Dueodde Beach – Beautiful White Beaches on Bornholm’s South Coast
We’ve been visiting Bornholm for years. The island was once recommended to me by a colleague from Copenhagen: a place of peace, space, and a landscape more varied than anywhere else in Denmark. Since then, we’ve returned almost every year – usually in May or September, when the light is soft and summer vacation crowds are still far away. Late May brings the island into its first spring light, September brings peace and pleasant temperatures. It has become a tradition for us.
We always stay in a summer cottage on the south coast, close to the wide beaches between Dueodde and Snogebæk. From our cottage, we can walk into the dunes, or easily reach different parts of the island by car or bicycle. Bornholm truly has everything: quiet beaches in the south, rugged rocky coasts in the north, charming harbor towns like Svaneke and Gudhjem, and paths everywhere for endless walking or cycling.
Denmark’s Finest Sand
Dueodde Beach is located at the southern tip of Bornholm and is known for its almost white sand, so fine it was once used for hourglasses. The beach is accessible via long wooden boardwalks winding through the dunes – a walk in itself. It’s a place where wind, water, and sand constantly form new patterns.
The journey to Bornholm for us is always by car to Sassnitz in Germany and then the ferry to Rønne on the island. It’s a 3.5-hour crossing, but for me, the moment you board the ferry is already the beginning of relaxation. When Rønne comes into view, it always gives a feeling of coming home. This island has something special. You simply feel the peace. The people on the island also have all the time for a chat.
Dueodde Fyr: The Lighthouse
The lighthouse Dueodde Fyr towers above the dune area. At 47 meters, it is Denmark’s tallest lighthouse. The tower was built between 1960 and 1962 and commissioned on August 15, 1962. In the late evening, the tower beautifully colors warm and is a great spot for photography.
The lighthouse is accessible to visitors. After climbing 196 steps, you’re rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view over the south coast of Bornholm, the dunes, and the Baltic Sea. On clear days, you can even see Rytterknægten, Bornholm’s highest point in the central part of the island.
Around the coast, there are also bunkers from World War II that are still visible in the landscape. These cannon bunkers (especially bunkers G3 and G4) were intended for German defenses but were never completed. They are accessible and provide insight into Bornholm’s history during the war.
Photography Tips for Dueodde Beach
For photography, Dueodde is a wonderful place. In the early morning, a soft mist often hangs over the dunes and the sky colors cool blue. In the evening, warm light beautifully brushes along the dune edges. I’ve taken various photos here, from minimalist seascapes to drone shots where the shapes of the dune landscape become clearly visible.
Photography Tip: The beach invites calm observation and careful framing. Due to the landscape’s simplicity – sand, sea, sky – everything depends on light, lines, and timing. On evenings with calm wind, the water gives a mirroring effect; on windy days, patterns form in the sand and beach grass sways with the wind.
Best Times: Dueodde is one of the few places on Bornholm where you can see both sunrise and sunset over the sea. Plan early mornings for soft colors and late evenings for warm light over the dunes.
Hiking Routes Around Dueodde Beach
Around Dueodde, you can enjoy beautiful walks. You walk through quiet pine forests, over high dunes, and along almost endless beaches. One of the classic walks goes from the parking lot via the long boardwalk to the beach, after which you can walk along the coast in different directions.
Route 1: Beach Walk Dueodde – Snogebæk
This is always a favorite walk for us. From Dueodde beach, you walk along the coastline eastward to the charming fishing village of Snogebæk. You can take the return route through the dunes and forests.
| Distance | Approximately 6 km one way, 12 km return |
| Duration | 1,5 hours one way, 3-4 hours return |
| Difficulty | Easy – flat beach and well-maintained paths |
| Start | Dueodde parking (Fyrvejen or Skrokkegårdsvejen) |
| Endpoint | Snogebæk harbor |
| Terrain | Beach, dunes, forest paths |
| Suitable for | All levels, including children |
Restaurant Tip: Walk westward toward Øster Sømarken and treat yourself to a delicious fish meal at Bakkarøgeriet, a simple but excellent restaurant. The salmon is of superb quality everywhere on the island, including here. A true treat!
Route 2: Dueodde Loop with Lighthouse
This longer route combines beach, forest, and a visit to the lighthouse. Perfect for a full day of walking with varied landscapes.
| Distance | Approximately 15 km |
| Duration | 3,5-4 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Start/Finish | Dueodde parking |
| Highlights | Lighthouse, beach, pine forests, dunes |
| Type | Loop |
Cycling: You can also do the route by bike if you want; the beach is largely accessible by bicycle. Be mindful of other beach visitors, but usually you’ll have most of the beach to yourself.
Best Time to Visit Dueodde
We prefer to come in May or September. In May, spring becomes visible on Bornholm: the air is clear, the light soft, and crowds minimal. By late May, everything begins to bloom and the island smells wonderful. In September, the island is quieter, with warm late summer days and beautiful lighting conditions for photography.
The south coast is beautiful in all seasons, but especially in the transitional months, the beach has a special stillness. In July and August, it’s busier, but even then you’ll always find a quiet spot among the dunes. Winter (November-March) is very quiet, but some facilities are closed.
In Conclusion
For me, Dueodde Beach is one of Bornholm’s most beautiful places. Not because of major attractions, but because of its simplicity and peace: white sand, soft light, dunes stretching endlessly, and a coast always in motion. It’s a place you want to return to again and again. It especially gives us the opportunity to walk to the beautiful beach in the evening.
Want to read more about Bornholm? Also check out my articles about Hammershus and Christiansø, or view my book Bornholm – Pearl of the Baltic Sea.
Practical Information: Visiting Dueodde Beach
Location and Accessibility
Dueodde Beach is located at the southern tip of Bornholm and stretches for several kilometers on both sides of the island’s southernmost point.
| From Rønne | Approximately 35 km, 40-45 minutes drive |
| From Nexø | Approximately 10 km, 15 minutes drive |
| From Snogebæk | Approximately 5 km, 7-8 minutes drive |
| Public transport | Bus line 6 from Nexø to Dueodde |
Parking at Dueodde
There are two main parking areas at Dueodde, both with access to the beach via long wooden boardwalks (500+ meters).
| Fyrvejen parking | Main parking with facilities |
| Skrokkegårdsvejen parking | Eastern parking, shorter to beach (100m) |
| Cost | Free parking (2024-2025) |
| Facilities Fyrvejen | Kiosk, toilets, bus stop |
| Accessibility | Boardwalks suitable for bike, stroller, wheelchair |
Note: The boardwalks can be sandy and end approximately 100 meters before the waterline. The last section to the water is through soft sand.
Dueodde Lighthouse (Dueodde Fyr)
| Height | 47 meters (Denmark’s tallest) |
| Steps | 196 steps to the top |
| Admission | DKK 10 per person (2024) |
| Opening hours | Seasonal, primarily weekends (check website) |
| View | Panoramic over south coast and Bornholm |
| Address | Fyrvejen 11, 3730 Nexø |
Time Needed
- Beach visit only: 2-3 hours
- With lighthouse: 3-4 hours
- Walk to Snogebæk: 4-5 hours return
- Extended day: 5-6 hours (walking + lunch + lighthouse)
Beach Characteristics
- Sand quality: Ultra-fine white sand (once used for hourglasses)
- Beach width: Up to several hundred meters wide (at southern tip)
- Water depth: Shallow for about 100 meters, then variable due to sandbanks
- Suitable for children: Yes, shallow and safe water
- Dogs allowed: Yes, on designated beach sections
- Nudist beach: Jomfrugård (western section)
Facilities and Surroundings
- Kiosk: At Fyrvejen parking (snacks, drinks, ice cream)
- Restaurants: Several ice cream parlors and smaller restaurants in Dueodde
- Supermarket: Snogebæk (5 km) or Nexø (10 km)
- Accommodation: Holiday parks, campsites, summer cottages in the area
- Toilets: At both parking areas
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (important!)
- Towel and swimwear
- Water and snacks
- Windbreak (can be windy)
- Camera for sunrise/sunset
- Good walking shoes (for dunes)
Seasons and Crowds
| May-June | Spring, blooming dunes, pleasant weather, little crowding |
| July-August | High season, warm, all facilities open, busier |
| September-October | Late summer, beautiful light, quieter, ideal for photography |
| November-April | Low season, very quiet, limited facilities |
Reaching Bornholm
Ferry: Bornholmslinjen sails from Sassnitz (Germany) to Rønne (3.5 hours). Connections from Ystad (Sweden) and Køge (Denmark) also available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dueodde Beach
What makes Dueodde’s sand so special?
Dueodde’s sand is ultra-fine and almost white, so fine it was once used in hourglasses and as blotting paper by the Danish royal family. The sand softly creaks under your feet and is one of the finest sands in the world. This quality results from centuries of erosion of Bornholm’s granite.
How do you get to Dueodde Beach?
Dueodde is located approximately 35 km southeast of Rønne (40-45 minutes drive). There are two parking areas: Fyrvejen (main parking with facilities) and Skrokkegårdsvejen (eastern parking). From both parking areas, long wooden boardwalks (500+ meters) run through the dunes to the beach. Parking is currently free.
Is Dueodde suitable for families with children?
Yes, Dueodde is excellent for families. The water is shallow for about 100 meters (be alert for sandbars), the sand is soft and clean, and there’s plenty of space to play. The boardwalks are accessible with strollers. At Fyrvejen parking, there’s a kiosk for snacks and ice cream. Take sun and wind into account – bring plenty of sunscreen and possibly a windbreak.
Can you climb the lighthouse and what does it cost?
Yes, Dueodde Fyr is the only lighthouse on Bornholm open to the public. You climb 196 steps to the top of the 47-meter-high tower. Admission is DKK 10 per person (2024). The lighthouse is mainly open on weekends during the season; opening hours may vary, so check in advance. The view from the top is spectacular and extends across the entire south coast.
What is the best time to visit Dueodde?
For peace and beautiful light, May-June and September-October are ideal. In May, everything begins to bloom and the light is soft. September offers warm late summer days with beautiful photography conditions and fewer visitors. July-August is high season with all facilities open but busier. Winter (November-April) is very quiet but with limited facilities.
Are there hiking routes from Dueodde?
Yes, there are beautiful hiking routes. The most popular is the beach walk to Snogebæk (7-8 km one way), returning via the dunes and forests. Another beautiful route is the Dueodde loop (12-15 km) combining beach, forest, and the lighthouse. You can also walk westward toward Boderne or Restaurant Kadeau. The routes are well-maintained and suitable for all levels.
Useful Links and Information
- Visit Bornholm – bornholm.info
- Dueodde Beach Info – bornholm.info/dueodde-beach
- Hiking Routes Bornholm – bornholm.info/hiking
- Ferry Bornholm – bornholmslinjen.com
- Restaurant Bakkarøgeriet – bakkaroegeriet.dk
Location on the Map
Gallery
Pictures say more than words:
