After eight years of patient work, Bornholm now looks set to make Danish history: the first commercial harvest of Danish-grown truffles is approaching.

A Pioneer Project in South Bornholm

Behind the project are mother and daughter, Lisbeth Kjellberg and Kirstine Nystrøm, who run Trøffel Bornholm ( https://www.troffelbornholm.dk/ ). The adventure began more than 20 years ago on a trip to Gotland, where they discovered how truffles were cultivated. Their dream of transferring this knowledge to Bornholm became reality in 2017, when they established a plantation in South Bornholm.

Today, there are around 530 hazel and oak trees, all grafted with mycelium from the black burgundy truffle(Tuber aestivum). Recent root samples have shown that truffles are growing, and all indications are that 2025 could be the year when Bornholm can present the first Danish truffles.

Nature’s own clock

Truffles hide underground in close proximity to the roots of trees. They only reveal themselves when they are fully mature because at that point they emit a special scent, which in nature attracts animals to dig them up and spread their spores. This means that harvesting can only be done at regular intervals.

To find the hidden mushrooms, Truffle Bornholm has enlisted the help of the truffle dog Saga, who is trained to sniff out the valuable tubers – without even sinking his teeth into them.

Bornholm raw material with potential

The fact that truffles can now be grown on Bornholm is not just culinary news, but a potential milestone for the island’s raw material profile. Truffles are considered “black gold” internationally, and Kirstine Nystrøm sees great potential:

“We want to make truffles a Bornholm ingredient and eventually a trademark for the island.”

Already now, Truffle Bornholm has helped other Bornholmers establish truffle plantations so that the island can develop into a center for Danish truffle cultivation.

Extending the season

Tourism is also a significant benefit. As truffles are harvested from October to February, they can create new activities in the Bornholm fall and winter season.

Here, Trøffel Bornholm aims to offer truffle safaris where visitors can experience the hunt for the underground delicacies, as well as making the annual Truffle Festival a draw. The festival combines truffle hunting, lectures with experts and a dinner where truffles are used in every dish. In 2025, the festival will be held on October 25.

Historical significance

The fact that Bornholm is on the threshold of Denmark’s first truffle harvest has a very special historical significance. It’s not only the culmination of years of work, but also a moment when Denmark adds a new ingredient to its food culture. Bornholm has long been known as a gourmet island, and truffles can now add another layer to this story.