Travel guide

Bornholm

Denmark's Baltic Sea island combines a rocky coastline and a castle ruin in the north with fine sandy beaches in the south. In between are round churches, harbour towns, smokehouses and short distances – ideal for a trip that brings together nature, culture and the sea.

Bornholm at a glance

In the north, coastal paths lead to Hammershus and Hammerknuden; in the south lies the wide Dueodde beach. Rønne is the ferry port and a practical base; Gudhjem, Svaneke and Nexø stand for small harbours, smokehouses and craft workshops. For a first visit, a day exploring the north, a beach day in the south and a day for the towns combine well.

What brings you to Bornholm?

Highlights

Bornholm Art Museum

Bornholm Art Museum overlooks the Helligdomsklipperne cliffs, home to the Bornholm School painters, award-winning architecture and a holy spring inside.

Christiansø

Christiansø, 18 km northeast of Bornholm, is Denmark's only skerry island – a 1684 sea fortress with two tower museums, car-free, reached by ferry from Gudhjem.

The decommissioned Hammeren lighthouse on the Hammeren headland with its characteristic keeper's cottage.

Hammerfyr

Hammerfyr, built in 1872, stands on Bornholm's granite headland Hammeren, 91m above the sea with views as far as Sweden - plus Hammerodde Fyr on the coastal path.

The famous sandy beach at Dueodde with its distinctive lifeguard buoy at Bornholm's southern tip.

Dueodde Beach

Dueodde on Bornholm's southern tip is famed for powder-fine white sand and shallow Baltic waters — often ranked among Denmark's finest beaches.

Hammershus

Hammershus is Northern Europe's largest castle ruin and Bornholm's most-visited attraction. Free access year-round, with a free visitor centre.

The whitewashed Østerlars Church — Bornholm's largest round church — with its distinctive conical roof and adjoining nave on a sunny summer day.

Østerlars Round Church

Østerlars Round Church, built around 1150, is the largest of Bornholm's four round churches – fortress church and landmark with murals from around 1350 on its hollow central pillar.

Discover Bornholm

Attractions

Bornholm's most important attractions at a glance – from the Hammershus castle ruin to the Hammeren lighthouses and the fortress island of Christiansø, with prices and tips.

Places

Rønne, Gudhjem, Svaneke, the small fishing villages and the fortress island of Christiansø – an overview of Bornholm's main places and how to combine them.

Beaches

Fine white sand in the south, rocky coves in the north, free harbour baths and surf spots – Bornholm's best beaches at a glance, with water quality, lifeguards and the algae season.

Getting There

Ferry, flight, train or bus - here's how to get to Bornholm. Routes from Ystad, Sassnitz and Køge with crossing times, DKK prices, and a clear steer on booking early.

Where to Stay

Holiday home, hotel or campsite - which type of accommodation on Bornholm suits you, what it costs and when to book. The overview.

Activities

Cycling, hiking, fishing, sailing and watersports on Bornholm – with real distances, lengths, seasons and prices for active days on the island.

Food & Drink

Smoked herring, a Michelin-starred restaurant, its own wine, beer, sweets and cheese – for a small island, Bornholm has a remarkably rich food culture.

Arts & Crafts

Bornholm is Europe's first World Craft Region. Glassworks, ceramics, blacksmithing and woodwork in one small area, plus the key workshops, prices and tips for visiting.

Travel Tips

The best-value sights on Bornholm at a glance - a mix of fine sandy beaches, a castle ruin, lighthouses and a fortress island, with prices and tips.