The best things to do on Bornholm, Denmark

Are you going to Denmark and looking for the best things to do in Bornholm, one of the best places to visit in Denmark? Then you’re in luck, because these are the 10 best things to do in Malmö in one day! In this blog post, I’m going to highlight the best things to do in Bornholm, Denmark, the best places to visit in Bornholm and the best adventures to go on. It is one of the best places to visit in Denmark an somewhere that should definitely be on your Europe bucket list!

Bornholm is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Denmark, and is considered one of the top 10 things to do in Denmark, so if you are going to Bornholm, get excited! Now, you are probably wondering what to do on Bornholm and you might even be searching for the best things to do on Bornholm, Denmark… maybe you are looking for the best outdoor things to do on Bornholm such as the best places to hike or the best places to go rock climbing on Bornholm… or perhaps, you are looking for the best cities to visit or the top places to see on Bornholm?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you have come to the right place! I will be going through all the most essential knowledge as well as all the activities and sights you must see in Bornholm, these include: fun things to do in Bornholm, how to get to Bornholm, and the best things to do on Bornholm, Denmark.

Most travellers come to Bornholm from South Sweden and Denmark, but it is also popular with travellers from other European countries such as Germany and Norway. Bornholm is one of the best things to do in Denmark, so if you are planning a road trip through Denmark, you definitely should not miss out on this little island!

Bornholm is best known for its outdoor adventure activities such as rock climbing, hiking, windsurfing and kayaking, and the island is also very well-known for its relaxing, beautiful holiday, fishing villages and seaside towns like Gudhjem. The island has something to offer to everyone; whether you are an outdoor adventurer, a holiday enthusiast, or a backpacker wanting to experience every part of Bornholm.

You can visit Bornholm all year round but it is an especially popular destination during summer when the weather is warmer, and the sun goes down at 11 pm. The top things to do on Bornholm will all be available during the summer months, while in the winter months less outdoor things will be going on, there will still be plenty of other things to do on Bornholm, Denmark. If you are not sure about what to do in bornholm in the winter then don’t worry, there will be more about that later…

So… are you dreaming of an outdoor adventure and looking for the top things to do on Bornholm? Or maybe you want to go on a relaxing holiday to a European island? Then keep reading.
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Where is Bornholm? How to go to Bornholm…

Bornholm is a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea, 109 kilometers (105 miles) southeast of Copenhagen and 35 kilometers (22 miles) southeast of Sweden.

Right now you’re probably wondering how to go to Bornholm, and I will tell you! You can easily reach Bornholm by ferry going from Denmark, Germany or Sweden. The ferry from Ystad, Sweden goes to Bornholm in just one hour and 20 minutes. The ferry from Køge, Denmark goes to Bornholm in 5 and a half hours. The last option by ferry is from Sassnitz, Germany; this ferry trip will take you to Bornholm in 3 and a half hours.

This is just one option for how to go to Bornholm. If you are wanting a quicker, more efficient way on how to go to Bornholm then you can choose to fly in just 35 minutes from Copenhagen. You can also fly from any of these Danish cities: Billund, Aalborg, Aarhus, and Sønderborg, or you can fly from either of the Norwegian cities Stavanger or Stord (via. Billund).

This means that if you are coming from anywhere else but Germany, Denmark, Sweden or Norway, the best way to get to Bornholm would be flying into one of these countries, such as Malmö, Sweden, and then taking the ferry across. Despite it being a little out of the way, do not miss out on going to Bornholm, it is one of the top 10 things to do in Denmark!

When to visit Bornholm…

Bornholm is famously known as “the sunshine island”, and it is known as one of the best places to visit in Denmark during the summer.

However, the best time to visit Bornholm depends on the activities and experiences you are expecting to do. Late spring and summertime will be best all-around for experiencing as many of the top things to do on Bornholm as possible. It will be the best time to do outdoor activities such as sea kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming. It will also be the best time to visit the beaches and the cities; at this time of the year, the cities and beaches will be the most lively. There will be ice cream pop-ups at every corner and tourist activities and outdoor experiences will be booming.

If you are wanting fewer crowds, more Christmas feelings, and wintery vibes, then you should consider visiting Bornholm during the winter months! Now, Bornholm being “the sunshine island”, you might be wondering what to do in Bornholm in the winter… you have probably guessed it, winter is the off-season, but despite this, it still has a lot of fun things to do in Bornholm: hiking will still be an option for most of the winter months, Christmas Markets will be on and there is even a ski hill where you can go skiing! It is called Bornholms Skivenner. Do keep in mind that when visiting during the winter months, the bus services will be running less, and the most convenient way to get around the island during the winter months will be by car.

How to get around Bornholm…

The best and most efficient way to get around Bornholm is by renting a car and driving: this is the best place to find a car hire that suits you and your budget.

However, you can also get around Bornholm without a car! Instead, you will need to take public transport. It will be easiest to get around the island by bus during late spring, mid-summer, and late-summer; since this is the time of year that the buses will be running most often. If you are visiting during the winter, just keep in mind that the bus services will be running less often and this might cause inconveniences. You can see the timetables right here.

Where to stay on Bornholm…

The best accommodation on Bornholm can be anything from hotels, holiday homes, hostels to free campsites and shelters. If you want to go during the winter and you want to have a cozy and relaxing accommodation to come back to, you might want to book a hostel, hotel or a holiday home, whereas if you are coming during the summer and want to have an authentic experience of the outdoors of Bornholm, then you might want to stay on one of the campsites or even in the free shelters. Here are the best places to stay on Bornholm and where to find them:

Holiday homes

Bornholm has a variety of cozy holiday homes scattered over the island. So if you are a bigger group coming to Bornholm, and you are looking for somewhere that has the space for all of you to cozy up at the end of the night then head over here to find the best holiday homes on Bornholm.

Hotels and Hostels

Bornholm has hotels and hostels all over the island. If you are looking for some backpacker-friendly accommodation, then you should check out the hostels mentioned below. These are some of the best hostels on Bornholm for both location and value:

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, and want a relaxing, treat-me holiday, then you should stay in one of these lovely hotels. These are some of the best hotels on Bornholm:

Cheap Campsites and Free Shelters

If you are a bit of an outdoor adventurer traveling during the warmer months and you are looking for the cheapest alternative, then you should check out the campsite and free shelter options on Bornholm. Staying in a shelter gives an authentic Danish, Bornholm experience and is one of the best things to do in Denmark. Since staying outdoors is considered one of the best things to do on Bornholm there will be many possibilities all over the island, some of the options are:

Shelter Hasle Lystskov (Fælledvej of. Glasværksvej)
Hammersø Shelter (Hammersø 4)
Øringe mose Shelter (Ørningevej 4)
Røstad Shelter (Helligdomsvej 8A)
Shelter Ravnedalen (Borrelyngvej 58, in Ravnedalen)

You can find all shelter and campsite possibilities here.

Just remember that when camping in free shelters, there are rules. These are a few of the rules to keep in mind when camping for free on Bornholm:

You may stay one night at each shelter.
You may have a maximum of two tents at the same site.
You must use a cooker with a closed burner.
The tents have to be out of commercial and residential buildings.
The use of fire is only permitted in places with built campfire areas

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Now that you are ready to explore what Bornholm has to offer, you might be wondering what to do on Bornholm… well, here are the best things to do on Bornholm, Denmark…

The best things to do in Bornholm, Denmark…

1. Go hiking!

The incredible nature on Bornholm is the main reason tourists choose to visit, and for that reason, hiking is one of the top things to do in Bornholm. If you are not sure what to do in Bornholm, but you know you want to experience the outdoors of Bornholm as well as do some of the most fun things to do in Bornholm, then you must go hiking.

When you go hiking on Bornholm you will see unique landscapes made of rocks and cliffs. You will go through forests and valleys, see ruins and waterfalls on your way, and you might even meet a few sheep, cows, and other animals. You will never get bored, it is truly one of the most fun things to do in Bornholm!

There are many walking trails all along the coast of Bornholm, and hiking these trails is not only considered one of the best things to do in Bornholm, but is also considered one of the best things to do in Denmark. They all go through beautiful natural areas such as the woods and rift valleys.

One trail will lead you to Døndalefaldet which is a 25-meter-high waterfall and thereby the highest waterfall in Denmark and yet another one of the best things to do in Bornholm. Another trail will lead you through Ekkodalen which is a 12 km long rift valley and also the longest rift valley on the island! Other trails will lead you on coastal walks through small fishing villages. As you can hear, the possibilities are endless when it comes to hiking, so you absolutely must put this on your to-do list of the best things to do in Bornholm!

You can find both intermediate and beginner hikes all around the island, so there are hikes suited for almost everyone.

If you are simply looking for the best, most beautiful trail on Bornholm, then you should go on the walking trail around Hammerknuden! This trail is located at the northern tip of the island and is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails and one of the top 10 things to do in Denmark. It is a 3-4 hour hike with almost 7 kilometers worth of path; it is not one of the easy hikes on Bornholm, so be prepared for an adventure. On your way, you will see Hammerodde lighthouse and Solomon’s Chapel. You will also hike around the famous lakes Opalsø and Hammersø. If you are here for outdoor adventures and hikes, do not miss this trail as it is one of the top things to do in Bornholm!

You can find some of the best hikes on Bornholm right here.

2. Go Rock Climbing with Baltic Sea views

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Bornholm, and you are up for another outdoor adventure, then you should consider going rock climbing on Bornholm. Rock climbing is yet another one of the top things to do in Bornholm, and with its rocky landscapes, it is easy to see why! There are over 900 registered rock climbing routes on Bornholm, making it one of the most fun things to do in Bornholm, so there is absolutely no way you will run out of routes or get bored.

On Bornholm you get to go climbing on coastal cliffs with views of the amazing Baltic Sea. Bornholm offers both bouldering and route climbing, and in winter, there are even opportunities for ice climbing! The best thing is: you do not have to be a professional climber to be able to experience rock climbing on Bornholm! There are routes made for all levels, so whether you’re just on holiday wanting a different outdoor experience or you’re a skilled climber, there will be options for you!

Some of the best routes can be found in these places:

You can find all the best routes for your level right here.

3. Marvel at Hammershus Castle Ruins

Hammershus Castle Ruins is the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe and is one of the best places to visit in Denmark. It is located at the northern tip of Bornholm and is the one thing you must do and absolutely should not miss when visiting Bornholm. This is arguably, not just one of the best things to do on Bornholm, but the best thing to do on Bornholm! You can visit the Hammershus Visitor Center and not only get a panoramic perspective of the ruins but also learn about the incredible history of Hammerhus castle ruins.

If you want a more unique tip on what to do on Bornholm, then listen to this… If you are visiting Bornholm on the clearer, sunnier days, then you should also seriously consider going to Hammershus ruins at night time for a unique outdoor experience. This is one of the best places to visit in Denmark and admire the stars of the night sky; it is truly one of the most magical and unique experiences.

4. Visit Gudhjem: God’s Home of Bornholm

Gudhjem, directly translated to “God’s home”, is probably my favorite place on Bornholm; simply because it has something to offer every type of traveller. Gudhjem is the only Danish town located upon a hill and is one of the best places to visit in Denmark.

At first glance, Gudhjem might seem like a place you will need no more than a couple of hours to explore, but wait! The town has so much more to offer than you might think. It has unique, local shops and boutiques, cafés and restaurants, and once you have explored these, there is more… nearby you will find the little fishing village called Melsted. It is a charming little town and a well-kept local secret, definitely one of the best things to do in Bornholm!

After you have gone to Melsted, you should head to Helligdomsklipperne. You can either drive 5 minutes, take a 10-minute bus or hike for an hour out to the cliffs. One last thing to do in Gudhjem will be getting the ferry across to the old sea fortress Christiansø. You can take a direct one-hour ferry from the harbor of Gudhjem to Christiansø. On Christiansø you will get to experience and learn about Northern Europe’s first sea fortress from 1684.

5. Visit one of Europe’s 20 Best Beaches: Dueodde Beach

Are you wanting a white sand beach and salty ocean water? Then Dueodde beach will be the perfect choice for you! It is one of the top things to do in Bornholm, and is one of the best beaches in Europe. The beach has fine, white sand and stretches over several kilometers. You can easily spend a whole summer day here, just lying on the beach… enjoying a cold, summer drink… listening to the sound of the waves…

In the middle of Dueodde Beach, you will also find the famous lighthouse; Dueodde Lighthouse. The fantastic view from the lighthouse overlooking the coast and the whole of southern Bornholm will take your breath away! It is one of the most stunning views of Bornholm, and one you should not miss when visiting Dueodde Beach!

Check out the best things to do in Europe here.

6. Go for outdoor adventures in Nature Park Bornholm

Are you wanting to know what to do on Bornholm if you are an adventure junkie? Don’t worry, I have got you covered!

One of the most fun things to do on Bornholm, Denmark is to go for the outdoor adventure experience in Nature Park Bornholm. This park offers everything from zip-lining to disc golf to high rope climbing in the woods! Nature Park Bornholm is located in Gudhjem, 3760, Brommevej 10, and has a variety of different ticket options, all depending on what you are looking to do.

You can find more information on pricing and the different activities here.

explore ACTIVE TRAVEL GUIDES on my blog here

7. Go for a swim in the Opalsø (Opal Lake)

If you are not quite a climber or an adventure junkie, but you do enjoy exploring nature and going for a swim, then you should go to the lake: Opalsø. This place will leave you stunned at the view.

The lake is surrounded by a granite quarry and has several walks and hikes around it. If you choose to take the short walk up to the top of the granite quarry that surrounds the lake, you will get an incredible view of the lake, the area and even be able to see Hammershus ruins in the distance. This is also a very popular spot to go for a swim in the summer, but beware, it is deep, so make sure you are a confident swimmer!

8. Visit Svaneke and try their famous Danish Beer

Maybe you are wondering what to do on Bornholm when you are not out exploring nature… I’ll tell you: you have a drink! More specifically… you have the local beer Svaneke – in Svaneke!

To be completely honest, you can find the Svaneke beers in most of Denmark, not just in Svaneke town, however, there is something a little bit extra special about drinking the Svaneke beer in the actual brewery and hometown of Svaneke!

If you are a larger group of at least 15 people, then you can visit the brewery and have a beer tasting for just 145 dkk. If you are just a few people or even just by yourself, you can still have a beer tasting, you will simply need to order the beer tasting at the bar.

What are your favourite things to do in Bornholm?

Where are your best places to visit in Denmark? Anything you’d add?

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Love as always and happy adventuring…

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The best things to do in Bornholm, Denmark