Despite its isolation in the middle of the Baltic, Bornholm offers many opportunities for acquiring some serious merchandise. Most of the island's shops line the streets funneling into the Lille Torv and the Store Torv. Part of the fun for us involves wandering aimlessly from shop to shop, but if you want specific addresses and ideas, consider any of the following.
Want to offer some flowers to the object of your most recent affections? Head for Lilliendal Plantecenter, Sagavej 1 (tel. 56-95-47-24). Some of the most unusual and eccentric kitchen- and housewares in Bornholm are available at Inspiration, Lille Torv 1 (tel. 56-95-01-11). Expect Danish functionalism combined with wrought iron, glass, ceramics, textiles, and wood; much of it is made within Scandinavia.
If you're looking for a garment of any degree of formality for the child or kids you left behind, the best clothing store on the island is Kids' Shop, Skt. Mortensgade 4 (tel. 56-91-00-17). Is your camera running out of film? Film supply or development is available at Ilsted Bech, Snellmark 25 (tel. 56-95-00-23).
A major outlet for some of the art glass produced in abundance on Bornholm is Pernille Bülow Glas, Lille Torv (tel. 56-95-43-05).
The island is known for its unique Bornholmer grandfather clocks. The tradition began in 1744, when a Dutch ship was stranded on the way from Helsingør in Denmark to Tallinn in Estonia. In its hold were five clocks and a cask with weights for them. Dexterous young men made models of the clocks and, in so doing, founded a Bornholm clockmaking tradition, a craft that virtually disappeared at the end of World War II. The craft has now been revived, and the island's largest clockmaker workshop is located in Rønne. Nye Bornholmerure, Torneværksvej 26 (tel. 56-95-31-08), sells the finest handmade grandfather clocks in Denmark, although they can be very expensive depending on the model. These clocks sound the hour with music -- everything from Mozart to Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Many Swedes come over to Bornholm just to shop for the island's famous ceramics. Michael Andersen, Lille Torv 7 (tel. 56-95-00-01), still preserves the old ceramics-making traditions but manufactures many modern products as well.
The island's best goldsmith -- and he's a stunning talent -- is Jørn-Ole Thomsen, who works at Guldhuset, Bornholmercentret (tel. 56-95-02-70), on Store Torv. Thomsen makes fine jewelry not only for the local shop but also for Georg Jensen, the world-famous silver and goldsmith company.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
