Standing at the foot of Rytterknægten, Denmark’s highest point, you gaze up at the Kongemindet, a tower reaching for the sky. Imagine a time when Frederick VII, the king of Denmark, visited Bornholm. He was so enamored by the island’s beauty, the Bornholmers decided to build this tower in his honor. It’s a testament to his royal presence and the love the islanders held for their king.
This granite-built tower was created in 1856. While you enjoy the expansive views from the tower, you can see the majestic Almindingen forest sprawling out below. It felt like a good place to honor the king, and he’d likely be just as enamored by the scenery as he was upon arriving here 170 years ago.
Rytterknægten, meaning “Knight’s Squire”, also has an interesting connection to history. It’s believed the name comes from a flat stone nearby where knights would mount their horses. This stone was often helpful for those who didn’t have a squire to aid them. It’s an interesting visual, isn’t it? The king, the knight, the tower, and the history it encapsulates.
The tower, originally 12.6 meters tall, wasn’t enough to maintain the grand panoramic views over the years as the trees surrounding Rytterknægten grew higher. In 1899, they added a steel scaffolding to the tower, pushing it to a height of 184 meters above sea level. While the steel scaffolding is temporarily removed, it’s exciting to think about what it was like to stand on the highest point in Denmark! The views from here must have been breathtaking.
Today, Kongemindet is a popular destination on Bornholm. You can still climb to the top, offering stunning views of the island and even Sweden in clear weather. You could say it’s quite a remarkable story of a king, a tower, and an island that all come together to create a truly unique experience.