Located in Denmark’s easternmost town and competing against 14 other Danish towns, Svaneke was honored and named the country’s most beautiful town in 2013. Bygningskultur Danmark rated the historical city centers based on their qualities. Svaneke did an excellent job of preserving the townscape and was awarded the European Gold Medal for town preservation in 1975.

Svaneke’s history until 1850 – The town is said to have been a small fishing village around 1200. The Hanseatic merchants are also said to have paid frequent visits to Svaneke. It is still being determined when Svaneke became a town although several historical sources claim that the town had both a mayor and a reeve in 1543.

In 1769, Svaneke had only 562 people and struggled to keep merchants in the town throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The place had populated areas nearby, but the local farmers and fishermen still chose to go to Nexø or trade illegally from the many little coastal towns around. Rønne caused Svaneke to lose, but the coastline improvement helped and eventually delighted several boatyards.

There are several fascinating landmarks and attractions in Eastbornholm and the town of Svaneke. Just a few of them are listed below:

Svanekegaarden – Travel to Bornholm’s easternmost cultural center, Svanekegaarden. The place has opened its doors on June 7, 1991, in what was formerly an old merchant’s farm in central Svaneke. The exhibition building, a multi-workshop, three scholarship residences, a theater, and a sculpture garden comprise Svanekegaarden. The place is visited by approximately 15,000 people each year. As time went by, a various range of cultural offerings were made available. They also have theater and concerts for children and you go on shopping in a mini bookshop, which sells the Bornholm postcard series. We also recommend taking a stroll through the sculpture garden, which features works by Ole Christensen and a single Arne Ranslet.

Aarsdale Harbour – Bornholm’s east coast. Aarsdale Harbour is a busy fishing village located two sea miles south of Svaneke. The residents began the construction of the current harbor in 1870. This sparked the fishing and construction of several smokehouses wherein the first was built in the 1880s and aided in the development of Aarsdale as a fishing village. 

Lighthouse and Hullehavn – Walking south from the harbor, you’ll pass another small yawl harbor and the former Svaneke lighthouse. After the lighthouse, you will find the Hullehavn beach, a small sandy beach with cliffs popular for divers and the best choice for snorkeling. If you are kayaking along the coast of Bornholm, Hullehavn beach is a great place to stop before continuing to Sandkås Odde and the fine old lighthouse of Svaneke.

Discover the beauty of Svaneke, one of the most visited towns in Bornholm, and don’t miss out to check the exciting attractions and sights within the area. Explore the whole dramatic scenery of this place by booking a private tour with Just Boats and enjoy the full view of this beloved city. Make sure to add Svaneke to your bucket list and experience the bliss of the East of Paradise.