As a child in the 1951s, my parents twice rented modest places at Møn for our summer holidays. At the time, we would never know in advance what to expect. The advertisements found in the newspapers had to be cheap for rent. My twin brother and I were never disappointed, though. We never thought about the standard. Refrigerators were not included, but we were used to doing without at home. The meals were kept simple like boiled potatoes, and something with it freshly bought nearby and strawberries with milk or cream! I have a post on my memories of holidays on my Danish blog. Translations are available on a Google translation button, or else the photos speak for themselves.

Møn’s Cliff

A few weeks ago, Henry and I wanted to see the island, especially the white cliffs called Møn’s Klint. Some of the most famous sights are not there anymore as erosion has caused the Queen’s Chair to fall into the sea. My mother’s photo album shows her sister Eva sitting on a bench at that sight in 1938. She and a school friend were there on a bicycle tour in their youth. For a long time, Henry and I wanted to find that bench and found a place in Jutland called the Queen’s Chair. That’s only one hour’s drive from us, so we often go there to think about the young girls’ trip on old bicycles so long ago. It is a pretty view, but Henry found out that the girls had gone to Møn in Zealand, closer to their home than Jutland. The girls must have sailed to the island then, as the bridge was not in place before 1943.

From my aunt’s photo album

Eager to find the Queen’s Chair spot at Møn, Henry and I were in intense competition with a group of elderly German tourists. They were all over the place, and several of them climbed the fences to get the best view for photos. I got so stressed that I ran ahead of them only to miss the place. After they had disappeared, we returned and found the spot where my aunt had posed so long ago.

I can’t explain why it is essential to know where they went for a holiday. My mother and her siblings are all dead long ago. Left with us are their photos, some diaries and even youth hostel cards stamped with the dates and places for their stay. They brought with them very little luggage and their bikes were not very good. From the age of sixteen, they wanted to go on holiday to see their country, and they continued even during the war. There was no calling home or credit cards. Postcards were sent to their parents with first-hand impressions.

Today the island of Møn is famous for its night sky view of stars. The islanders use as few lights as possible to attract tourists. I will recommend a place to stay where you can enjoy the stars on a dark night.