Ertholmene
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Ertholmene, sometimes called Christiansø, is a small archipelago situated approximately 18 km northeast of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Ertholmene (literally meaning pea islands) belong to Denmark, the skerry of Østerskær forming the easternmost point of that country.
The archipelago consists of the three islands Christiansø (named after Christian V of Denmark), Frederiksø (named after Frederick IV of Denmark) and Græsholm, as well as several rocks and skerries. Only Christiansø and Frederiksø are inhabited. The sound between Christiansø and Frederiksø, a well-sheltered natural harbour, is crossed by a pedestrian bridge. Græsholm is a bird reserve.
Fishermen from Bornholm have used Ertholmene for temporary shelter since the middle ages. The first permanent inhabitation was the result of the Danish-Swedish conflicts in the late 17th century. As Denmark needed a naval base in the central Baltic Sea, a fort was built on Christiansø and Frederiksø in 1684 which served as an outpost for the Danish Navy until 1855. Although many of the historical buildings now serve as living quarters for the local population, their external appearance has been changed very little to this day. A former part of the fort, Store Tårn on Christiansø now houses a lighthouse.
The islands are state property and do not belong to a municipality, instead, they are governed by an administrator appointed by the Danish government. The permanent population is approximately 100 persons including more than a dozen children. Major sources of income are fishery and tourism. There are 80,000 tourists per year, mostly day visitors from Bornholm. Ertholmene is also a popular destination for yachts.
External link
- Official Website (http://www.christiansoe.dk/)