Lilleborg, Bornholm

Lore & Background

Lilleborg was probably built in the middle of the 12th century as a royal fortress. It appears to have replaced the much larger fortress of Gamleborg, which was only 700 metres away. The move could be explained by the fact that in 1149, one-third of Bornholm had been surrendered to Eskil, archbishop of Lund. As a result, King Sweyn III wanted to establish his own seat of power on the remaining two-thirds of the island. While it could not be compared to the archbishop's Hammershus, Lilleborg was nevertheless a fine stronghold and appears to have been easier to defend than the much larger Gamleborg.

Reader's Guide

Lilleborg is significant as a rare example of a 12th-century Danish royal fortress built in Saxon architectural style, reflecting the political struggle between King Sweyn III and Archbishop Eskil for control of Bornholm. Its inland location, on a rocky hill surrounded by the Borresø lake, contrasts with coastal fortresses and suggests a role as a refuge during sudden attacks rather than for coastal defense. In 2025, researchers concluded that some sort of fortification already existed on the site in the 4th century, with remains of the earlier Iron Age fortification discovered in 2010. The castle's legacy includes evidence that it may have burnt down in 1259 when Prince Jaromar of Rügen stormed the 'king's stronghold,' though coins minted after that date indicate continued habitation. Restoration work from 2006 to 2011 preserved the site for study and visitation.

Did You Know?

• Remains of an earlier Iron Age fortification, dating to around the 5th–6th centuries AD, were discovered in 2010.
• The fortress was accessed via a wooden bridge on the south side of the hill.
• No clear evidence of significant habitation after its storming in 1259 has been confirmed.