The Coastal Path follows Bornholm’s shoreline all the way around the island – a hiking route of approximately 120 km featuring dramatic cliffs, peaceful forests, and wide sandy beaches. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming fishing villages and larger towns, where you can stock up on supplies, enjoy a good meal, or find a place to stay. The route leads past more than 30 harbours and coastal settlements – but most of the time, you’ll be walking in peaceful nature with sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.
The Coastal Path is more than just a scenic walk – it’s also part of Bornholm’s maritime heritage. Large parts of the trail follow old rescue paths that were used by lifesaving teams in the 19th and 20th centuries when ships ran aground along the rugged coastline. These trails were created to provide fast access to the sea and to connect the island’s rescue stations. Today, they are quiet walking routes – but they still tell the story of a strong connection between the people of Bornholm and the sea.
Most visitors to Bornholm arrive via Rønne, and this is where many start their hike along the Coastal Path. You can walk clockwise or counterclockwise around the island – both directions offer stunning natural scenery. Begin your adventure at the Bornholm Welcome Centre by the harbour in Rønne. Here, you’ll find helpful planning advice, maps, and a printed guide to the Coastal Path.
Bornholm has established itself as one of Europe’s top destinations for hiking holidays. In 2021, the island was named Europe’s second-best hiking region by the German magazine TREKKING. Back in 2019, Bornholm was also honoured by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who voted it one of the best holiday islands in Europe.
You can download various apps for your trip along the coastal path. In Bornholm’s tourist information or at our webshop, you can order multiple hiking maps, books and other helpful material for your hikes on Bornholm. Order by clicking on the links below.
