Bornholm - Denmark's rocky island

Bornholm, the island of contrasts, is characterized by its spectacular rocky coasts, deep quarries and waterfalls in the north, its kilometres of white sandy beaches in the south and its beautiful beech forests with forest lakes in the centre of the island.
Denmark's only rocky island radiates a quite special atmosphere with its small idyllic fishing villages, the characteristic smokehouses, the round churches and the many sights.
Many craftsmen reside on the island, and in various places it is possible to visit the local sculptors, glassblowers, potters and painters.
Almindingen is the country's fifth largest forest. A beautiful and varied forest in a highland with i.a. ponds and small lakes. This is also the location of Rytterknægten, the highest spot in Bornholm (162 m).
At the rocks Helligdomsklipperne between Gudhjem and Allinge, steps lead down through a deep gap. Rugged rock formations in the water contribute to the creation of spectacular scenarios.

Bornholm - How to get there

By car, by bus or by train you can get to one of the various harbours, from where you can go by ferry to Bornholm. Most ferries carry cars as well. If you wish a faster way of transportation to Bornholm, you can take a direct flight from Copenhagen, Billund, Hamburg or Oslo to the beautiful holiday island.
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Culture

Østerlars Rundkirke The round churches is the landmark of Bornholms. The characteristic whitewashed churches are more than 800 years old and have served as defence, storage of supplies and as church houses. The four most famous round churches are: Østerlars - the largest and most well known. Olsker - the highest and most elegant. Nylars - the best preserved and with the most interesting murals. Nyker - the smallest and with murals from more periods.
Hammershus is an impressive old castle from about the year 1250 that rises on a steep rock hillock on the northernmost point of Bornholm. Hammershus is the largest castle ruin in northern Europe.

Activities

The diversity of the Bornholm coast provides you with a abundance of leisure opportunities, right from swimming, beach volley, hang-gliding, sunbathing and sunset walks to gathering of stones, rock climbing, rappelling, bird watching and angling.
If you feel like playing golf, the island offers no less than 3 golf courses - all with a scenic location in Rø, Rønne and Dueodde respectively.
Anglers have good opportunities by the coast, in lakes, streams and marshes as well as on the sea. Fishing boats depart from more islands harbours.
Many good and natural experiences await you along the 235 kilometres of good bicycle routes, of which the majority is car-free. Equally you will find many waking paths in this distinctive nature.
Paradisbakkerne by Nexø is a hilly rock landscape with a number of walking paths. Experience the rift valleys, raised heather bogs, boulders and characteristic vegetation here.

Cities/Towns

In the many cosy ports you will experience a quite special peace and atmosphere, small old, but well-kept houses with hollyhocks as well as squares and harbours, where you can enjoy the specialities of the island. Don't leave Bornholm without tasting 'Sol over Gudhjem'.
Rønne: The provincial town from 1327 is the capital of Bornholm. Parts of the town are preserved and maintained in its original style, and in that way you can still experience the charming town environments with half-timbered houses. Rønne also has the largest port of the island.
The flower town Åkirkeby is the second largest commercial town in Bornholm. The square exudes life and atmosphere throughout the summer. Equally, the island's largest church, which contains a famous baptismal font, is situated here.
Nexø is the town of the fishing industry with a modern traffic and fishing harbour. Furthermore, the town offers an old quarter with beautiful half-timbered houses, a historic church and interesting museums.

Excursion spots

Hammershus JOBOLAND in Svaneke is a popular nature and amusement part with a unique profusion of flowers and numerous amusements.
At Bornholms Kunstmuseum works of famous Bornholm painters as well as theme exhibitions with art, design and handicraft products are displayed - www.bornholms-kunstmuseum.dk.
The story of the Bornholm nature is told at NaturBornholm - www.naturbornholm.dk.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a live environment from the Middle Ages with people, animals, houses, water mills and fortified castle mounds - www.bornholmsmiddelaldercenter.dk.
The shipping line Christiansøfarten takes you from Gudhjem to the fortress islands Christiansø and Frederiksø. Here your are brought back more than 300 years in time - www.christiansoefarten.dk.
Oluf Høst Museum is an art museum where the life of the great painter is carried on in his own home - www.ohmus.dk.