On the northern tip of Bornholm you will find Hammershus. It is the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part is built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power over the island held by the Archbishop of Lund (at that time part of Denmark) obtained through an agreement with the Danish King, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years, Hammershus was the fortress for the various rulers of the island.
Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded on several occasions.

In 1660-61 King Christian IV's daughter, Leonora Christine, and her husband, Corfitz Ulfeldt, were imprisoned in the castle for treason. A dramatic attempted escape down the walls and over the cliffs failed.
In 1743 Hammershus was finally abandoned as a stronghold.

Click on the pictures to see them large.