Things to Do in Bornholm, Denmark

Bornholm, known as the 'Pearl of the Baltic,' is Denmark's easternmost island, floating serenely in the Baltic Sea closer to Sweden than to mainland Denmark. This enchanting island combines dramatic rocky coastlines, pristine sandy beaches, medieval ruins, and charming fishing villages into one compact destination. With its unique round churches, historic fortifications, and distinctive regional cuisine, Bornholm offers visitors an authentic Danish experience away from the crowds of Copenhagen. The island's landscape is remarkably diverse for its modest size, featuring everything from the towering sea cliffs of Hammershus to the tropical-like dune systems of Dueodde Beach. Bornholm's rich cultural heritage is evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture, traditional smokehouses, and thriving arts and crafts scene. The island's mild climate, influenced by the Baltic Sea, creates perfect conditions for cycling, hiking, and outdoor exploration, while its four main towns each offer their own distinct character and attractions.

Top Things to Do in Bornholm

Explore Hammershus Castle Ruins

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Baltic Sea, Hammershus is Northern Europe's largest medieval fortress ruin. The 13th-century castle offers spectacular views and fascinating history, with well-preserved walls and towers that tell the story of Danish-Swedish conflicts. The visitor center provides excellent context through interactive exhibits and archaeological displays.

Booking Tip: Entry to the ruins is free, but the visitor center charges around 95 DKK for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The site is open year-round, but check weather conditions as cliff-top winds can be strong.

Cycle the Bornholm Coastal Route

Bornholm's extensive network of cycling paths includes a spectacular coastal route that circles the entire island, covering approximately 105 kilometers of varied terrain. The route passes through fishing villages, past medieval churches, and along both rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Well-marked paths and bike-friendly infrastructure make this one of Denmark's premier cycling destinations.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost 150-250 DKK per day, with multi-day discounts available. Book rentals in advance during summer months, and look for operators offering GPS units and repair kits. The full coastal route can be completed in 2-3 days with overnight stops.

Visit Traditional Smokehouses

Bornholm's iconic smokehouses, recognizable by their distinctive white towers, have been smoking herring using traditional methods for centuries. These working facilities offer tours and tastings where visitors can learn about the smoking process and sample freshly prepared fish. The combination of history, craftsmanship, and delicious food makes this a quintessential Bornholm experience.

Booking Tip: Most smokehouses charge 50-100 DKK for tours with tastings. Visit during weekday mornings when smoking is most active, and book ahead during summer. Look for smokehouses that offer English-language tours and include multiple fish varieties in tastings.

Discover Round Churches

Bornholm's four round churches, built in the 12th century, are unique architectural marvels that served both religious and defensive purposes. These whitewashed stone structures feature thick walls, small windows, and distinctive conical roofs. Each church has its own character and historical significance, with Østerlars Church being the largest and best-preserved example.

Booking Tip: Church visits typically cost 20-30 DKK per person, with combination tickets available for multiple churches. Opening hours vary seasonally, so check schedules in advance. Guided tours in English are available at Østerlars Church for an additional fee.

Relax at Dueodde Beach

Dueodde Beach boasts some of the finest white sand in Europe, with powdery grains so pure they were once used in hourglasses. This expansive beach stretches for kilometers along Bornholm's southern coast, backed by impressive sand dunes and pine forests. The area offers excellent swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks, plus a historic lighthouse with panoramic views.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs around 20-30 DKK per day in summer. The lighthouse climb costs 30 DKK for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and bring wind protection as coastal breezes can be strong.

Getting There

Reaching Bornholm requires either a ferry journey or flight, as the island has no bridge connections. The most popular route is by ferry from Køge (near Copenhagen) to Rønne, operated by Bornholmslinjen, taking about 5.5 hours with comfortable onboard amenities. Faster options include ferries from Ystad, Sweden (1.5 hours) or flights from Copenhagen Airport to Bornholm Airport (35 minutes). Ferry bookings should be made well in advance during summer months, especially for vehicles, while flights offer year-round service with several daily departures.

Getting Around

Bornholm is ideally sized for exploration by bicycle, car, or public transport, with most attractions within easy reach of each other. The island has an excellent network of cycling paths connecting all major towns and attractions, making bike rental a popular choice for visitors. Public buses operated by BAT connect all towns and many tourist sites, with day passes offering good value for multiple journeys. Car rental provides maximum flexibility for exploring remote beaches and countryside areas, while many visitors enjoy combining cycling for local exploration with bus travel for longer distances.

Where to Stay

Rønne

Allinge-Sandvig

Gudhjem

Svaneke

Dueodde

Hasle

Food & Dining

Bornholm's culinary scene celebrates the island's maritime heritage and local ingredients, with smoked fish being the undisputed star of local cuisine. Traditional smokehouses serve freshly smoked herring on dark rye bread, while modern restaurants elevate local seafood with contemporary techniques and seasonal produce. The island's restaurants range from casual harbourfront eateries to Michelin-recommended establishments, many emphasizing farm-to-table concepts using Bornholm's excellent dairy products, herbs, and vegetables. Don't miss trying local specialties like 'Sol over Gudhjem' (smoked herring with raw egg yolk) and sampling craft beers from local breweries, often paired with artisanal cheeses from the island's renowned dairies.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bornholm is from May through September, when temperatures are warmest and most attractions and restaurants are fully operational. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for beach activities and cycling, but also bring the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) provide excellent weather with fewer tourists, making these ideal times for a more peaceful experience. Winter visits are possible but many tourist facilities close, though the island takes on a dramatic beauty with stormy seas and cozy indoor attractions like museums and craft workshops remaining open.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Bornholm Card for discounts on attractions, restaurants, and transport - it pays for itself after just a few uses

Many shops and restaurants close on Sundays and Mondays, especially outside summer season, so plan accordingly

Pack layers and wind-resistant clothing even in summer, as Baltic Sea breezes can make temperatures feel cooler than expected

Things to Do in Bornholm