Today we visited the tiny and very beautiful island of Christiansø, one of a group of islands called Ertholmene. The weather was warm and sunny and the few buildings on the island stood out sharply against the blue sky. Christiansø has a population of about 90, but this is increased by thousands during the summer months, as visitors flood in particularly by ferry from nearby Bornholm. We were lucky as we visited at a relatively quiet time.
Our various groups arrived by Zodiacs, and most people wandered around the island absorbing its unique atmosphere—the small town with its terraces of bright yellow buildings, further out other houses tucked away behind trees, and the magnificent old granite walls around the periphery offering glimpses of the sea and even of our ship, the National Geographic Orion, docked securely offshore.
Some of us learned about the history of the island, its Danish fortifications dating from 1684, and the fact that it is the location of Denmark’s first lighthouse. Many wandered over to its smaller companion island, Frederiksø, which is connected by a pedestrian suspension bridge. These islands are home to many birds, animals, and plants, although apparently to only one mammal, the hedgehog. Some people spotted large groups of seals offshore, and others were happy to observe the local toad population, who were certainly not shy in showing themselves. Swallows were gathering on posts and wires, pondering their journey south for the winter.
We left the island with regret, as it is such a beautiful place, and particularly so when bathed in sunshine. We travelled back to the ship on our Zodiacs in time for the Captain’s Welcome Reception followed by dinner.
