Have you ever heard of the King of Snogebæk? Karl Helge (Kalle) Mortensen, a local fisherman, earned his royal title on May 8th, 1945, after the village gathered around the harbour to celebrate the end of World War II. Snogebæk is a small fishing village on the eastern tip of Bornholm, and the story of Kalle the King is just one of many funny tales about this charming town.
Today we stand in the heart of Snogebæk, on the harbour promenade, where the smell of fresh fish fills the air. The harbour’s history reaches back to the 19th century, when the fishermen built a small harbour close to the shore. Unfortunately, it quickly filled with sand. But the villagers were not giving up that easily. In 1889, thanks to the success of the Armager development, Snogebæk got a new island harbour, which was connected to the shore with a 100-meter-long wooden footbridge.
For many years, Snogebæk focused on its fishing industry. However, with the arrival of tourism in the 1920s, the small village transformed into a popular holiday destination. Today, Snogebæk attracts tourists seeking a taste of Denmark’s charming fishing village atmosphere, with its charming shops, restaurants, and smokehouses. The village also boasts a beautiful sandy beach and a rich natural landscape offering breathtaking scenery. In the summer, the villagers come together for an annual tradition called “Snogebæk Harbour Festival”, a mini music festival attracting up to 8,000 visitors.
This charming town on the southeastern coast of Bornholm offers an experience that appeals to all ages, from fisherman’s tales around the harbour to beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant festivals. So let’s explore further and uncover some more of Snogebæk’s secrets.