Rønne history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Rønne is deeply rooted in the Middle Ages. The city emerged around a natural harbour that provided a secure shelter for vessels in the turbulent Baltic Sea. The settlement was first mentioned in historical documents in 1277 under the name Rodne (or Rotna), which, according to linguists, translates as "marshy area" or "place by the stream".

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small fishing village into the principal city of the island of Bornholm was driven by several strategic factors:

• Geographic Location: Rønne is situated on the western tip of the island, making it the shortest and most convenient point for maritime connection with the rest of Denmark and the coast of Scania.
• Ecclesiastical Significance: One of the first monumental structures was the Church of St. Nicolas, erected around 1275. Dedicating the temple to the patron saint of sailors highlighted the maritime character of the future city.
• Administrative Status: Thanks to its location and harbour, Rønne quickly took the initiative over other settlements on the island. In 1327, it received the status of a market town (Købstad), which cemented its economic leadership.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Rønne's economy depended entirely on the sea. The primary source of wealth was the massive herring catch in the Øresund Strait, which flourished during the Middle Ages. This attracted merchants from the Hanseatic League, particularly from Lübeck. Hanseatic influence left its mark on the city's early culture, fostering the development of crafts and turning Rønne into a bustling trade hub of the Baltic.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1275 — Construction of the Church of St. Nicolas, becoming a spiritual centre and a major landmark for navigators.
• 1327 — Rønne officially receives market town status (Købstad), granting it privileges in trade and self-governance.
• 1525 — The city and the island are placed under the administration of the Hanseatic League (Lübeck) for 50 years, strengthening trade ties with Germany.
• 1658 — Residents of Rønne participate in an uprising against the Swedish garrison, ensuring the island's return to Denmark.
• 1823 — Foundation of the Rønne Theater, which is today the oldest operating theatre in Denmark outside the capital.
• 1866 — Establishment of a steamship company, establishing regular and reliable maritime communication with Copenhagen.
• 1900 — Opening of the first railway line connecting Rønne with the town of Nexø, transforming the port into the island's main transport hub.
• 1945 — At the end of World War II, the city suffered aerial bombardment, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of buildings in the historic centre.
• 1946 — Sweden donates 300 wooden houses to the city to restore the housing stock; these today form the recognizable appearance of certain neighbourhoods.
• 1968 — Closure of railway services on Bornholm, after which Rønne station ceased to function for its original purpose.
• 2019 — Completion of a massive port expansion, allowing the city to accommodate modern cruise liners and large ferries.

Stages of Development and Transformation

Rønne has come a long way from a modest fishing settlement to the administrative and cultural centre of Bornholm. The city's development was defined not only by its strategic position but also by the residents' ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Below are the key milestones that shaped the modern appearance and way of life of the city:

• Flourishing of Crafts and Watchmaking (18th–19th Centuries).
  During this period, Rønne became known far beyond the island for the production of grandfather clocks (Bornholmerure) and ceramics.
  Significance: A transition from simple raw material trade to the production of high-quality goods, which significantly enriched the city and formed a class of prosperous artisans.
• Industrialization and Resource Extraction (19th Century).
  The beginning of industrial mining of granite and clay in the city's vicinity, as well as the opening of an iron foundry.
  Significance: Transformation of Rønne into an industrial centre, leading to population growth and the expansion of urban development beyond the medieval core.
• Organization of Regular Shipping (1866).
  The creation of the "Steamship Company of 1866" (Dampskibsselskabet af 1866) ensured a stable connection with Copenhagen.
  Significance: The end of the era of the island's isolation. This gave a powerful impetus to the export of local products and marked the beginning of tourism as an important economic sector.
• Post-War Urban Renovation (After 1945).
  Restoration of the city after devastating bombings using 300 wooden houses donated by Sweden.
  Significance: This event not only solved the housing crisis but also created a unique architectural ensemble, which is today considered cultural heritage and attracts tourists with its distinctiveness.
• Port Repurposing (20th–21st Centuries).
  Transformation of the harbour from a purely fishing and cargo base into a multifunctional terminal capable of receiving cruise liners.
  Significance: Integration of Rønne into international Baltic tourist routes, ensuring a significant influx of capital into the city's service sector.
• Course towards "Green Energy" (Modernity).
  Rønne is becoming a base for servicing offshore wind farms and "Energy Island" projects.
  Significance: A new stage of economic development, turning the city into an innovation hub and attracting highly qualified specialists.

Architectural Mosaic: From the Middle Ages to Modernity

The architectural appearance of Rønne is unique for Denmark. It is a city where cosy antiquity harmoniously intertwines with forced but stylish renewal from the mid-20th century. The urban structure has preserved the medieval radial layout of streets converging towards the harbour, yet the exterior of the buildings reflects several key eras.

Traditional Timber-Framing (17th–19th Centuries)

The historic core of the city is formed by low-rise structures characteristic of old Danish port towns. This is the "soul" of Rønne, creating its famous atmosphere.

• Style: Vernacular architecture (folk architecture). Single-storey houses with a wooden frame (half-timbered), painted in warm yellow or terracotta colours, with red tiled roofs and chimneys.
• Landmark Sites:
  • Erichsens Gård (Erichsen's Farmhouse): A fine example of a merchant's house from 1806. Interiors demonstrating the lifestyle of wealthy citizens of that era have been preserved here.
  • Old Town (Gamle Stan): The district around the church, where cobblestone streets wind between ancient houses, often adorned with hollyhocks.

Classicism and Empire Style (19th Century)

With the growth of economic prosperity in the 19th century, more monumental public and administrative buildings appeared in the city, inspired by antique forms.

• Style: Classicism and Empire. Strict symmetry, columns, light plastered facades, and restrained decor.
• Landmark Buildings:
  • Rønne Theater: Built in 1823, it is the oldest operating provincial theatre in Denmark. The building is distinguished by a modest yet elegant facade.
  • Kommandantgården (The Commandant's House): Built in 1846, the historical residence of the island's military administration, now part of the Bornholm Museum.
  • Main Guardhouse (Hovedvagten): A building from 1744 on the central square, constructed from bricks salvaged from the ruins of Hammershus Castle.

Gothic and Historicism

Church architecture has remained the dominant feature of the city for centuries, which, despite numerous alterations, has preserved the spirit of antiquity.

• Church of St. Nicolas (Sankt Nicolai Kirke): Originally erected in the 13th century, the church has been rebuilt many times. In 1918, it underwent a major reconstruction in the Neo-Gothic style, while retaining medieval elements and becoming the city's main silhouette from the sea.

Functionalism and "Swedish Houses" (Mid-20th Century)

A special chapter in Rønne's urban planning was opened by post-war reconstruction. After the bombings of 1945, a significant part of the city was rebuilt, introducing unique features of Scandinavian functionalism to Rønne's appearance.

• Style: Wooden functionalism. These are neighbourhoods of two-storey wooden houses donated by Sweden to restore the housing stock. They are distinguished by bright colours (red, blue, yellow, green) and rational layout.
• Significance: These districts, known as Svenskehusene, are today considered an architectural monument and an example of humanitarian aid that organically blended into the Danish landscape.

Modern Development

In the 21st century, Rønne continues to develop towards the harbour. Modern architecture here bears a utilitarian and industrial character, adapting old industrial zones for new cultural and commercial needs while maintaining a connection with the sea.

Prominent Figures of Rønne

Rønne has been the birthplace and home to many talented individuals whose names have entered the history not only of the island of Bornholm but of all Denmark. From great painters to modern athletes, these personalities have brought fame to the city through their mastery and achievements.

• Kristian Zahrtmann (1843–1917)
  Role: Painter and educator.
  Significance: A native of Rønne who became one of the key figures in Danish art of the late 19th century. Zahrtmann is known for his bold use of colour and historical canvases. He never forgot his roots and became the first honorary citizen of Rønne. His works occupy a place of honour in the collection of the Bornholm Art Museum.
• Martin Andersen Nexø (1869–1954)
  Role: Writer and social activist.
  Significance: Although the writer took a pseudonym in honour of the neighbouring town of Nexø, his youth and formative years are closely linked to Rønne, where he trained as a shoemaker. His famous novel "Pelle the Conqueror" vividly describes life on the island. The writer's memorial house museum is located in Rønne.
• Lauritz Hjorth (1834–1912)
  Role: Ceramist and entrepreneur.
  Significance: Founder of the famous terracotta factory in Rønne (1859). It was thanks to him and his descendants that ceramics became a hallmark of Bornholm. The historic factory building in the city centre today operates as a living museum of pottery art.
• Hans Rømer (1770–1832)
  Role: Officer and forester.
  Significance: Born in Rønne, Rømer accomplished a true ecological feat. He initiated the planting of the Almindingen forest in the centre of the island, transforming wastelands into one of Denmark's most beautiful forest areas, which today is a popular recreation spot for citizens and tourists.
• Johan Nicolai Madvig (1804–1886)
  Role: Classical philologist and politician.
  Significance: A graduate of the Rønne Latin School, Madvig became the Minister of Culture of Denmark and a world-renowned scholar. His works on Latin grammar were considered the standard in European universities for a whole century.
• Magnus Cort Nielsen (born 1993)
  Role: Professional road cyclist.
  Significance: The modern pride of Rønne. A world-class athlete, winner of stages in the prestigious Grand Tours "Tour de France" and "Vuelta a España". His successes inspire the younger generation of islanders and attract attention to Bornholm as a destination for active cycling tourism.