From the rugged granite cliffs of Hammershus to the quiet beaches of Dueodde:
Bornholm is an island where nature, light, and tranquility come together. It offers a unique mix of coastal trails, photogenic landscapes, and charming villages. Perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys discovering new places at a relaxed pace.
Bornholm is a Danish island situated in the heart of the Baltic Sea, approximately 200 kilometers east of Copenhagen. The island lies closer to Sweden, Poland, and Germany than to mainland Denmark, giving it a unique geographical position. With an area of nearly 600 km², Bornholm is compact enough to explore in a week, yet large enough to keep surprising you.
What makes Bornholm truly special is its remarkable landscape diversity. In the north, you’ll find dramatic rocky coastlines, steep cliffs, and the spectacular Helligdomsklipperne – rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The south offers a striking contrast with kilometers of pristine white sandy beaches at Dueodde, considered among the finest in Northern Europe. At the island’s heart lies Almindingen, Denmark’s third-largest forest, where European bison have roamed freely since their reintroduction in 2012.
Bornholm is known as Denmark’s sunniest spot, boasting the most sunshine hours in the country. The island exudes an artistic, artisanal atmosphere, with studios of glassblowers, ceramicists, and painters dotted throughout. The distinctive whitewashed round churches (rundkirke) dating from the 12th century are unique to the island, and the imposing Hammershus castle ruins are the largest in Northern Europe. Picturesque fishing villages like Gudhjem, Svaneke, and Allinge invite you to wander past colorful houses and traditional smokehouses.
For active travelers, Bornholm is a paradise. The 119-kilometer Kyststien coastal path takes you around the entire island in about a week, passing cliffs, beaches, and forests. Cyclists can enjoy over 235 kilometers of bike paths, including national cycle route 10, which follows old railway embankments. Photographers will find exceptional light here, with dramatic coastal scenes and atmospheric fishing harbors as subjects. It’s no wonder Bornholm has been voted Denmark’s best holiday destination for three consecutive years.
travel stories
Read more about the destinations on the beautiful island of Bornholm.
Helligdomsklipperne – The Sacred Cliffs of Bornholm Regular readers will know by now that Bornholm [...]
Hammershus – Ruins, Wind and Light at the Edge of Bornholm I’ve written about it [...]
Christiansø – An Island Full of Silence, Light and History in the Baltic Sea If [...]
Dueodde Beach – Beautiful White Beaches on Bornholm’s South Coast We’ve been visiting Bornholm for [...]
In my photo books, I collect the most beautiful stories and photographs of a destination. In my Bornholm book, I have gathered 90 pages of the island’s most stunning images and locations into a beautifully crafted volume.
Far out in the Baltic Sea, 18 kilometers northeast of Bornholm, lies the tiny island of Christiansø — a place unlike any other in Denmark. Together with its smaller neighbor,...
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Hammer Odde marks the northernmost point of Bornholm, a rugged headland where granite cliffs plunge into the Baltic and the wind never seems to rest. It’s part of the larger...
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Hammerodde Fyr marks the northernmost point of Bornholm — a lonely, windswept headland where rugged granite cliffs meet the open Baltic Sea. The lighthouse, built in 1895, stands quietly above...
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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...
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Nestled between the granite cliffs of Hammerknuden and the sea, Hammersø is Denmark’s northernmost and highest natural lake, a place of quiet reflection surrounded by dramatic scenery. The lake lies...
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Perched high above the sea on a granite promontory, Hammershus Slotsruin is the largest castle ruin in Denmark — a place where history, legend, and landscape come together in breathtaking...
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Tucked away in the forested cliffs between Allinge and Tejn lies Pissebækken, one of Bornholm’s most enchanting natural spots — a small waterfall hidden in a deep, shaded ravine. Despite...
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Tucked into the rugged granite coast of western Bornholm, Vang is a small, atmospheric harbor village surrounded by some of the island’s most striking natural scenery. Once a center of...
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Jons Kapel is one of Bornholm’s most dramatic natural landmarks — a place where myth and geology meet above the wild Baltic Sea. Located north of Hasle on the island’s...
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Along Bornholm’s dramatic northern coast, between Gudhjem and Tejn, rise the Helligdomsklipperne — “The Sanctuary Cliffs.” Towering up to 22 meters above the Baltic Sea, these dark granite formations are...
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When you are on Bornholm, make sure not to forget the west coast of the Island. Sure, the beaches in the south are amazing. The east coast is fantastic. The...
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Perched dramatically on the steep granite slopes of Bornholm’s northern coast, Gudhjem is one of Denmark’s most picturesque and characterful seaside towns. Clustered around a small natural harbor, its red-tiled...
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On Bornholm’s sunlit eastern coast lies Svaneke, often described as Denmark’s most beautiful small town — a vibrant mix of color, craft, and coastal charm. Perched above a rocky shoreline...
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Deep in the heart of Almindingen Forest, one of Denmark’s largest and oldest woodlands, lies Bisonskoven — “The Bison Forest.” It’s a place where time feels ancient, where silence is...
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Dueodde Beach is one of the most extraordinary stretches of coastline in Denmark — a vast, luminous world of white sand, wind, and light. Located at the southern tip of...
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At the southern tip of Bornholm stands Dueodde Fyr, a tall, elegant lighthouse overlooking one of Denmark’s most remarkable beaches. Rising 47 meters above the sea, it is the tallest...
View locationBornholm has a temperate maritime climate that is slightly milder than the rest of Denmark, thanks to its sheltered position in the Baltic Sea. The island is famous for its abundant sunshine – the most in all of Denmark. Summer temperatures hover around 20°C, while winters are mild but can be brisk. Compare it to the climate of southern England or northern Germany, but with slightly cooler summers and less rainfall.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Sun Hours | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2 to 2 | 18 | 1 | Coastal photography, tranquility |
| February | -3 to 2 | 13 | 2 | Coastal photography |
| March | -1 to 4 | 15 | 3 | Early spring walks |
| April | 2 to 8 | 13 | 6 | Hiking, cycling, birdwatching |
| May | 6 to 14 | 13 | 8 | Hiking, cycling, photography, wildflowers |
| June | 11 to 18 | 11 | 9 | Hiking, cycling, photography, beach |
| July | 13 to 20 | 13 | 8 | Hiking, beach, all activities |
| August | 13 to 20 | 13 | 7 | Hiking, beach, all activities |
| September | 10 to 16 | 15 | 5 | Hiking, photography, autumn colors |
| October | 7 to 12 | 16 | 3 | Hiking, mushroom foraging, tranquility |
| November | 3 to 7 | 18 | 2 | Atmospheric coastal photography |
| December | 0 to 4 | 17 | 1 | Winter retreat, hygge |
Tip for photographers: Spring (May-June) offers beautiful soft light and blooming rapeseed fields that paint the landscape golden yellow. In September, the lower sun angle and autumn colors create dramatic light along the rocky coasts. The long summer evenings (around midsummer it stays light until 10 PM) are ideal for golden hour photography at the fishing harbors.
A collection of helpful websites for planning your trip to Bornholm.
