“What secrets does this stone hold?” I wonder as I look upon Dronningestenen. Here at Dronningestenen, a remarkable site awaits nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Dronningestenen is steeped in legend. It is said to be a resting place for Queen Louise during her travels.
As you stand before Dronningestenen, you are surrounded by lush greenery. You see picturesque landscapes that make for an unforgettable experience. The trail leading to the stone is well-marked. It allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful Danish countryside. You can learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage at the same time.
Upon reaching Dronningestenen, you are greeted by panoramic views. They stretch across the horizon. This makes it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. The tranquil ambiance and the gentle rustling of leaves create a soothing atmosphere for reflection and relaxation.
Older locals may remember playing a card game. In it, a series called Naturstene featured local stones. One of these stones was said to be Dronningestenen itself.
In Bornholms Stednavne from 1950, the location is described as a high vantage point near Ekkodalen. If you follow the path from Jægergrotten, you will come to a flat cliff. It offers a fantastic view to the south.
State forest officials have marked this cliff with the name Dronningestenen. But, the card game’s Dronningesten is located higher up on Krakbakken. Perhaps the flat vista point should be called Dronningeklippen. This would leave the wandering block to be Dronningestenen.
On the sloping surface south of Rytterknægten, a large number of stone blocks lie scattered. These are the so-called wandering blocks brought here by ice. After the ice melted, they became part of the moraine. Later, they were exposed by water erosion down the hill. The water carried soil, gravel, and smaller stones down the slope. This happened over the past 12000 years. The larger stones remained free on top of the bedrock.
The identity of the queen is not known for sure. But, the location was first named on Generalstabens map from 1886. So, it is conceivable that the queen is Queen Louise. She was the wife of King Christian IX. She was queen from 1863 to 1898. Because her six children married into leading positions in Europe, she was nicknamed Europe’s mother-in-law.
This idea is supported by Peter Hauberg. In his tourist guide Bornholm – Billeder og Text from 1887, he wrote about Dronningestenen. He describes it as a viewpoint found a few years prior. The view from the mighty cliff face over the southern region to the sea is extraordinary. Especially in the afternoon, the details in the landscape stand out clearly. In the first edition from 1879, he did not mention the location.
Around Bornholm, such large collections of wandering blocks prevented cultivation of the land. A low scrub forest has almost always grown in such places. Due to grazing animals, it mostly consisted of small crooked oak trees called Krak. This is also the case here on the slope up towards the island’s highest point. It was once the vast Store Lyng or Højlyngen. Today, only the name reflects the past scrub. The area is now part of the forest with spruce, oak, and beech. The wandering blocks are hidden inside the dark plantations.
However, you can still experience the original Krak vegetation with winter oak. Find it at the foot of the hill along the path on the edge of the high cliffs in the western part of Ekkodalen. One of Ekkodalen’s three occurrences of Tarmvrid-Røn can be seen southwest of Jægergrotten.
North of the path past Dronningestenen, spruces were planted in 1960. As the dark spruce forest thins, hidden monuments are revealed. Such as the southernmost of the game track stones that surrounded the King’s game track.
In continuation of the scree above Logulvet, on the slope under Dronningeklippen, there are many larger and smaller detached rock blocks. Also, a large number of caves. The earliest Bornholmers could find shelter in these caves.
Dronningestenen is more than just a destination. It is a journey through time and nature. A journey that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Let the history and beauty of this place sink in.