Lille Tårn

A 1685 fortress tower preserving military and local heritage on Denmark's easternmost inhabited islands.

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Lille Tårn

A historic 1685 tower on Frederiksø island housing a local history museum. Originally built as part of the archipelago's fortification, this compact museum displays fishing equipment, hand tools, ironworks, cannons, vintage furniture, and exhibits on local flora and fauna. Accessible via a scenic ferry journey from Gudhjem, Lille Tårn offers insight into the military and civilian heritage of Denmark's easternmost inhabited islands.

A brief summary to Lille Tårn

Gudhjem, 3760, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

Opening hours follow the ferry schedule from Gudhjem—the museum closes 30 minutes before the last departure, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid being stranded.
Combine your visit with Store Tårn on Christiansø and explore the swing bridge connecting the two islands for a complete picture of the archipelago's fortification.
The tower's narrow interior stairs and compact spaces may challenge visitors with mobility issues; wear comfortable shoes for climbing.
Bring a camera for the granite walls, old cannons, and panoramic views of the Baltic—the fortress setting provides excellent photographic opportunities.

Getting There

Ferry from Gudhjem

Regular ferry service operates from Gudhjem harbour (approximately 18 kilometres northeast) to Christiansø and Frederiksø. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on sea conditions and weather. Ferries run daily during the tourist season (typically May to September) with reduced frequency in winter months. Return ferries depart multiple times daily, with the last departure typically in early evening. Standard adult fare ranges from approximately 150–200 Danish kroner return. Ferry schedules are weather-dependent and may be cancelled during storms or rough seas. Book tickets at the harbour or in advance online.
Private boat or yacht

Those with private vessels can anchor in the natural harbour between Christiansø and Frederiksø. The sound provides excellent shelter and is well-suited for small boats. No mooring fees apply, but anchorage is subject to weather conditions and seasonal accessibility. Navigation requires basic maritime skills and awareness of local tidal patterns and currents.
Guided tour from Bornholm

Several tour operators in Gudhjem and other Bornholm towns offer guided day trips to the Ertholmene archipelago, typically including ferry transport, guided walks, and museum access. Tours generally run 4–6 hours and cost between 300–500 Danish kroner per person, depending on the operator and inclusions. Tours often depart mid-morning and return by late afternoon, coordinating with ferry schedules.

Lille Tårn location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Lille Tårn

A Fortress Tower Frozen in Time

Lille Tårn stands as a tangible link to the 17th-century fortification of the Ertholmene archipelago. Built between 1685 and 1687, this compact tower was constructed as part of a defensive strategy to protect Denmark's eastern frontier. The structure has retained its original fortress appearance, with thick granite walls and period details that transport visitors back three centuries. After its military purpose waned, the tower served a darker chapter as a prison before being repurposed as a museum, transforming it from a place of confinement into one of education and cultural preservation.

The Museum's Layered Collections

Inside Lille Tårn, the ground floor showcases the practical tools of island life: fishing supplies, hand tools, and ironworks that reveal how residents sustained themselves through maritime trades. Ascending the narrow stairs, visitors encounter cannons positioned to defend the islands, alongside vintage furniture pieces that furnish a glimpse into domestic life during the fortress era. Models of the islands and their fortifications provide spatial context, while displays of local flora and fauna connect the human history to the natural environment that shaped daily existence on these remote islands.

Gateway to Frederiksø's Heritage

Located on Frederiksø, the smaller of the two inhabited islands in the archipelago, Lille Tårn serves as the primary museum for understanding the islands' original function as a military stronghold. Frederiksø itself, named after King Frederick IV, covers just 9.9 acres and is connected to the larger Christiansø island by a 30-metre swing bridge. The tower's position on this quieter island provides a more intimate setting for exploration, away from the busier Christiansø with its church and lighthouse. The museum's rustic, military-historical presentation maintains the authentic atmosphere of the fortress period.

Visiting the Easternmost Outpost

Access to Lille Tårn requires a ferry journey from Gudhjem on Bornholm, making it a deliberate pilgrimage rather than a casual stop. The archipelago's isolation has preserved its character remarkably well—the external appearance of the islands has changed little in over 300 years. Girdled by thick granite walls with old cannons still pointed seaward, the islands present a picturesque tableau seemingly suspended in history. The museum operates daily, with opening hours coordinated to the ferry schedule, ensuring visitors can explore the tower and return the same day or extend their stay in the island's handful of accommodations.

The Broader Fortress Context

While Lille Tårn houses the primary museum, its counterpart Store Tårn on Christiansø—a 25-metre diameter structure built in 1684—has served as a lighthouse for the past two centuries. Together, these towers represent the dual purposes of the fortification: military defense and maritime navigation. The islands' strategic location at Denmark's easternmost point made them valuable during periods of regional conflict, and their architectural legacy continues to define the character of this unique Danish outpost in the Baltic Sea.