthouse area. Prices for a full-day outing commonly fall in the 300–500 DKK range per adult, with discounts for children. Departures are highly weather-dependent and may be limited outside peak summer.
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Private charter or sailing yacht
Experienced sailors sometimes arrive at Christiansø Havn with their own or chartered yachts from ports around Bornholm or the southern Baltic. Sailing times vary widely with departure point and conditions but often range from 3–8 hours from common marinas on Bornholm. Harbour space is limited and subject to weather, and visiting boats pay a nightly fee that is typically comparable to other Danish guest harbours, often in the 150–300 DKK bracket for smaller vessels. Strong currents, wind shifts and the rocky approaches demand solid seamanship and updated charts.
Christiansø Havn , Frederiksø lighthouse location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Christiansø Havn , Frederiksø lighthouse
A Baltic stronghold turned quiet harbour
Christiansø Havn lies squeezed between the rocky twins of Christiansø and Frederiksø, the core of the tiny Ertholmene archipelago northeast of Bornholm. For more than a thousand years this narrow sound has offered shelter to passing vessels, but its modern form dates to the late 1600s, when the Danish crown transformed the cliffs into a fortified naval base. Massive granite ramparts still frame the water, enclosing a surprisingly intimate harbour where fishing boats, visiting yachts and the daily ferry now replace warships. Walking along the quay, the sense of enclosure is striking. Steep, grass‑topped walls, powder magazines and barracks-turned-homes press close to the basin, while ladders and bollards cling to rock hewn straight from the island itself. Everything feels scaled to the sea: the swell, the cry of seabirds and the slap of waves on stone drown out most other sounds, reinforcing how exposed yet sheltered this place has always been.From fortress tower to guiding light
On Frederiksø, the lighthouse rises from one of the old defensive towers, a powerful reminder that military architecture and navigation once went hand in hand here. Built in the early 1800s into the thick walls of Store Tårn’s twin on this side of the harbour, it was among the pioneers of modern lighthouse technology in Denmark, using mirrored optics to send a focused beam far across the Baltic. The tower’s circular crown and narrow windows still feel very much like a bastion, even as its lantern quietly serves civilian mariners. From the waterfront you can trace the tower’s vertical lines up from raw granite base to white lantern, contrasting beautifully with red roofs and the muted greens of lichen‑stained stone. By day it is a sculptural landmark for anyone moving around the islands; by night the flash pattern sweeping over the dark sea underlines the harbour’s role as both refuge and waypoint at the eastern edge of the country.Harbour life on the edge of the sea
Despite its heavy history, everyday life around Christiansø Havn is disarmingly relaxed. Islanders cross the short bridge linking Christiansø and Frederiksø, children weave around stacked fishing gear, and visiting sailors tend their lines along the quay. There is no traffic noise and little mechanical bustle, only footsteps on cobbles and the clink of masts. The compact waterfront makes it easy to slip between vantage points: one moment you are at eye level with the water, the next you look down from ramparts over the harbour’s neat oval and out to scattered skerries. Stone stairways and narrow paths reveal constant shifts in perspective. Look inland and you see low, pastel‑painted former barracks, now homes, lining the waterfront in tight rows. Turn seaward and the horizon opens in a sweep of water broken only by low reefs and the occasional passing ship. Even a short pause on a bench or bollard brings the slow rhythm of island life into focus, making the harbour as much a place to linger as to transit.Shaping of the islands around the harbour
The harbour has always dictated how these small islands are organised. Most buildings hug the approaches to the basin, with stores, workshops and former military structures oriented toward the water that sustained and protected them. The bridge between Christiansø and Frederiksø, spanning the inner part of the harbour, physically binds the two rocky outcrops into a single, walkable community. From here you can read the islands like a map: low‑lying quays at the centre, rising slopes with cannon batteries above, and in the distance open sea in all directions. Storms and shifting ice have repeatedly forced repairs and reinventions of the quay walls, but the basic outline remains that of a late‑seventeenth‑century sea fortress. The result is a rare composition: a harbour that still looks and feels like a bastion, yet works perfectly as a contemporary marina and gateway. Every rope and fender rests against centuries‑old stone, creating a living layer of maritime detail over deep historical foundations.Atmosphere of remoteness and continuity
What lingers most at Christiansø Havn and the Frederiksø lighthouse is a sense of continuity at the far edge of Denmark. The same narrow entrance channel that once admitted warships now guides in the island ferry; the tower that watched for enemies now sweeps its light for merchantmen and leisure craft. Weather dominates the experience: in clear conditions the light shimmers on the water and details of the masonry stand out sharply, while in fog or drizzle the lighthouse beam and muted horn underscore the archipelago’s isolation. Yet the setting never feels desolate. The compact scale, warm colours of the houses and the ever‑present rhythm of boats make the harbour welcoming, even in rough weather. Standing here, with one foot on each island and the lighthouse just across the water, you are at once inside a tiny community and surrounded by the open Baltic, held between safety and the sea in one of Denmark’s most distinctive maritime scenes.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
25.0 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
30.0 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
37.1 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
38.9 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Bornholms Museum
39.0 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
39.3 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
Big Tower
0.1 km
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.
Lille Tårn
0.2 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
18.4 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
18.6 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
18.9 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)
19.3 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
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.
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.
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
18.2 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
20.7 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
24.6 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
24.7 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
24.7 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
24.7 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
26.1 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
18.2 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
18.3 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
18.8 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
20.6 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
31.9 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
32.1 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
20.8 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
23.6 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
23.9 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
24.8 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
24.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Underbar
25.4 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
26.2 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
34.0 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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Romantic
- Adventurous
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
