This Baltic Sea island has dark forests, white beaches, and fresh seafood restaurants. Local specialties include smoked herring in small fishing towns like Gudhjem and Svaneke.
Bornholm sits in the Baltic Sea as Denmark's easternmost island. Granite cliffs rise along its northern shore, while white sand stretches across its southern beaches. Walk through the massive ruins of Hammershus fortress, step inside one of the island's medieval round churches, or watch glassblowers at work in their studios. The island's old timber smokehouse chimneys still release the aroma of freshly smoked herring, while local potters shape clay into contemporary designs in workshops across the island.
Getting to Bornholm
Flights from Copenhagen reach Bornholm in 35 minutes. For drivers, the fastest route goes through Ystad, Sweden, where a high-speed ferry takes you to Rønne, Bornholm's main town. Year-round ferries also connect the island to Germany and Poland.
North and South Landscapes
Granite cliffs line the northern coastline, where the Sanctuary Cliffs contain natural caves and rare spider species. The landscape changes as you head south, through Denmark's fifth-largest forest, Almindingen. At Dueodde, fine white sand stretches along the shore – sand so fine it was once used in hourglasses.
Medieval Round Churches
Four of Denmark's seven round churches stand on Bornholm, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Walk into Østerlars Round Church to see three ancient rune stones and climb to the upper floor's shooting gallery, where defenders once watched for raiders.
Arts and Crafts
Bornholm earned the title of Europe's first World Craft Region in 2017. Clay deposits across the island have drawn ceramicists for generations, and their workshops dot the landscape. In Hasle, an old merchant's house now displays local textiles, pottery, and glassware.
Local Food
Smoke rises from traditional chimneys in Hasle and Nexø, where fishmongers prepare herring using centuries-old methods. Local restaurants cook with ingredients from the surrounding waters and fields – fresh cod and salmon from the Baltic, vegetables from nearby farms, and dairy products from island producers.
Towns and Villages
In Rønne, 175 red timber houses line the streets – gifts from Sweden after WWII. The harbor town of Gudhjem spreads across rocky slopes down to the water, while Svaneke's half-timbered buildings catch more sunlight than anywhere else in Denmark. Inland, Aakirkeby houses both the NaturBornholm museum and the island's only vineyard.
Exploring the Island
A 75-mile trail circles the coastline, while the 40-mile Højlyngssti path crosses through the center. You can cycle 230 kilometers of dedicated paths between major sites and towns. In winter, anglers find sheltered fishing spots along the varied coastline, protected from winds regardless of direction.
