Solskinsøen

"The sunshine island," or Bornholm, was the next destination on our trip. 

I was looking for great bike routes for families and I stumbled on an place called Bornholm, an island not too far from Copenhagen in the Baltic Sea. It seemed perfect for us, and we decided that we would fly into Copenhagen, have a short visit with "cousin Elisabeth," my grandmother's first cousin living nearby, then we would head to the sunny island. We were so happy to learn that my cousin Christian, Elisabeth's son, now lives on Bornholm. Not only does he live there, but he works at Gaarden, the center for culinary heritage, a working farm and agricultural museum with all sorts of cool workshops and courses happening there. He's totally plugged in to whats happening on the island. Bornholm is a place that is obsessed with its local food heritage and highlighting its uniqueness in local farm shops, ice cream stands and elegant dining experiences alike. We had the special treat of dining at the Michelin starred restaurant on the island, Kadeau, which serves a menu full of ingredients picked from local gardens put together to make the most beautiful dishes that left us feeling perfectly satisfied. As a side note, the staff was incredibly patient with Miss Dylan, who was growing a little tired and impatient as course after course came by. We rented bikes and toured around the island, up and down the hills of the north, and then back to the south via the rolling hills of one of the few major roads through the island. The whole island is just beautiful. We found the people warm, the local beers excellent, and the food even better. It's only a matter of time before this hidden gem of an island will be discovered by the masses. 

Skål to Christian for being an incredible host to us, cooking for us, taking us on the unofficial eating tour of the island, introducing us to the Gaarden museum, and for sharing the charm of Bornholm with us. 

Tasting the traditional smokehouse prepared fish.

Biking around the island...the many beautiful scenes en route and quiet of the island were the perfect setting for Dylan to take a nap.

Winding down after our first day on the island. Enjoying a beautiful sunset from our hotel room balcony.

Click here to see a video of the choir that assembles to sing the postal and ferry boats off as they depart from Gudhjem to the archipelago island Christiansø. It was a little windy when we were there, so you'll have to listen carefully to hear what they're singing. 

Visiting Gaarden. Dylan picking fresh parsley. The pamphlet was designed by Christian! The lady with the bowl on her lap is making mustard in the traditional way by rolling a cannon ball over mustard seeds and water until a mustard paste is made. Dylan watching the horses and David testing his horse-power strength.

The best hot dog EVER. Hallegaard farm, the tucked away spot that must be found. Delicious beers too, this one made with the vitamin C-rich berry, Havtorn. 

Incredible ice cream, pork sandwiches, and beers, all in Svaneke. Dylan strolling through the streets of this quaint harbor town. 

The beach, view from the dunes, and the lighthouse on the south side of the island. The boardwalk down to the beach has a "fire island feel," which made it...special.

Kadeau delights. All meals should be like this.