How about stepping into a world where trees twist into fantastical shapes? You’re about to enter Troldeskoven. This isn’t just any forest. Troldeskoven is a place where nature and legend intertwine.
Troldeskoven sits on Bornholm’s northeast coast. It lies between Kås and Bådsted. The name “Troldeskoven” translates to “Troll Forest.” It comes from its dense, troll-like vegetation. This unique growth creates an almost magical atmosphere.
The forest’s story goes back centuries. Once, it was known as Kjøllergaardsskoven. That was before tourists discovered the island in the late 1800s. The forest then transformed into the Troldeskoven we know today.
Look around. Notice the mix of trees. You’ll see ash, elm, and bird cherry. These trees grow on a bed of stones. These stones came from a time when the sea level was higher.
See the ivy clinging to the trees? It adds to the forest’s troll-like feel. Sadly, many elms have died from elm disease. This creates space for other organisms like the Fløjlsfod fungus. It brightens even the grayest winter day.
The forest floor is rich. In spring, anemones bloom in blue, yellow, and white. You might even spot the sulphur anemone a hybrid of the yellow and white varieties.
Deep within Troldeskoven lies its greatest treasure. Elverhøj is Bornholm’s largest erratic boulder. It is also known as Troldstenen. This impressive stone ranks third largest in Denmark. It weighs about 430 tons. Elverhøj consists of Bornholmian gneiss. This ancient rock is roughly 1.7 billion years old. The stone shows gray with dark stripes of biotite and hornblende.
Elverhøj has more than just size and geology. It also holds stories from the past. People lived under this giant stone around 6000 years ago. In the Stone Age, they sought shelter here. Legend says trolls carved furrows in the stone. They were fleeing the land.
In 1939, archaeologists found remains of a Stone Age dwelling here. This discovery showed people had inhabited this natural shelter. The stone had been exposed to the sea and eroded by the water.
Troldeskoven holds other secrets. You can explore the old bear grotto. These are the remains of a zoo from 1934. The zoo had bears and lions. It only lasted a few years. Still, the ruins offer an intriguing glimpse into the past.
The forest also contains archaeological treasures. You can find ship settings. These stone formations resemble ships. They served as grave monuments in the Iron Age and Viking times.
Also note the bauta stones marking graves. The ship stone settings are close to the coast. The ship setting examined in 1890 contains remains of cremation burials. Around twelve graves with bone fragments were discovered. Previously a shield and an iron sword were found here.
Hotel Stammershalle once ran a zoological garden here. The garden covered six acres. It opened on April 1, 1934. The zoo closed when German forces occupied the area in 1940.
The remnants of the enclosures are now overgrown. But you can still see a cement enclosure. In recent years, the hotel has been renovated. It is open during the summer.
Troldeskoven is more than a forest. It is a blend of nature, history, and mystery. It invites you to explore its wonders.