The route is one of the coastal path’s medium-length sections and, therefore, a more demanding stage. The terrain varies widely, and the surface will be both asphalt- and gravel paths. You will walk through atmospheric rocky shores cosy fishing villages with old townhouses and experience fantastic views from clifftops.
Here you’ll get the essential information about the coastal path section from Sandvig to Gudhjem:
Sandvig Havn – Strandvejen – Allinge – Sandkås – Tejn – Stammershalle – Bådsted – Døndale Å – Bornholms Kunstmuseum – Helligdomsklipperne – Stevelen – Salene Bugt – Nørresand – Gudhjem Havn
Sandvig – Tejn, 6,5 km. (Medium)
Tejn – Helligdomsklipperne, 5,5 km. (Medium)
Helligdomsklipperne – Gudhjem, 6,5 km. (Difficult)
A total of 18,5 km.
The trip starts at Sandvig Harbour and ends at Gudhjem Harbour. The trip lasts 5 hours.
This section of the coastal path is approx. 18 km long and can be divided into several subsections. In addition, there are several possibilities for extending the walk with some beautiful detours.
Below, you will find directions to and from the different sights as well as some tips and notes.
Furthermore, you can click on the pictures to get information about the sights.
The section starts at Sandvig Harbour, and from here, you follow the main road, Strandvejen, towards Allinge. Initially, the two towns were small fishing villages, but today it can be difficult to see where one ends, and the other begins. The city sign also says Allinge-Sandvig. From Allinge Harbour, follow the coastline, past Netto and Nordbornholms Smokehouse, and stay on the road closest to the coastline. Shortly after, the road splits in two, and you follow the left road along the coast. This road takes you through a height-varying but hiking-friendly landscape. The path leads you directly to the city of Tejn. TIP: On the road between Sandvig and Allinge, you can choose to take a detour to the rock carvings from the Bronze age at Madsebakke. Follow the signs from Nordlandshallen (sports hall), which you will find on the right side of the road at the start of Allinge. The trip back and forth from the coastal path to Madsebakke is only about a kilometre. NOTE: In both Allinge-Sandvig and Tejn, you will find grocery stores as well as accommodation and dining options. In addition, there are restroom and bathing facilities at the harbours.
Tejn is a former fishing village whose harbour was greatly expanded when the fishing industry was at its peak. From the harbour, you return to the main road, Strandvejen, and follow it out of the town. After the city sign, you’ll walk along the bicycle path, which winds along the rocky coastline. Shortly after passing Stammershalle Badehotel, the terrain begins to rise. After around 700 meters, you turn in at Jydeskæret, and at the end of that road, you continue to the left, where you will soon find the coastal path again. You continue along the coast until Døndalen (A rift valley) cuts through the landscape. NOTE: At Døndalen's car park, on the opposite side of the road from the cycle path, you will find public restrooms.
From Døndalen, you can either follow the coastal path or the bicycle path; either way, it’s going to go uphill. If you choose to continue along the bicycle path, you could visit the Art Museum of Bornholm on your way. To get to the sanctuary cliffs, you’ll have to go around the right side of the Museum. If you choose the coastal path from Døndalen, you’ll quickly reach the sanctuary cliffs. TIP: If you have the time, you should experience Døn Valley. Here you will find Denmark's highest waterfall in lavishly beautiful natural surroundings. The trip to the waterfall and return to the Coastal Path is about two kilometres long, and you should expect to spend approx. an extra hour in the beautiful rift valley. NOTE: You will find public toilets at Bornholms Kunstmuseum and Bornholmerpladsen.
At The Sanctuary Cliffs, you should go down the staircase and look at the iconic rock formations. You can also explore Den Sorte Gryde (The Black Pot), a 60-meter-deep cave – remember a flashlight! The rest of the path continues on the top of the cliffside, and you’ll get a fantastic view of the cliffsides from up there. However, the landscape gradually changes from rock formations to forests. Soon you will find yourself in a field landscape where the path meanders near grazing sheep. You will also come across Røstad, a former fishing village that today is under private ownership. You will follow the path through an idyllic landscape until you get to Salene Bay.
This used to be the home of one of Bornholm’s most beautiful sandy beaches, but the sand has mysteriously disappeared over time. However, the place is today extremely well visited by anglers. The path and the signs follow Salene Bay all the way around until it goes steeply upwards throughout the forest, where you can enjoy the view facing north. Soon you will arrive at Nørre Sand and Gudhjem. NOTE: At Salene Bay, you will find a primitive campsite.
This section ends in one of Bornholm’s most beautiful towns and Denmark’s only city with mountains! Maybe you would like to try the speciality 'Sol over Gudhjem' on top of today’s hardships? Gudhjem is a fantastic place to rest.
TIP: You can take the ferry from Gudhjem to Christiansø, Denmark’s easternmost point. It only takes an hour to reach Christinasø but remember to check the departure times.
With this app, published by Destination Bornholm you will get everything you need to know about Bornholm. In the app, you will also find helpful tips about accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and transport on your way along the coastal trail.
If you would like more information or map material for the coastal path on Bornholm, we recommend two books, both of which can be purchased in our webshop or at the tourist information on the island.
