Sol over Gudhjem” is Denmark’s largest culinary competition. It is a gastronomic event that has been held in Gudhjem on the island of Bornholm during the summer months since 2009. Today, the competition attracts more than 10,000 foodies, visitors, tourists, and journalists from around the world. In addition to the Chef Competition, “Sol over Gudhjem” also includes a Dessert Competition, Product Prize and a fantastic food market. “Sol over Gudhjem” helps to bring attention to Bornholm as a gastronomic mecca.
In addition to the competitions at the “Sol over Gudhjem” event in June at the Gudhjem harbor, “Sol over Gudhjem” also organizes the prestigious competition “Rising Star” for young, aspiring talents in the field of culinary arts.
Furthermore, “Sol over Gudhjem” provides the framework for Denmark’s coziest business network, “Kaffeklubben,” where a passion for culinary art and pleasant social gatherings come together in a professional and formal setting. We also host custom made events where the country’s most skilled chefs come together to create unique culinary experiences.
“Sol over Gudhjem” also collaborates with various producers to develop products, which has led to Schulstad’s signature bread, “Sol over Gudhjem,” a range of Jacobsen beers, and Mikkeller’s “Sunshine Island.
A CHEF’s COMPETITION ON THE ISLAND OF BORNHOLM, DENMARK
In 2009, the first Cooking Competition of “Sol over Gudhjem” took place at the Gudhjem Harbor. Since then, the Cooking Competition has evolved, now also including the Dessert Competition and the Product Prize. Together, they form the framework for Denmark’s largest Cooking Competition.
In the “Sol over Gudhjem” Cooking Competition, four of the biggest and most skilled chefs in Denmark compete for the title of winner and attractive prizes. Participants in the competition are required to serve an appetizer and a main course, which are evaluated by a panel of judges using a scoring system that focuses on four criteria: taste, presentation, etiquette, and the opportunity for bonus points by incorporating Bornholm’s ingredients or techniques.
The appetizer is prepared using ingredients from a ‘Mystery Box’ revealed on the day of the competition, as well as from the extensive ingredient buffet available to the participants on the day. The ingredients for the main course are disclosed to the participants in advance, allowing them to practice before the competition.
Each year, four of the best chef profiles who have made a significant impact on the Danish culinary scene are selected to participate in the competition. Over the years, chefs from both Denmark and abroad have taken part in the competition.
PRODUCT PRIZE
Since 2014, the Product Prize has celebrated and supported entrepreneurs and new products on their journey to success. The Product Prize is awarded each year to products that excel in their respective categories. Every year, a wide range of products is developed and produced, and by participating in the Product Prize, participants receive ongoing guidance, networking opportunities, and feedback on their product from a qualified panel of judges.
The Product Prize is awarded in the following categories: FOOD, BEVERAGES, CONFECTIONERY and INNOVATION.
DESSERT COMPETITION
Sol over Gudhjem’s Dessert Competition is held every year in June at the Gudhjem harbor. Here, three pairs of chefs compete for the title of winner and attractive prizes. The three teams serve a pre-dessert and a dessert, which are judged by a panel of judges using a scoring system that focuses on four criteria: taste, presentation, etiquette, and the opportunity for bonus points by incorporating Bornholm’s ingredients or techniques. The pre-dessert is prepared using ingredients from a ‘Mystery Box’ revealed on the day of the competition. The ingredients for the dessert are disclosed to the participants in advance, allowing them to practice before the competition.
RISING STAR
Rising Star is Sol over Gudhjem’s prestigious competition for young chefs, held during the winter months in Gudhjem. This talent competition provides a platform for young, talented chefs to be inspired to continually refine their culinary skills so that together, we can continue to raise the bar and explore the incredible culinary heights for which Denmark is known. With Rising Star, we celebrate these young chefs.
In Sol over Gudhjem’s Rising Star competition, four young culinary talents compete for the title of winner and attractive prizes. Participants in the competition are required to serve a main course and a dessert, which are judged by a panel of judges using a scoring system that focuses on four criteria: taste, presentation, etiquette, and the opportunity for bonus points by incorporating Bornholm’s ingredients or techniques.
The main course is prepared using ingredients from a ‘Mystery Box’ revealed on the day of the competition, as well as from a large ingredient buffet available to the participants. The ingredients for the dessert are disclosed to the participants in advance, allowing them to practice before the competition.
PURPOSE Promote knowledge of local products.
Create opportunity for people to see and meet the best chefs in the country.
Promote interest for healthy and tasty food.
Promote interest for gourmet food.
Create synergies between Danish elite gourmet and local communities.
RISING MEDIA ATTENTION
The interest from spectators, the local community, producers, media and sponsors has been rising every year culminating in 2015 when the event was broadcasted live on Danish national televion, TV2 Danmark. In 2019, approx. 10.000 people visited the waterfront in Gudhjem.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL CONTRIBUTION
The rising attention from the media and the population have led to Danish locally produced products being used in Michelin and other renowned restaurants in Denmark. Today, many local producers involved in Sol over Gudhjem are regular suppliers to a large number of restaurants in Denmark. In addition, Sol over Gudhjem is now recognized as one of the main turist events on Bornholm each year.
CHEFS FROM THE BEST
Amazingly skilled chefs have over the years participated in Sol over Gudhjem. We have – in the competition and in the panel of experts – been graced by chefs from the following restaurants: Søllerød Kro / The Fat Duck / Noma / Geranium
Restaurant Radio / Kadeau / Studio / Henne Kirkeby Kro
Restaurant Herman / Formel B / Stammershalle Badehotel
Le Sommelier / Vollmers / Kiin Kiin / Ruths Hotel
Falsled Kro / Molskroen / Villa Vest / RÅ / Substans / Lyle’s
Ti Trin Ned / Hotel Frederiksminde / Svinkløv Badehotel
MeMU / Kirk + Maarbjerg / Kong Hans Kælder / Kocherier
Det Glade Vanvid / Kul / Kokkeriet / Roxie / Dragsholms Slot
Contact information: info@solovergudhjem.com / +45 21 61 54 76