Almindingen 3.74

Almindingen is one of the largest forests in Denmark. It is located in the centre of the island of Bornholm. The forest covers, making it Denmark's third largest. Though it was at one time common grazing land for cattle, it was fenced in for forestry in 1809 by Hans Rømer, the forest supervisor. As a result, by the beginning of the 20th century, Bornholm had become Denmark's most forested region.Bornholm's highest point is Rytterknægten at, where there is a memorial to Frederick VII of Denmark and Countess Danner's visit to the island in 1851. In 2012, the Nature Agency brought seven European bison from a Polish primeval forest to a paddock in Almindingen, marking the first time in 2,500 years that Europe's heaviest land-living mammals were in Denmark. There are a number of walking paths through Almindingen such as the ones leading to Ekkodal and Gamleborg.GeographyAlmindingen's habitat has been described as a "green oasis" or a "Disneyland for nature lovers". The geographical features include many small valleys and a large rift valley Ekkodalen ("echo valley"), with steep rocky cliffs, two large marshy areas, several bogs and fens, with stretches of open heath to the east. There are patches of the original mixed woods and oak woods. The many watch towers facilitate bird watching at close quarters. There are observation towers at Udkæret, Bastemose, Svinemose, Ølene, and Rømersvej. Many public roads, forest tracks, and paths are available, as well as some rudimentary camp sites.