Bornholm – a Danish island in the Baltic Sea

The Danish island of Bornholm is a true natural paradise. It may sound like a cliché, but Bornholm really has everything to offer. There are endless sandy beaches in the south of the island, spectacular unspoiled nature and a rocky coastline in the north of Bornholm, and a rich culture based on both the Swedish and Danish sides of the island’s history and tradition. If you want to visit the island and spend a few days outdoors, hiking and climbing, enjoying the delicious Bornholm cuisine and exploring the colorful and lively capital Rønne, we recommend you to come out of season. The whole island is waiting for you! The best ways to explore Bornholm You can either rent a car and explore the island on your own. Especially families with children are in excellent hands here.

The beaches

Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea with a great nature with white sandy beaches, many waterfalls and even two world heritage sites. It is famous for its spectacular high red cliffs, the “Seven Sisters”. The best place to see them is from the top of the lighthouse. Bornholm is also a great place to explore. If you want to explore Bornholm by bike or on foot, there are numerous routes to choose from. Besides, there are beautiful beaches all over the island.
Many people visit Bornholm in the summer months to enjoy the view and the unusually high number of sunny hours. The Danish island is a favorite vacation spot for Europeans, but also a popular destination for North Americans.

The culture and experience offers

Bornholm’s population is small, but the island’s cultural and historical significance makes it a must-see for those who enjoy exploring medieval ruins, a rich fishing history, ornate gardens and a wide range of culinary delights.
To visit Bornholm, travelers can arrive by ferry from Sweden, Denmark, Germany or Latvia. The island also has a rich history and offers many opportunities for exploration. For example, you can visit the historic city of the island and the ancient churches and ruins. There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and golf. In the summer there are also numerous festivals and events on Bornholm, so you will never be bored during your stay.

Why Bornholm vacation?

On Bornholm you can switch off, leave the old life for a while and enter a decelerated, calm, ideal world. Everyone is relaxed here – locals and vacationers. The island location ensures seclusion from the rest of the continent. Nobody can follow here that easily. When you have left the ferry in Roenne in your car, you automatically switch to vacation. Gone are the days of traffic jams and stress, parking fees and traffic jams, annoyed people in shopping centers and bosses. Here on the island you have a lot of space. You have the beach almost to yourself. The holiday homes are on large plots. Noise is unknown on Bornholm.

Where is the most beautiful place on Bornholm?

There is no clear answer to this question, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, many people believe that the most beautiful parts of Bornholm are its beaches and coastal areas. The island is home to some of Denmark’s most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and soft white sand. The coast is also dotted with picturesque fishing villages and rocky cliffs that offer many opportunities for scenic walks and hikes.

Inland Bornholm is covered with dense forests, rolling hills and green meadows. The island is a paradise for nature lovers, with many opportunities for bird watching, fishing and horseback riding. There are also several historical sites and museums to discover, making Bornholm a fascinating and diverse place to visit.

Ultimately, the beauty of Bornholm lies in its diversity. Whether you like to explore nature or prefer to relax on the beach, there is something for everyone on this stunning Danish island.

Map

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The nature of the Baltic Sea island

Bornholm combines the nature of Europe on a single island. Only Mallorca can keep up here. In the south you will find the widest sandy beaches with the finest beach. Most of the holiday homes are also located here. The north is rocky with sandy bays (like in the Mediterranean) and great hotels with gourmet cuisine and SPA offers. Let Bornholm enchant you. You will come back – guaranteed.

Where is Bornholm and how do you get there?

The island can only be reached by ferry from Germany, Sweden or Denmark. From the ferry port of Sassnitz (Germany), ferry port of Ystad (Sweden) and ferry port of Køge (Denmark), ferries depart for Rönne, the island’s capital. It should be noted that high-speed ferries are available on some routes, but the timetables may differ depending on the time of year. The main provider for crossings to Bornholm is here https://www.bornholmslinjen.de . The timetable can be viewed on the Bornholmslinjen website.

From the ferry port of Sassnitz, the ferries now run all year round.r over to Bornholm. Tickets for the Crossing to Rönne can be booked online around the clock, for example, with the new ferry Hammershus.

On the Borholm ferry

On the ferry Sassnitz Roenne passengers can easily take a caravan, camper or car and other cargo, but must be specified when booking. Bringing bicycles and motorbikes to Bornholm is also very popular.
The Bornholmslinjen (Bolslinjen) shipping company will take you from Sassnitz on the island of Rügen to Rönne, the main town, with daily departures all year round. The ferry crossing takes about 3.5 hours for the fairly short route and is quite pleasant to spend. There are plenty of comfortable seating and lounging areas on the ferry, as well as restaurants and shops. There is a playroom for children.
Those who do not want to travel from Sassnitz (Rügen) can also travel via the mainland in the direction of Copenhagen or Ystad (Sweden) and from there take fast ferries to Bornholm.

Ferry Sassnitz Bornholm timetable
Timetable ferry Sassnitz Rönne
https://www.bornholmslinjen.de/fahrplan/

The most popular places on Bornholm

Gudjhem

The city takes its name from the word “Gud”, which means “God” in Danish. In Norse mythology, Gudhjem is the place where the gods meet for a feast. Today Gudhjem has a beautiful atmosphere and a special flair. Gudhjem is a town with a rich history and a place worth seeing. The main harbor of Gudhjem is called Havnen and is a popular place for tourists to meet and take photos. There are also some stores here, a bakery, a grocery store, a restaurant and other stores that will please tourists.

Allinge

Allinge is a small town in Denmark. It is located on the coast on the island of Bornholm and is one of the few towns on the island. It was founded sometime in the 1800s and has a population of just over 700. The culture and history of Allinge is largely unknown. It was founded around 1800 and has a little more than 700 inhabitants. Allinge is one of the few towns on the island and has some scenic spots, such as Hool. This is a dramatic natural area with steep slopes and many cliffs. Allinge is a coastal town with many quaint stores and restaurants that invite you to linger.

Nexø

Nexø on Bornholm Nexø is a wonderful small town on Bornholm. It has a lot to offer, whether you spend a day, a month or the rest of your life here. For day trips, take a walk through the picturesque old town, or have a delicious meal in one of the many cafes. If you are looking for an adventure, you can explore the numerous nature trails along the coast. For the more daring among you, the Bornholm Bat is an annual race that you can compete in on your mountain bike. If nature isn’t your thing, go shopping in the city! In this picturesque town you can find everything from souvenirs to clothes and furniture.

Dueodde

With its warm climate and southern coast, Dueodde is a natural resort for swimming, sunbathing, playing and enjoying nature. Dueodde is one of the few villages on Bornholm with developed beach sections. With its clean blue waters, beautiful dunes and endless recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder the place is bursting with life all year round. Among the most beautiful attractions of the place are the new bathing beach, nature trails nearby and ice cream parlor in the center of the village. Don’t forget to climb the lighthouse and let your eyes wander over the nature.

Specialties of the island

Smoked herring

Smoked herring is made from fish such as mackerel or herring, which is salted, cooked and then smoked. Flavors such as dill, onions and red wine can also be added. Smoked herring is usually served cold and can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish with dinner.

Weather and climate

The island of Bornholm is not called the sunny island of Denmark for nothing. The island is characterized by the mild, almost Mediterranean climate. You can look forward to more hours of sunshine on Bornholm than in any other part of Denmark. Compared to other regions, Bornholm also has less precipitation. Fig trees, which otherwise only grow in the Mediterranean, can be found all over Bornholm.

The weather in summer

The weather on Bornholm is particularly mild. They say that summer comes a little later here on Bornholm, but it stays a little longer. The weather on Bornholm in July and August is characterized by summer temperatures that never go extreme. While it can be 37 ° C in Germany, it stays below 30 ° C on Bornholm, more likely a maximum of 27 ° C. This is a wonderful thing, especially for circulatory patients. By the way, the sun shines at least once every day.

The weather in autumn

September on Bornholm is also beautiful with temperatures around 20 ° C. There are still many hours of sunshine and the Baltic Sea still invites you to swim. The weather in October for the autumn holidays is also nice, but the water in the Baltic Sea has now cooled down quite a bit.

The reason for the mild climate on Bornholm is its location in the middle of the Baltic Sea. The island of Bornholm cools in summer and provides an open cloud cover and warms in autumn. This special Bornholm climate ensures that plants grow here, which one would otherwise expect to be found in more southerly regions.

Most of the hours of sunshine on Bornholm can be found in the south, near Dueodde, Nexö and Balka. There are no mountains here that can attract clouds, so for sunbathers it is the best choice to spend a Bornholm vacation here.

The industry

With a total area of around 590 square kilometers, Bornholm is the easternmost island and municipality in Denmark and belongs to the administrative district of Hovedstaden. The history of the popular holiday island, initially shaped by agriculture and fishing, gained a reputation as a militarily important naval base in the 17th century, before a lively mining industry developed two centuries later. Today, many of Bornholm’s almost 41,000 residents make their living from tourism, fish smokers and the production of handcrafted glass products and stoneware.

Anyone who discovers Bornholm with open eyes and a good feel for the island’s natural beauties will be delighted with the almost overburdened vegetation in all its typical and varied facets. On Bornholm, too, the vegetation was and is formed by natural influences such as climate, soil, rock formation and shapes or the prevailing water balance.

The green belt of the canyon valleys

An endemic flora, which, in biological terms, only occurs in a specific, spatially delimited environment, is unknown on Bornholm. The attentive observer, on the other hand, will notice the pronounced canyon valleys of the island, which from certain vantage points present themselves as a grandiose green, dense band of tree tops.
Most of Bornholm’s vegetation consists of pronounced red beech forests (Fagus sylvatica). These tree species can be found from Central to Eastern Europe, north to southern Sweden, southern England and in Norway even in close proximity to the sea as far as the Lofoten Islands. In the south and south-eastern Alps, they mainly form the natural tree line, and above a mountain height of around 1,000 meters they are replaced by conifers such as spruce.

The already mentioned ravine forests with their partly humid climate consist on the one hand of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), a predominantly deciduous deciduous tree, on the other hand of mountain elm (Ulmus glabra, elected tree of the year in 1992) or the so-called common ash (Fraxinus), which is part of the Plant genus of the olive family counts. The pine forests on the Bornholm “dune sands” near Dueodde are also worth mentioning. You will look in vain for conifers that do not naturally grow on the island. This type of plant is mainly found in the temperate areas of the northern hemisphere, but also in large parts of the tropics. This fact suggests the good soil quality of the island, since coniferous plants are also considered biologically as pioneer plants that only grow on soils that offer other seed plants only inadequate growth conditions.

Insider tips

There are many insider tips for Bornholm! The first tip is to visit the medieval castle Hammershoj in Allinge. Visit not only the wonderful exhibitions, but also take a walk through the castle ruins. Another great tip is to visit Bornholm’s Vadehave bird sanctuary in Allinge. The bird sanctuary is a great place for a quiet walk and a great way to enjoy the beauty of Bornholm. Be sure to try the buffet at the Key West restaurant in Allinge. The buffet is not only delicious, but also has a great selection of food! On Bornholm there is also the largest stone ship in Denmark

With its picturesque vistas, grey-washed towns and modest, traditional harbor villages, Bornholm is perhaps one of Denmark’s best-kept secrets. Due to its small size and proximity to the rest of Scandinavia, Bornholm is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a relaxing break away from the busy city. If you’re planning a visit to Bornholm, you should head out on one of the many scenic hiking trails. So you can experience the untouched beauty of nature up close. There are good chances to see migratory birds, nesting sea eagles and other wildlife. During your hike you can also see traditional farms.

Smoked herring

The smoked herring is a traditional Danish product that has been made in Denmark for over 200 years! Since the people of Bornholm love their herring, the region consists mainly of fishermen and fishmongers. This is a great opportunity to experience Danish culture in this way! I was recently on Bornholm and learned all about the herring and visited many smokehouses. It was absolutely delicious and I can’t wait to visit again.

Things to visit

The art museum

Bornholm Art Museum is a Danish art museum. It is located near the Helligdom cliff, 6 kilometers north of Gudhjem on Bornholm. The museum was founded in 1893 as part of Bornholm’s Museum. In 1991 the museum became independent. In 1993 the museum moved to new futuristic building. Link to the museum

Nexø Museum

It was founded in 1968 and the Danish Museum Association, which runs the small museum, was established. The museum was opened in 1970 after extensive renovation and attempts to explore the realities of Bornholm through time with permanent and temporary exhibitions. Characteristic of the house is the scale – a building erected in 179 as a watchtower. Link to the museum

Martin Andersen Nexøs minimum door

Martin Andersen Nexø is one of Denmark’s best-known and most respected novelists. Born in 1868, Nexø’s works dealt intensively with themes of social change and the self-destructive effects of nationalism. His most famous novel, “Pelle the Conqueror,” is based on his own childhood experiences. The novel is about the orphan Pelle, who is raised by his maternal grandmother. He works as a farm laborer, but is treated as an outsider by the community. His life changes when he goes to school and begins to take an interest in society and politics. Nexø’s work is influenced by socialist, utilitarian, and liberal ideas, with an emphasis on pacifism. Link to the memorial house

How to spend a vacation on the Danish island

Vacation in vacation home

Vacation home vacation is by far the most popular among German vacationers. In the south of the island are the largest cottage areas, around Doedde and Somarken.

Vacation in (bath)hotel

The further north you go on the island, the more sophisticated the hotels along the coast become. Here, mainly the Danes and Norwegians vacation and reside in beautiful hotels with access and views of the Baltic Sea – often picturesquely located between rocks and Mediterranean vegetation.

Hostel vacation

There are some great hostels on Bornholm, which are not necessarily cheap but can shine with a good location in Roenne or even by the sea. We especially love the hostel in Hasle.

Vacation at the campsite

Bornholm has a lot of campsites of all sizes. We find the sites in Duedde and north of it very nice, as they offer direct access to the wide sandy beach.

Frequently asked questions about Bornholm – FAQ