Reviewing Bornholm in Denmark.
Don't panic if you haven't heard of Bornholm; you are not alone. Like a little gem that somehow slipped past most travel books' radar, this small Danish island nestles in the Baltic Sea. It makes you wonder whether you unintentionally wandered into someone's vacation postcard. I came back with a somewhat sunburned nose, a dozen shots of lighthouses, and a lingering suspicion that the residents covertly criticise travellers who cannot ride a bicycle properly after travelling there expecting a peaceful retreat.
Bornholm is lovely in the same way that only northern European islands can be. Imagine fishermen hauling in their catch, bright homes stretched out along cobblestone streets, and a shore that seems to have been crafted by someone who spends far too much time looking at Instagram filters. Walking, biking, or acting to be a Viking explorer is your heaven if you like. Though you may bike over the tiny island in a day, unless your bike has a motor, expect to arrive with some uphill grunt. The hard way I found out Bornholm apparently isn't included in "flat Danish terrain."
For an island, the cuisine here is rather fantastic. A must is smørrebrød, a kind of open-faced sandwich that resembles art you're too terrified to eat. Bornholm will treat you like royalty if you like smoked fish. I spent an uncomfortable amount of time sniffing the air for the ideal smoked herring, then pretending I knew what I was doing when I ordered it. Chocolate is also available since Denmark values balance. Calories matter not on holiday, correct?
Another draw is the island's round churches. If you dwell on why medieval Danes erected circular churches, they're unusual, odd, and maybe unsettling. But somehow they succeed. Going to see them is somewhat like entering a time machine, albeit one that smells slightly of incense and baked products. Alternatively, you could climb rocky slopes with sweeping views or explore the ruins of ancient fortresses to give your phone's camera roll a professional look with no work on your part.
Bornholm is also quite Instagrammable, although there is the risk of unintentionally spending an hour photographing a single lighthouse while your friends roll their eyes. And yes, while the water is likely to be shockingly chilly, the beaches are gorgeous. From the inside out, you'll scream like a tourist, but secretly you'll love it.
Bornholm ultimately charms you like a little island that works too lightly but still wins you over. This is the kind of area where, in pursuit of the ideal sunset shot, you might forget about your emails, your obligations, and maybe even your dignity as you try to scale yet another craggy cliff. If you look closely, it's quiet, charming, and somewhat funny. Also, the Danes are kind, the cuisine is fantastic, and you might end up with some fresh, amusing tales that seem too good to be real. Bornholm is truly waiting, and you will likely thank yourself for at last noticing that tiny spot on the map if you're seeking a charming, personality-filled, just-enough-adventure-to-make-you-alive Scandinavian vacation.
