Birkholm

Birkholm is a small Danish island off the southern coast of Funen in Ærø Municipality. With an area of just 0.9 km (0.3 sq mi), as of 1 January 2010 it has a population of 10. The flat, low-lying island is just over 2 km (1 mi) long and 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) above sea level at its highest point, though the protective dykes are 2.8 metres (9 ft 2 in) high. It can be reached by post boat from Marstal on Ærø in 25 minutes. Birkholm is first mentioned in King Valdemar's census book in 1231. At the time, the woody, unpopulated island served as a royal hunting ground. The first inhabitants probably arrived in the 13th century. Agriculture used to be the main occupation on Birkholm, although there was also fishing. In 1870, there were 89 people living there. The village had a school (until 1976) and a grocer.