About this tour
In the middle of the Baltic Sea lies a small unassuming rocky island; swept by the Baltic waves, Bornholm has been central in Danish security concerns for centuries. Contrary to the rest of Denmark, freed from German occupation on the 5th of May, 1945, the island went straight from German to Soviet control and wasn’t officially returned to the Kingdom of Denmark until March 1946, almost a year after the end of the World War II.
With its close proximity to the Nord Stream pipelines and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, Bornholm once again finds itself in a peculiar position vis-à-vis European security.
This Study Tour will kick-start an exploration of European security, with Bornholm serving as the backdrop for our investigation of historical and contemporary security dilemmas. Through cultural and academic visits, we will explore the wartime history of the island and examine the nature of modern European security challenges.
Learning outcomes
- Learn about the history and culture of this unique area of Denmark and experience its idyllic natural environment
- Explore the connection between the Baltic Sea and modern European security policy
- Gain a deeper understanding of the current security situation in Europe through an intense workshop with focus on the use of gray zone/hybrid warfare measures.
Possible activities
- Explore the large ruins of the medieval castle, Hammershus
- Visit and presentation on Bornholm during the occupation at the War Museum of Bornholm
- Visit the currently active military barracks, Almegaard Kaserne