Visiting Ronne
Ronne, the capital of Bornholm is a very nice small city. Even the modern buildings respect a small size, and the traditional quarter is very beautiful, in bright and well maintained colours.
In my first visit I had not much time to Ronne, but this time I could explore it twice. It’s really a beautiful city, with the old quarters very well preserved and maintained. As expected, it is also the best city in the island for shopping.
Old Quarter
What a difference when the sun shines! In my first two times in Ronne, the weather was cloudy and rainy, and the city looked sad and cold. In my third presence the sun finally joined us, and everything became brighter. The colorful old quarter is very nice, quiet and clean, with flowers here and there adding some life to the scene. The quarter is small and easy to visit.
Central square
The centre of the city is, as usual, dominated by commerce. I noticed no many restaurants, nor big malls. Things seem to rely in local commerce, though China is already there, as expected…
Lighthouse
Inland and by the church, the unusual location for the lighthouse is easy to understand – the port is there, adjacent to town. It may be considered a landmark, since behind it unfolds the beautiful old quarters of Ronne.
Rittengarten Hotel
Rittengarten Hotel
Good and well located
I only needed a dinner and a bed, so I booked this hotel, because it was close to the airport and cheaper than the alternatives.
Dinner failed (I had to rush elsewhere because restaurant closes early) but the room was OK.
Comfortable, clean, quiet, even the pillow was almost like mine, and those who travel know how this is important.
The staff was helpful (gave me the solution for the risked dinner)
Radisson SAS Hotel
Radisson SAS Hotel
I really do think that good eating starts in Paris, going south, getting the top in Portugal.
(No, I’m not chauvinist, I know that until twenty years ago, Portugal was one of the worst countries in Europe to eat, but when we started to understand the potential of the Mediterranean food, the progress was fabulous. In taste, variety and healthiness, we are in the top, only presentation needing evolution).
Another problem that we feel in northern countries is… time. The day ends later in the south, and dinner is usually around eight, sometimes later (in Spain 10 or 11 is normal). I had big problems managing meals time in Denmark.
The first of them right upon my arrival – the plane arrived past eight, and getting to my hotel, the restaurant was closed.
They suggested me to try Radisson, hundred meters apart, that used to close later, at 9 PM(!). I rushed there, arriving almost at closing time, decided to eat… something. Well, I had a very good steak, a good wine, served with gentleness, in what has been my best meal in Denmark. The price… well, who cares?
Dinner Time – I almost failed
If you come from the south, like me, be careful about your meals’ time.
Volumes
One thing that pleased me in the city is the harmony in building’s volumetry.
A few examples of modern architecture combine well with the traditional style and proportions of the houses.
Color helps to give a warm look, in a cold weather.
Ferry
There are several ferry lines linking Bornholm to the continent, but the commonly used by foreigners is the one that links Ronne with Ystad, in Sweden, in about 75 minutes.
The other internal line, to Kogen, takes more than 6 hours and is only made overnight.
There are also lines to Poland and Germany.
To go to Ystad you may do it by car (using the Oresund bridge), by train, or by bus from their stations in Copenhagen.
