Bornholm Island Highlights

Bornholm’s history as a fishing island is reflected in their rich culinary offerings. Their smoked fish is some of the best-known in Scandinavia and their island’s signature dish, smoked herring, raw egg yolk, radish, and chives on freshly baked rye bread, known as Sun over Gudhjem is not to be missed. You can also go for the local blue cheese, craft beers, or stop by one of the island’s two Michelin-starred restaurants. Read more about Bornholm cuisine by clicking below.

Bornholm's whitewashed round churches are fascinating windows back in time. Four of Denmark's seven medieval round churches (rundkirke) are located on Bornholm. The round churches were used as fortresses, as well as places of worship, and the fact that such a high concentration of them are found on Bornholm, is testament to the island's strategically important location in the Baltic Sea. Take a step back in time by clicking below. 

Bornholm’s sandy southern beaches are a great place to try sports such as beach volleyball, kite surfing, and wind surfing. You can also rent boats and sea kayaks to explore the island from the surrounding Baltic Sea. Dueodde Beach is located on the southern tip of Bornholm and is the largest sandy beach on the island. The sand is so fine that it was once used to fill hourglasses. There are also many smaller beaches on Bornholm, from which you can swim. 

If you're looking for more dramatic scenery, head north to the rugged, rocky coastal pebble beaches and cliffs, like the 22-metre-high granite Sanctuary Cliffs (Helligdomsklipperne), the unique rock features of the Lion’s Head, and Jon’s Chapel (Jons Kapel), or even the castle ruin of Hammershus. 

Bornholm has a strong tradition of craft artisans, particularly within the fields of glass work and ceramics. In fact, locals have been making excellent ceramics for several hundred years. You can visit open workshops all over the island and see the artisans in action at places such as Hjorth's Fabrik, Bornholm's Ceramics Museum in Rønne. The island has also been home to many painters throughout the decades, much of whom’s art can be found at Bornholm's Art Museum in Rø. Learn more about art on the island below.