Bring your dog or cat to Bornholm
When summer arrives in Denmark, there’s no better place to enjoy it than on Bornholm – where iconic smokehouse chimneys rise above the landscape and the sea gently kisses the sun-warmed cliffs.
The island offers long, bright summer days, white sandy beaches, charming coastal towns and a sense of closeness you’ll only find here.
Whether you dream of lazy days by the water, exciting attractions, unique nature experiences or the taste of a freshly made Krølle-Bølle ice cream – everything on Bornholm is close by, and your next summer holiday memory is just around the corner.
Bornholm comes to life in summer, and no matter where you are, you’re always close to your next memorable holiday moment. Here are some of our favourite tips for a summer to remember.
Bornholm is home to some of Denmark’s finest beaches. Dueodde tempts with its ultra-fine white sand and crystal-clear water, while Balka Beach is perfect for families with children. Want a more unique swim? Try the rocky lagoons at Helligdomsklipperne or Jons Kapel for a dip in dramatic surroundings.
No summer on Bornholm is complete without a visit to one of the island’s iconic smokehouses. Bite into freshly smoked mackerel or delicious smoked shrimp – or explore Bornholm’s growing gourmet scene, where local ingredients are turned into unforgettable culinary experiences.
Visit farm shops, sample award-winning cheeses or enjoy freshly caught fish at a harbour-side restaurant with views of the Baltic Sea.
Most visitors have already been to Hammershus, but did you know Bornholm has no fewer than seven castle ruins? Explore Gamleborg – a forgotten royal fortress hidden in Almindingen forest, where you can also test the echo in Ekkodalen and soak up the atmosphere at Denmark’s most charming racetrack.
The island is also full of small museums and discovery centres that bring Bornholm’s history to life.
Experience Bornholm’s wild and varied landscapes. Cycle through the deep woods of Almindingen, hike the lush Svartingedal valley, or try kayaking and paddleboarding. Nature is never far away, and some of the island’s greatest experiences are found on small, hidden trails – where it feels like you have it all to yourself.
Summer on Bornholm buzzes with life. Explore the island’s many craft shops, scattered from village to village, enjoy intimate summer concerts, or soak up the relaxed holiday atmosphere in charming towns, where the scent of handmade caramels and ice cream fills the air.
Bornholm offers some of the best cycling terrain in Denmark – with low traffic and a safe, well-connected network of bike routes winding through the island’s beautiful and varied landscapes. In the north, you’ll find dramatic cliffs; in the centre, gentle hills; and in the south, open farmland.
This makes Bornholm the perfect destination for a relaxed family cycling holiday – but the hilly terrain can also challenge even the most seasoned riders. The island also boasts some of the best gravel and mountain bike trails in the Nordics, attracting cyclists from near and far.
In 2025, PostNord Danmark Rundt – Denmark’s biggest cycling race – will kick off with its 1st stage, the Grand Depart, right here on Bornholm. The race takes place in August, and the route has already been announced – so if you’re up for it, you can try the very same ride: Stage 1 – Nexø to Rønne, Bornholm.
Bornholm has a strong cycling tradition, and many talented riders come here for training camps. In fact, one of Denmark’s most well-known cyclists, Magnus Cort, was born and raised on the island – and took his very first pedal strokes on Bornholm’s roads.
The fact that Bornholm is an island adds an extra layer to the holiday feeling – because to get here, you’ll need to travel by ferry or plane. That holiday mood sets in the moment you’re surrounded by the Baltic Sea, lean back in your seat and let the journey take care of itself – while someone else handles the final stretch.
By ferry – Take the short and scenic crossing from Ystad with Bornholmslinjen, which sails up to 16 times a day. There are good connections from Copenhagen by train, bus or car. You can also take the direct overnight ferry from Køge to Rønne.
By plane – DAT offers flights to Bornholm from Copenhagen, Aalborg (April–September), and Billund (April–October). If you’re closer to Sønderborg, Alsie Express has a summer route (June–August) with direct flights to Rønne.
Getting around on Bornholm – The island has a well-developed network of buses, cycling paths and car rental options, so it’s easy to explore whether you’re bringing your own car or not.
If you’re planning to bring your dog or cat on holiday to Bornholm, please note that specific travel regulations apply if you’re travelling via Sweden.
You can read more about it here → bornholm.info/bornholm-with-pets
Summer on Bornholm is something truly special. The island buzzes with life through festivals, markets and concerts that create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. At the same time, Bornholm’s museums, cultural venues and experience centres invite you to explore the island’s rich history and creative spirit.
Bornholm is full of exciting happenings all summer long. Join in on political debates and a true people’s festival at Folkemødet, taste culinary masterpieces at Sol over Gudhjem, or dance under the stars at Wonderfestiwall. In late summer, the island celebrates Bornholm Cultural Week (week 38) – a one-of-a-kind cultural experience spread across the entire island.
One of Bornholm’s most beloved summer traditions is the Summer Revue, where satire and entertainment go hand in hand in the scenic setting of Kyllingemoderen at Christianshøjkroen. Enjoy sharp humour with a local twist, all in the unique atmosphere of Almindingen Forest. Make it a full evening by combining your visit with a stop at Denmark’s smallest – and coziest – racetrack, just around the corner.
Step back in time at Bornholm Museum, admire stunning exhibitions at Bornholm’s Art Museum, or explore the past brought to life at the Medieval Centre of Bornholm. Want to dive into Bornholm’s dramatic geology, dinosaurs and volcanic past? Then NaturBornholm is a must. If glass and contemporary craft is your thing, don’t miss a visit to Bornholm’s Centre for Craft in Hasle – showcasing an impressive range of local, national and international makers.
Bornholm is also for those who love to move. Challenge yourself at Etape Bornholm, Denmark’s most scenic stage race, where you run a full marathon spread over five spectacular routes – across cliffs, beaches and forests.
On Bornholm, unforgettable moments are always close by – the only question is: which summer memory will you start with?
Bornholm is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Denmark – and if you want to secure your favourite spot, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
Plan your summer holiday now:
→ Find great places to stay on Bornholm
→ How to get to Bornholm easil
We can’t wait to welcome you!
