The Five Best Hiking Routes on Bornholm

Bornholm offers a rare combination of rugged rocky coasts, deep forests, wide sandy beaches and idyllic small towns, all gathered on a manageable area that invites exploration on foot.

Whether you are into steep clifftop paths with views over the Baltic Sea, calm forest walks among old oak trees, or trails along the coast, Bornholm has something to offer.

These five routes were chosen for their variety and natural beauty. They take in historic sights, spectacular views and stops in charming towns, and each can be done in half a day or less, so you can easily combine several at your own pace.

Helligdomsklipperne to Gudhjem (about 6 km)

The route from the Helligdomsklipperne cliffs to Gudhjem is one of Bornholm’s most iconic hikes. It follows the coast along some of the island’s most dramatic rock formations, where steep cliffs rise vertically from the sea and create a magnificent setting for the trip. Along the way you pass Sorte Gryde, a dark rock cave with legends and fascinating geological formations, as well as the modern Bornholm Art Museum, which sits with panoramic views over the sea.

The trip stretches over about six kilometres and takes two to three hours at a calm pace. The terrain alternates between small paths, steps and uneven rocky ground, which makes the route moderately demanding and at the same time incredibly varied. The walk ends in Gudhjem, one of the island’s most charming coastal towns, where smokehouses, cafés and ice cream shops invite you to a well-earned break.

The route is best taken from north to south, so you get the finest sea views and finish in Gudhjem with the chance of public transport back to the starting point.

Rytterknægten and Almindingen Forest (from 5 to 10 km)

In the middle of Bornholm lies Almindingen, one of Denmark’s largest forests and an obvious choice for those who want to experience the island’s green interior. Here a network of paths winds through dense forest, open plains and protected nature areas. One of the most popular routes passes Rytterknægten, Bornholm’s highest point, where a viewing tower rises above the treetops and gives a panoramic view over the island.

The trip can be adapted in length and difficulty, but a good loop of five to ten kilometres brings you past both Ekkodalen, the deepest rift valley on Bornholm, and old, gnarled oak trees that give the forest an almost fairy-tale feel. The terrain is mostly even, and the route is therefore well suited to both families and those who want a more relaxed hike.

Almindingen is rich in wildlife, and you might be lucky enough to meet both fallow deer and bison, which live in a specially fenced area of the forest. The area lends itself well to a full-day outing with the chance of a picnic and a calm pace.

The Coastal Path: Sandvig to Hammerknuden and Hammershus (about 7 km)

The hike from Sandvig around Hammerknuden and on to Hammershus is one of Bornholm’s most dramatic and historically interesting routes. The path follows the rocky north-west coast, where granite formations, heather-clad hills and sea views merge into a rugged and beautiful landscape. The view from Hammerodde Lighthouse and the surrounding heights is among the most impressive on the island.

The route is about seven kilometres long and requires two to three hours of walking depending on pace and breaks. It is moderate to demanding, especially because of the climbs around Hammerknuden and the uneven rocks, which call for good footwear. Along the way you pass small bays, windswept clifftops and peaceful grazing areas with free-roaming sheep.

The highlight is the arrival at Hammershus, northern Europe’s largest castle ruin, which sits dramatically on a clifftop with views over the sea. Here you can take a break, visit the visitor centre or continue the trip into Slotslyngen, a wild woodland area with several paths. The route is especially well suited to those who want to combine nature, exercise and cultural history all in one trip.

Paradisbakkerne (from 5 to 8 km)

Paradisbakkerne in eastern Bornholm is a unique nature area, where dramatic rift valleys, boulders and dense forest create an atmospheric setting for the hike. The landscape is shaped by the forces of the Ice Age and appears wild and primeval, with large rocks, narrow gorges and irregular climbs. One of the area’s highlights is Rokkestenen, one of Bornholm’s most famous rocking stones, which according to tradition can be rocked if you push in exactly the right spot.

There are several marked routes in Paradisbakkerne, of which the most popular lie between five and eight kilometres and take around two hours. The trips are easy to moderate in difficulty, but the ground is often uneven, and the paths can be narrow and slippery, especially in wet weather. The routes wind through both forest and open stretches with heather and rocky outcrops, which gives a varied experience.

The area has a very special peace and atmosphere, which makes it ideal for those seeking stillness and immersion in nature. Paradisbakkerne is also a good choice for nature lovers and those with an interest in geology and Bornholm’s special landscape forms.

Dueodde Beach to Snogebæk (about 6 km)

This hiking route offers a completely different kind of nature experience from Bornholm’s cliff paths. From Dueodde Lighthouse the trip runs through dune landscapes and along some of Denmark’s finest and whitest sandy beach towards the small harbour town of Snogebæk. Here you feel the closeness of the sea the whole way, and the scent of saltwater and marram grass follows you on the trip.

The route is around six kilometres long and easy to walk, with flat terrain and wide paths that suit barefoot walking or a relaxed pace. Along the way there are several chances to take a detour to the beach, enjoy the view over the Baltic Sea or take a dip in the clear water. In clear weather you can see all the way to Poland.

The trip finishes in Snogebæk, a lively and charming town with a smokehouse, cafés, ice cream shops and a small harbour setting. That makes the route an obvious half-day trip combined with lunch and time at the beach. The route is ideal in the summer half of the year and especially well suited to families or those who want a peaceful, atmospheric trip in flat surroundings.

Practical information

Bornholm is well developed with marked hiking routes, and many of them are easily accessible by public transport or car. The routes mentioned vary in length and difficulty, but they have in common that they can be completed in half a day or less and do not require special gear beyond good walking shoes.

Bring water, snacks and perhaps a light rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly, even in summer. Mobile coverage is generally good on the island, and many people use digital maps and GPS to follow the routes. Alternatively, you can pick up free maps at the tourist offices, where the routes are clearly marked.

Bornholm has a well-functioning bus network, especially in the summer months, which makes it possible to take one-way trips and return by public transport. In high season it is also possible to take bikes on the buses. Several of the routes pass cafés, smokehouses and small towns, so there is ample opportunity to combine the hikes with food experiences and local shopping.

The best hiking weather is typically from May to September, when the days are light and the temperatures pleasant. Spring and autumn offer fewer tourists and more peaceful nature experiences, while winter can be harsh and calls for extra clothing and planning.

Tip: Combine your hiking holiday on Bornholm with a night of glamping. That way you get the most nature experience out of your holiday on the sunshine island.