Dueodde Beach – Beautiful White Sands on the South Coast of Bornholm
We have 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 unlike anywhere else in Denmark. Since then, we return almost every year – usually in May or September, when the light is soft and the summer crowds are still far away. Late May brings the first real signs of spring, while September offers calm days and pleasant temperatures. It has become a tradition for us.
We always stay in a summer house on the south coast, close to the wide beaches between Dueodde and Snogebæk. From our house we can walk straight into the dunes, or reach all corners of the island easily by car or bicycle. Bornholm truly has everything: quiet beaches in the south, rugged rocky coasts in the north, charming harbour towns such as Svaneke and Gudhjem, and countless paths for long walks or bike rides.
Location and route
Our journey to Bornholm always starts with the drive to Sassnitz in Germany and then the ferry to Rønne on the island. The crossing takes about 3.5 hours, but for me the moment you drive onto the ferry is already the beginning of the calm. Seeing Rønne appear on the horizon always feels like coming home. This island has something special. You can sense the peace immediately, and the people here always seem to have time for a conversation.
Dueodde Beach lies at the southern tip of Bornholm, one of the widest and most expansive beach areas in Denmark. It is known for its almost white sand, so fine that it was once used in hourglasses. The beach is reached via long wooden boardwalks winding through the dunes – a beautiful walk in itself. It is a place where wind, water, and sand constantly create new patterns.
The Dueodde Lighthouse rises above the dune landscape. In the late evening the tower turns beautifully warm in colour, making it a wonderful spot for photography. Scattered around the coast you can also find bunkers from the Second World War, still visible in the landscape today.
Photography on the south coast
Dueodde is a wonderful place for photography. Early mornings often bring a soft mist over the dunes and a cool blue sky. In the evenings, warm light sweeps across the dune edges. I have made many photos here, from minimalist seascapes to drone shots revealing the patterns of the dune landscape from above.
The beach encourages slow looking and careful composition. With such a simple landscape – sand, sea, sky – everything depends on light, lines, and timing. On calm evenings the water becomes mirror-like; on windy days, patterns form in the sand and the beach grass bends in the wind.
Walking through dunes and forest
The area around Dueodde is perfect for walking. You move through quiet pine forests, over high dunes, and along almost endless beaches. One of the classic walks starts at the parking area and follows the long boardwalk to the beach, after which you can continue along the coast towards Balkalyngen. It’s a varied route that includes both beach and dunes. Snogebæk is also a favourite destination for us – a walk from Dueodde along the beach, returning through the dunes and forests.
You can also do the route by bike if you like; much of the beach is accessible by bike as well. Just be mindful of other visitors, but most of the time you will have large stretches of the beach entirely to yourself.
Another tip: walk west towards Øster Sømarken and treat yourself to a delicious fish meal at Bakkaroegeriet, a simple but excellent restaurant. The salmon on the island is always outstanding – a real delight!
Best time to visit
We prefer to visit in May or September. In May, spring becomes visible across Bornholm: clear air, soft light, and very few visitors. By late May everything begins to bloom, and the island smells wonderful. September is calmer, with warm late-summer days and beautiful light conditions for photography. The south coast is beautiful in all seasons, but in these transitional months the beach has a special quietness.
In conclusion
Dueodde Beach is, for me, one of the most beautiful places on Bornholm. Not because of major landmarks, but because of its simplicity and calm: white sand, soft light, dunes stretching into the distance, and a coastline always in motion. It is a place you want to return to again and again. And it gives us the opportunity to take an evening stroll to the beach whenever we like.
Want to read more about Bornholm? Soon I will be writing more about this beautiful island, such as Hammershus or Gudhjem and Svaneke, as well as a trip to Christiansø. Also take a look at my book Bornholm – Pearl of the Baltic Sea.
Location on the map
Pictures say more than words:
Additional information:
- Visit Bornholm – bornholm.info
- Dueodde Beach info – bornholm.info/dueodde
- Hiking routes Bornholm – bornholm.info/hiking
- Ferry – https://www.bornholmslinjen.com/