Gitte Holtze
Hiker and outdoor freak as well as journalist, lecturer and author of "jeg lever" about Gitte's hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and "Gå langt", a guidebook to long hikes.
Trekandtell.dkDuration:
Around an hour
Length:
Approximately 1 km (each way)
Difficulty level:
Easy
Suitable for prams and wheelchairs:
With a bit of effort
Parking:
At the car park at Søndre Strandvej 144, Gudhjem
Toilets:
In the car park
Access to water:
The public toilets in the car park
Surface:
Mainly wide forest path
Special remarks:
The trip can be extended and made into a slightly more challenging but adventurous nature experience.
Set off on the wide forest path from the car park and continue almost all the way to the waterfall, which is the main attraction of Døndalen. It is Denmark’s largest waterfall with a drop of over 20 metres over a series of rocky plateaus. Especially in spring, when water is plentiful, watching the water hammering down the cliffs and the algae-covered rocks, forming little rainbows in sun’s rays, is a sight worth seeing.
And it’s a sight most people can get to see because the path is just 1 kilometre each way, and with a little effort, you can get there with a pram.
However, if you are a good walker, you can easily extend the hike,
because the path continues past the waterfall deeper into Døndalen. Here the route becomes a bit more of an obstacle course, because this valley is designated as untouched forest, which means that fallen trees are allowed to remain as they are, including those on the path.
A stream winds its way through the bottom of the valley, and the path crosses it several times. The path undulates over the slopes on either side of the stream so be prepared for a slightly more challenging hike on the extra kilometre each way to Røvejen, where the valley ends.
On the way back you can also pass the Amtsmandstenen (Amtsmand rock), located on the northern side of the waterfall (cross over via the bridge at the bottom of the waterfall). It’s a steep climb up to the rock, but you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the sea, and when the weather is clear, also Christiansø.
On this hike, you get a chance to visit the following places:
In the middle of Døndalen, the Døndal stream drops about 20 metres, forming Denmark’s highest waterfall. The north-west side of the valley rises in a 20-metre-high cliff, culminating in the viewpoint of the Amtmandsstenen. From here you have a view over the treetops of the valley to the Baltic Sea and Christiansø.
Visit Bornholm’s beautiful art museum at Helligdomsklipperne (Sanctuary Cliffs). The art museum is located about 6 km north of Gudhjem in one of Denmark’s most beautiful and spectacular landscapes. See opening hours here
Helligdomsklipperne are located between Tejn and Gudhjem, and are one of Bornholm’s – indeed Denmark’s – greatest natural attractions.
Experience the beautiful Bornholm coastline and Helligdomsklipperne from the sea aboard the old wooden ship M/S Thor, which has been sailing the coast for more than 100 years. Find more information here
Stammershalle Badehotel was built in 1911 on rocky ground along one of Bornholm’s most beautiful stretches of coast between Tejn and Gudhjem. The hotel’s atmosphere is cosy and laidback and serves seasonal dishes made from local seasonal produce.See opening hours here
Go on an exciting hike into the Troldeskoven forest and discover Bornholm’s largest erratic boulder, Elverhøj. You can also explore the forest itself and see if you can find the old bear cave, which is the remains of a zoo from 1934.
Røverborgen is an exciting rock formation that’s easy to climb if you’re agile. To get to it, set off from Norresan along Kyststien towards Helligdomsklipperne.
Bornholm is a paradise for any nature lover. Find more hiking paths below...