Copenhagen is a fantastic city. You can experience all the exciting things that the big city has to offer. But if you want to combine your holiday with idyllic surroundings, then take a day trip to Bornholm.
In 2018 Travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, voted the 3 best day trips from Copenhagen, Bornholm is among the 3. So there is no reason why the trip to Denmark should not include Bornholm. Experience incredible nature, colorful half-timbered houses and taste the fantastic Bornholm cuisine filled with local quality products.
– Condé Nast Traveler
Bornholm is closer than you might think. There are several opportunities to travel to Bornholm easily. Fly from Copenhagen to Rønne in 40 minutes or sail from Ystad to Rønne in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can read more about the different travel possibilities further down this page.
There are endless possibilities for great experiences on Bornholm. We have gathered 10 suggestions on what you can experience on a day trip to the island. But we have to warn you, you may have to stay more than one day, to have time to see everything.
When you arrive on Bornholm you have the opportunity to rent a car at the airport or at the port of Rønne. If you choose to do that, it will only take you about half an hour to drive to Hammershus. The largest castle ruin in Northern Europe and the most popular attraction on Bornholm. The castle from approx. 1300 is undoubtedly worth a visit. Don't miss it.
The sanctuary is considered one of the most important landmarks not only of Bornholm, but in the whole of Denmark. Besides how beautiful it is, there are also exciting caves that you can enter, such as "The black pot". Put on your best shoes and explore this incredible area.
Visit the beautiful Art Museum of Bornholm (Bornholms Kunstmuseum). The Art Museum is situated above the Sanctuary Rocks (Helligdomsklipperne) about six kilometres north-west of Gudhjem – in one of the most stunning and spectacular landscapes in Denmark.
North from the town Hasle is Jon's Chapel. Walk down the many steps to the rock formation. The legend says that the monk Jon came to the island to christian Bornholm. He was said to live in the cave and the islanders came down to him in order to see, who he was and to hear, what he had to say. Jon preached God’s word from the bible and more and more liked, what he was telling. The steps up again is the most tricky part, but it will be worth it.
If you want to try something completely different, then you can enjoy a meal at the gourmet restaurant Kadeau - the Guide Michelin starred restaurant by the sea. Kadeau is open from the middle of April to October.
Visit The Echo Valley (Ekkodalen) in the Almindingen forest on Bornholm. The Echo Valley is Bornholms longest rift valley. Try to call towards the cliffside and listen for the echo to come back. You can also just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
It is not only the echo valley that we recommend. Explore Almindingen - Denmark's fifth biggest forest with an area of about 6,000 hectares or nearly 15,000 acres. The forest contains a bison area. If you are lucky, you might see a bison. You can also visit the old castle ruins Lilleborg and Gamleborg, and Rytterknægten, Bornholms highest top of 162 meters or 531 feet above sealevel.
In Dueodde’s pine forest you can also experience some of the bunkers from the 2. world war. It was supposed to have some 17 meter long guns that could shoot 42 kilometers and thus close all entry from the east. The Germans had plans for four canon positions, two of which were being built. The purpose of the gun positions was to shield the shipping traffic that was south of Bornholm. You can feel the historic events, when you are here.
This place is unbelievably beautiful. Hammerknuden (or just the Hammer) is the northernmost naturearea on Bornholm - with a lot of beautiful hiking trails and landmarks as Hammeren Lighthouse, Opalsøen (the Opal lake), Hammersøen (the Hammer lake), Hammerodde Lighthouse and Hammerhavnen (the Hammer harbour).
The Opalsø (Opal Lake) as a remain of the Granite age From the 2nd half of the 19th century Bornholm witnessed a tremendous granite industry. Granite became one of the most important export goods of Bornholm. There was a real boom in the granite industry on the island and first in 1970 the quarry was closed. You will have a hard time believing, that this is actually located in Denmark.
