Big Tower (Great Tower) on Christiansø
A 17th-century sea fortress tower reborn as a lighthouse and cultural beacon, with sweeping Baltic views from Denmark’s remote eastern outpost.
Rising above the tiny sea fortress of Christiansø, the Big Tower (Great Tower) is a 17th-century bastion turned lighthouse and cultural space. Built as part of Denmark’s oldest naval fortress, it once guarded Baltic trade routes and later guided ships with its beacon. After a careful renovation in 2017, the tower now hosts atmospheric exhibitions and events, while its upper levels offer evocative views over ramparts, red-roofed houses and the open Baltic Sea surrounding this remote island outpost.
A brief summary to Big Tower
- Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine your tower visit with the Little Tower museum on Frederiksø for a fuller picture of the sea fortress history; joint tickets are typically available.
- Wear sturdy shoes: interior stairs are relatively steep and outdoor paths can be uneven, especially around the ramparts and rocky shoreline.
- Bring a light jacket even in summer; the exposed island and tower top can be breezy and noticeably cooler than mainland Bornholm.
- Plan extra time to walk the ramparts after your visit; the most atmospheric views of the tower are from the bastions and harbour area below.
- Check locally for exhibition or concert schedules inside the tower, especially in summer, when cultural events add another dimension to the visit.
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 Gudhjem (standard passenger service)
From Gudhjem on Bornholm, take the regular passenger ferry to Christiansø; the crossing usually takes about 55–60 minutes each way and runs at least once daily year-round, with more departures in summer. Tickets are typically in the range of 200–300 DKK per adult return, with discounts for children and off-season sailings. Sailings can be affected by strong winds or heavy seas, so checking same-day conditions and reserving in advance during peak months is strongly recommended.
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Organised day trip via local operator
Several Bornholm-based operators bundle ferry transport from Gudhjem with a guided walk on Christiansø and entry to key sights, often including the Big Tower. These day trips generally last 4–6 hours in total, factoring in sailing time, and cost roughly 350–600 DKK per adult depending on inclusions. Group sizes, language options and schedules are fixed, and departures concentrate in the late spring to early autumn season.
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Independent visit from elsewhere on Bornholm using bus plus ferry
If you are staying in towns such as Rønne or Nexø, you can travel by regional bus to Gudhjem in about 30–60 minutes, then connect with the Christiansø ferry. A combined bus and ferry journey typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours one way, with bus tickets in the range of 25–60 DKK depending on distance and the ferry ticket purchased separately. Bus services are regular but follow reduced timetables on weekends and public holidays, so align your outbound and return buses carefully with ferry departures.
Big Tower location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Big Tower
Sea Fortress Sentinel Above the Baltic
The Big Tower, often called the Great Tower, dominates the low profile of Christiansø, a tiny rocky island far off Bornholm’s northeast coast. Completed in the late 1600s as part of the Ertholmene sea fortress, it was built to watch over one of Denmark’s most strategic stretches of water. Massive stone walls, narrow openings and sturdy foundations still speak of a time when enemy ships and privateers were a real threat, and this remote outpost formed a shield for the kingdom. From the outside, the tower’s rounded bulk rises directly from the granite landscape, surrounded by ramparts, bastions and neat lines of yellow and red houses. The proximity of the sea is constant: gulls circle overhead, wind rattles rigging in the small harbour, and the salty tang of the Baltic reaches right up to the tower’s entrance.From Lighthouse Beam to Modern Renewal
In 1800 the Big Tower gained a new life as a lighthouse, guiding ships instead of defending against them. The lantern once threw its beam far across dark water, helping captains steer safely past reefs and shoals. When the naval fortress closed in the 1850s and the military presence faded, the tower slowly deteriorated, its interior ageing along with the rest of the former stronghold. A major restoration completed in 2017 transformed the structure without erasing its history. Today, the interior feels bright and carefully modernised, with discreet fittings and exhibition spaces set against bare stone. As you move between levels, you sense both the weight of centuries and the island’s decision to keep the tower as a living part of community life rather than a frozen relic.Exhibitions Inside the Old Walls
Within the tower you find changing cultural events, art shows and historical displays that interpret Christiansø’s past as a naval base and later as a small, tightly knit island society. Exhibits may explore life in a garrison town, the evolution of lighthouses, or the strategic importance of this easternmost outpost. Text, objects and atmospheric lighting all work within the curved masonry, creating an intimate feeling quite different from large mainland museums. Spaces are compact and linked by relatively steep stairs, a reminder that this was never designed as a public building. Narrow embrasures frame glimpses of the sea, while thicker interior walls hold traces of older fittings and adaptations. Even during an event or concert, you remain aware that you are standing inside a centuries-old defensive core.Views Across a Living Island Fortress
Climbing higher, the tower gradually reveals the layout of Christiansø and neighbouring Frederiksø. From the viewing levels you look down on complete 17th- and 18th-century fortifications, stone cottages, half-timbered houses and the sheltered harbour that links the two islands by a short bridge. Beyond the walls, the Baltic stretches towards the horizon, sometimes glassy and pale, sometimes dark and wind-streaked. On clear days, the contrast between the green interior gardens, rocky shoreline and open sea is striking. Cannons still line some bulwarks, and you can pick out the Little Tower on Frederiksø, which houses the island’s museum. The setting feels surprisingly self-contained: a miniature society with its own school, guesthouse, workshop yards and busy harbour, all clustered around the same stronghold that once guarded the realm.Part of a Protected Nature and Heritage Haven
The Big Tower stands within a protected area where fortress remains, village structures and surrounding wildlife all enjoy special status. The Ertholmene archipelago is state-owned and overseen as a heritage and nature reserve, and the islands host large bird colonies and frequent seal sightings just offshore. Walking between the tower and the shoreline, you move from thick walls and cobbled paths to low heather, grasses and sea-exposed rocks in just a few steps. This combination of robust military architecture, tiny community life and raw Baltic environment makes a visit feel both concentrated and varied. The tower itself is a focal point, but it is also a gateway: after stepping back out into the wind, you are drawn to explore ramparts, old prison buildings, jetties and quiet corners where the long story of this sea fortress continues to unfold.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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Stargazing
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Remote
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly