Denmark's sunshine island far out in the Baltic
Bornholm sits like a lone rock in the Baltic Sea, roughly 150 kilometres east of the rest of Denmark and just over 35 kilometres from the Swedish coast. The island is rightly known as the sunshine island, because every year it records more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. Its mild climate, granite bedrock and long coastline make Bornholm a truly special destination where you can swim, hike, cycle and immerse yourself in deep cultural history all within a few days.
Geologically, Bornholm is strikingly different from the rest of flat Denmark. While the mainland rests on chalk and sand, the northern part of the island is built on hard granite bedrock that rises into dramatic cliffs and rift valleys. Towards the south the landscape softens into sandy beaches and pine forests. This contrast between rock and sand is one of the main reasons why so many Danish and international visitors return year after year.
The round churches – defence and faith under one roof
Bornholm is famous for its round churches, four whitewashed churches from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries that are unique in Denmark. They were built both as places of worship and as fortresses, where the island's inhabitants could take refuge during attacks by enemies and pirates. Their thick walls, narrow loopholes and circular shape made them nearly impossible to storm.
- Østerlars Round Church is the largest and oldest of the four, built around the year 1150. Its massive central pillar and vaults with frescoes make it the island's most impressive church building.
- Nylars Round Church is the best preserved and contains some of Denmark's oldest wall paintings.
- Nyker Round Church is the smallest, with only two storeys instead of three.
- Olsker Round Church is the slimmest and sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the countryside.
Hammershus – Northern Europe's largest medieval fortress
Perched on a steep cliff in the north-western corner of the island stands the ruin of Hammershus, the largest surviving medieval fortress in Northern Europe. The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, probably by the Archbishop of Lund, and for centuries it was the centre of power struggles between the Danish crown, the church and Swedish and Lübeck forces. Today you can wander freely among the mighty walls, towers and gateways with sweeping views over the Baltic Sea. A modern visitor centre tells the fortress's dramatic story.
Smokehouses and Bornholm herring
No trip to Bornholm is complete without visiting one of the traditional smokehouses. The distinctive white chimneys that grace many of the coastal towns are the island's landmark. Here herring is smoked over alder or beech wood using old methods, and the result is the world-famous Bornholm smoked herring. It is served classically as Sol over Gudhjem – smoked herring on rye bread with a raw egg yolk, chives and radishes. The smokehouses in Gudhjem, Svaneke and Hasle are among the most visited.
Towns, beaches and craft
Rønne is the island's capital and largest town, with cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and the main ferry harbour. From here ferries depart to Ystad in Sweden, the fastest route to the island with a crossing of only about 80 minutes. Gudhjem is one of Denmark's most beautiful fishing villages, built in terraces down to the sea with red roofs and steep lanes. Svaneke is known for its well-preserved architecture and has several times been voted one of the country's prettiest towns.
To the south lies Dueodde, an enormous beach of chalk-white, fine-grained sand so fine that it was once used in hourglasses. The dunes and pine forests make it a paradise for bathers. Bornholm also has a lively arts and crafts tradition. Bornholm clay has for generations been the raw material for ceramicists and potters, and today the island is home to glassblowers, silversmiths and artists whose workshops you can visit across the island.
Practical travel information
Bornholm is made for exploring by bicycle. A network of cycle paths, many laid on old railway tracks, connects the island's towns and leads through forests, along cliffs and past fields. You can also reach the island by plane from Copenhagen in about 35 minutes or by ferry from Ystad. However you arrive, an island awaits where nature, history and gastronomy come together in a way that is entirely unique in Denmark.