Picture this a flat bog shimmering under the Bornholm sun. This is Oksemyr. In the Middle Ages this wasn’t just any bog. It was a vital watering hole. Animals grazed the surrounding hills. They quenched their thirst here.
Oksemyr holds a special place in the history of Paradisbakkerne. It’s not just pretty scenery. Low rocks surround this wetland. These rocks offered shelter at night. Animals could huddle together for warmth. Imagine the scene. The low sun dipping below the horizon. Shadows stretching long and dark across the bog. The animals seeking refuge.
Oksemyr’s story continues beyond the Middle Ages. The area was once overgrown with heather. It’s now a different kind of forest. This transformation occurred in the mid-20th century. Pine trees were planted. They created a unique woodland. This type of forest was previously only found in northern Sweden.
Thick carpets of moss covered the forest floor. A special plant thrived here. This was the Linnea. It has delicate bell-shaped flowers. For a time Oksemyr boasted a large Linnea population. A powerful storm in 1967 changed things. The storm damaged the pine forest. More spruce trees were planted. The Linnea disappeared. It’s a reminder of how nature can change dramatically.
Even today Oksemyr holds a unique character. The higher rocks create an interesting feature. They narrow the bog. The bog resembles a figure eight. The western rock has a special flora. You’ll find lichens and grasses. One grass is quite unusual. It has a hairy crown instead of a sheath membrane. You won’t find this anywhere else in Denmark. Its roots cling to the cracks in the rock.
Oksemyr is more than just a bog. It’s a piece of history. It’s a testament to the forces of nature. And it’s a home to unique plants and grasses. Take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem of Paradisbakkerne. Let the quiet beauty of Oksemyr speak to you.