Balka is a lovely holiday area with beach, forest, small old fishing houses and a boat harbour.
 Balka is situated right south of the second largest town of Bornholm, Nexø, and right north of the idyllic fishing hamlet Snogebæk and by one of the finest sandy beaches in Europe. The holiday houses are surrounded by scenic nature and a conservation area with pines. Paths along the coast lead you to Nexø, where you will find cosy streets, shops, restaurants and a larger fishing harbour.
More shops and restaurants are available in both Snogebæk and Nexø.
Balka is an attractive holiday destination for families, as it is scenically surrounded and lies close to various leisure activities and sights.
Beach
Balka Strand is one of the most popular beaches on Bornholms. The kilometres long beach lies sheltered from the westerly wind and stretches all along the bay 'Balkabugten' and ends by Snogebæk. The wide and white sandy beach has shallow water and a sandy bottom. You have to walk far out before the water gets deep, which makes the beach very suitable for children.
The beach is often cleaned for seaweed and the like.
It is possible to rent water cycles, deck chairs and surf equipment here.
During the high season, lifeguards keep an eye out for the bathers on the beach.
A slope leads from the ice-cream stall down to the waters edge, and makes it possible to bring a perambulator and a wheel chair to the beach.
Nature
 The nature, surrounding Balka, is characterized by lovely sandy beaches, forests and plantations.
South of Nexø you will find some adjoining nature areas, which lead all the way down to 'Balkalyngen' - Denmark's only sandstone moor. Part of the area is a game preserve. A low and concealed bird tower provides you with a good view of the wild life and the coast.
Activities
Bornholm has 3 18-hole golf courses, of which the course by 'Dueodde Golfklub' is the closest. The courses are very different, but all worth a visit.
Minigolf courses are available in both Balka and Snogebæk.
Anglers have good possibilities for a haul by the shore, in the lakes and streams of the area as well as on the sea. Fishing boats depart from the harbour of Nexø. The small reef 'Salthammer', outside the harbour of Snogebæk, as well as the reef 'Bro Rev' are very popular fishing spots close to Balka.
The beach invites various beach activities, and water cycles as well as windsurf boards can be rented here.
Many good nature experiences await you along the 250 kilometres good bicycle roads, from which the majority are traffic-free. A number of walking paths are also available in the distinctive nature.
If you fancy rock climbing or bird observation, Bornholm is also an ideal holiday destination.
Worth a visit
Right behind the shores of Balka you will find the old graves 'Balka Kraterrøser' from the iron age as well as Bornholm's longest shielding rampart 'Langskanse', which is 600 m long.
The idyllic fishing hamlet Snogebæk, a few km from Dueodde, contains a glass factory and a smokehouse.
Few km south of Snogebæk the 45 m high white lighthouse 'Dueodde Fyr' is situated. The lighthouse is the highest in Scandinavia, and from the platform you have a fantastic view of the Baltic and the area.
Many craftsmen inhabit the island, and it is often possible to visit the sculptors, the glassblowers, the ceramicist and the painters.
One of the most characteristic smokehouses in Bornholms is 'Hasle Silderøgeri', which is a famous museum-smokehouse, where fish are still smoked according to the old and traditional method in open chimneys.
The round churches are the landmarks of Bornholm. The characteristic whitewashed churches have served as defence, storage of supplies and as church houses.
Excursion spots
Hammershus is an impressive old castle from around the year 1250, which rises from a steep rock hillock on the northern tip of Bornholm. Hammershus is the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe and is definitely worth a visit.
'JOBOLAND Brændesgårdshaven' in Svaneke is a former farm, but today a popular nature and amusement park with a unique profusion of flowers and numerous attractions.
'Oluf Høst Museum' in Gudhjem is an art museum, where the painter's life is carried on in his own home.
At the art museum 'Bornholms Kunstmuseum' works of famous Bornholm painters as well as theme exhibitions with art, design and handicraft can be observed.
'NaturBornholm' in Åkirkeby informs of the nature of Bornholm - right from the origination in the glowing lava 1.7 billion years ago.
'Bornholms Middelaldercenter' in Gudhjem is a historic experience centre with a live environment from the Middle Ages with people, animals, houses, water mills and a fortified castle mounds.
Map: © 2001-2008 Microsoft Corporation. Text and photo: Copyright © 2003-2008 SOL OG STRAND Feriehusudlejning A/S
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