Nexø – Harbour, Sandstone and City History
Accommodation in Nexø
Nexø shows Bornholm from the perspective of a harbour town: as the island’s second-largest town, it is home to Bornholm’s largest old fishing harbour. Sandstone is part of not only the area’s history but also the harbour’s construction. There are also museums, a town history trail and attractions nearby, including a beach south of town and a hilly landscape to the northwest. This gives Nexø a maritime and cultural focus for choosing a holiday base, which can be combined with an interest in nature.
Harbour and history in sandstone
Together with the old dry dock, the three northernmost harbour basins form Denmark’s only larger harbour built from sandstone. The harbour was blasted out of the sandstone bedrock. As well as its historical significance, this construction gives the fishing harbour a special geological connection to the island. Those interested in the town’s history can explore topics such as sandstone quarries, seafaring, the occupation, bombing raids and reconstruction at the Nexø Museum.
De Bornholmske Jernbaner also explores history: the exhibition near Nexø harbour features old railway carriages, photographs and objects relating to rail transport on Bornholm. North of town is Frederiks Stenbrud, where the reddish Nexø sandstone was quarried. The quarry was established in 1754 during the reign of Frederik V. Stenbrudsgården is also located north of Nexø. The building was constructed in 1759 and is now a listed historic building. Together, these places point to different aspects of sandstone history: the quarrying of the stone and a protected historic building.
Trail, indoor activities and summer jazz
The 6.6-kilometre Martin Andersen Nexø Writers’ Trail shares local history and old anecdotes through audio stories. It combines getting active with stories about the town. If you’re looking for an indoor activity as well as historical attractions, Værftet is Bornholm’s only indoor play and skate centre. It is open to locals and tourists alike and operates year-round; opening hours are extended during school holidays. The address is Kystvej 2, 3730 Nexø. Check the operator’s latest visitor information before travelling.
Another indoor activity is Nexø Minigolf & Biergarten, with its black-light mini golf. UV lighting, neon colours and various obstacles characterise the course; check whether it is currently open before your trip. Music is also part of the summer programme: Nexø hosts a week of jazz every summer. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
Beach and hiking landscape nearby
Balka Strand is a short bike ride south of Nexø, so it is nearby rather than in the town itself. The beach is characterised by fine, chalk-white sand and very shallow, calm water. The Paradisbakkerne hills lie northwest of Nexø. Their hilly rift-valley landscape is ideal for hiking beneath the trees between rocky walls. The surrounding area thus offers two distinct landscape experiences: the open beach setting at Balka and the wooded rocky walls of the Paradisbakkerne.
When choosing where to stay on Bornholm, you can weigh up whether you want to focus on the harbour, town history and things to do in Nexø, or also include nearby beach and hiking destinations. Each of the places described has its own character: Nexø’s harbour tells the story of fishing and sandstone, the museums offer a glimpse into history, and the natural attractions add variety to active days.
Discover more destinations: Østerlars, Snogebæk, Aakirkeby, Boderne, Vang, Knudsker, Kås, Ertholmene.
For the main travel overview: Bornholm.
