Helligdomsklipperne (Sanctuary Rocks) are a group of rocks on the island of Bornholm, Denmark, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Gudhjem and 4.9 kilometres (3.0 mi) from Tejn.[1] They are characterised by moderately high coastal cliffs of sharp granite and are about 22 metres (72 ft) high.[2][3] The name of the rocks originated in the Middle Ages when there was a holy spring close to the coast which attracted pilgrims, especially on Sankt Hans Aften.[4][5] During the ice age, much of today's coast was below sea level but when the ice melted, the island itself was raised leaving this part of Bornholm's coast some 20 meters above sea level. Coastal cliffs with deep caves and steep craggy granite pillars are typical of this area of the coast as a result of many years exposure to the weather. To the southeast the Kyststi or coastal path leads to the well preserved Døndalen Woods.[6] It is a popular tourist attraction, accessed by boats from Gudhjem harbour. Steps lead from the coast up to the Bornholm Art Museum.[3]
- ^ "Helligdomsklipperne". Bornholmerguiden.dk. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ Stone, Andrew; Bain, Carolyn; Booth, Michael; Parnell, Fran (1 February 2008). Denmark. Lonely Planet. p. 194. ISBN 978-1-74104-669-4. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ a b Mouritsen, Lone; Norum, Roger; Osborne, Caroline (1 June 2010). The Rough Guide to Denmark. Rough Guides. p. 149. ISBN 978-1-84836-517-9. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Helligdomsklipperne", Den Store Danske. (in Danish) Retrieved 4 July 2012.
- ^ "Helligdomsklipperne på Bornholm" Archived 2015-09-23 at the Wayback Machine, Bornholmerguiden. (in Danish) Retrieved 5 July 2012.
- ^ Fodor's Denmark: the guide for all budgets, completely updated, with many maps and travel tips. Fodor's. 7 May 2002. ISBN 978-0-676-90201-3. Retrieved 4 July 2012.