Opalsøen

Nestled within the granite heart of northern Bornholm, Opalsøen — the Opal Lake — is one of the island’s most striking and atmospheric landscapes: a deep, emerald-green lake surrounded by steep rock walls that glow gold and red in the sun. Once a granite quarry, Opalsøen was abandoned in the 1970s and gradually filled with spring water, transforming from an industrial scar into one of the most beautiful natural spots on Bornholm. Today, it feels like a hidden world: still, sheltered, and full of quiet reflections.

The cliffs that encircle the lake rise up to 25 meters, their faces scarred by decades of stone cutting but softened by moss, birch, and wildflowers. When the light hits the water, it shimmers like glass, reflecting every color of the surrounding rock. Above the lake, the paths climb into the hills of Hammerknuden, where panoramic views stretch toward the sea, Hammershus Castle Ruins, and the distant lighthouse at Hammerodde. It’s a landscape that embodies Bornholm’s transformation — from hard labor to harmony between nature and history.

Opalsøen has become a favorite spot for photographers, hikers, and those seeking quiet beauty. Early in the morning, mist drifts across the surface of the water, and in the evening, the cliffs catch the last light of the day. The contrast between stillness and height, reflection and rock, gives the place a rare, cinematic quality. Even when people gather to swim, kayak, or climb, there’s a sense of calm and reverence — as though the place itself commands a slower rhythm.

Best time to visit

• Early morning for still water and soft light.
• Evening for warm tones on the cliffs.
• Autumn for color contrasts and clear reflections.

Practical tips

• Parking area near the Helligdomsklipperne–Sandvig road, short walk to the lake.
• Swimming and kayaking are permitted; popular in summer.
• Steep paths and rocky edges — wear sturdy shoes.
• Combine with nearby Hammershus, Hammerhavn, and Hammerodde Fyr for a full circuit.