Discover Bornholm

Bornholm can be experienced in many different ways: the history of its smokehouses, exhibitions about the island’s past and striking landscape views each offer a different focus. When planning your trip, first consider which places and topics interest you. This can also help you find a suitable base: decide which places you want to visit, then look for a hotel for your trip. The locations described here offer specific points of reference, without suggesting that all the experiences are alike.

Experience smokehouse history and culture

Bornholm’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866. Herring has been smoked there ever since. Hasle Smokehouse represents another distinctive aspect of this tradition: it is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is still smoked in the traditional way, using open chimneys and alder wood. Those interested in local food culture will find two different points of connection here: the long history of the smokehouse in Gudhjem and the smoking method described in Hasle.

NaturBornholm and Bornholms Middelaldercenter also offer different ways to explore the island’s themes. The NaturBornholm experience centre features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition. The exhibits may change over time. Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a 15-hectare open-air museum that brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an engaging, interactive way. The two places therefore have different emphases: one focuses on the animals and exhibitions mentioned, the other on bringing a historical period to life.

Another cultural and historical visit takes you to Østerlars Round Church. When no service is taking place, visitors may enter for a fee and climb as far as the roof beams; check in advance whether entry is currently available. This condition is important when planning your visit, which also offers a special opportunity to explore the interior up to the roof area.

Take in the scenery and plan your journey

Ekkodalen and the area around Opal Lake offer different starting points for enjoying nature. Ekkodalen in Almindingen is Bornholm’s largest rift valley. From the cliffs above Opal Lake, the view extends across the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea and the Hammershus castle ruins. The Hammershus visitor centre also offers panoramic views of Hammershus. When choosing your excursions, you can decide whether to focus on the landscape around Opal Lake or the view of the castle.

Bornholm can be reached by ferry, plane, bus or train. The stated duration of the ferry crossing from Ystad in Sweden to Bornholm is one hour and 20 minutes. If you plan to use this route, check the ferry operator’s current timetables before travelling. The duration is a specific reference point for the crossing; it does not indicate the length of the entire journey. When choosing a hotel, you can therefore plan your visits and your journey separately, rather than assuming a particular route or location.

Whether your focus is smokehouse history, culture, nature or travel, these topics can help you organise your interests. This keeps the focus on Bornholm and your travel plans, without combining different places or visits into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Knudsker, Aakirkeby, Arnager, Gudhjem, Hasle, Klemensker, Listed, Muleby, Nexø, Nyker, Olsker, Pedersker, Rispebjerg Huse, Rø, Sandkås, Snogebæk, Sose, Svaneke, Tejn, Vester Sømarken, Årsdale, Østerlars, Østermarie, Arsballe, Kås, Boderne, Vang, Nylars, Bodilsker, Allinge-Sandvig, Ertholmene, Balka and Rønne Sogn.