Cozy Bornholm is a Danish island located just south of the Swedish mainland. Every year, numerous tourists come here to experience a unique destination where the Danish way of life has reached new heights. Bornholm is the perfect place for families with children, couples, friends, or even solo travelers.
Here, you’ll find an excellent combination of exciting history, unique culture, and plenty of wonderful experiences. We have put together a guide to everything you need to know about the best areas and hotels for your trip.
Svaneke
Svaneke has been voted Denmark’s most beautiful town, and as soon as you arrive, you’ll understand why. Located on Bornholm’s eastern side, this charming town has everything you need. Whether you enjoy cultural experiences and galleries or prefer exploring the historical aspects of the town’s development, Svaneke has much to offer.
The town also features a cozy harbor, perfect for a relaxing stroll. A great tip is to visit the harbor in the morning when the light creates a truly special atmosphere. You can also enjoy beautiful beaches nearby.
Svaneke is built around a lovely central square and is well-known for its architecture. Here, you will find classic farmhouses and historic buildings that vividly showcase Denmark’s, and especially Bornholm’s, unique history.
This small town is perfect for everyone, whether you are traveling with family or seeking a more urban experience on Bornholm.
Gudhjem
On the northern part of Bornholm, between Allinge-Sandvig and Svaneke, lies the charming harbor town of Gudhjem. Fish smoking began here as early as the 1860s, and Gudhjem is still known as the smoking hub of the island. Even today, you can find many places serving locally caught and smoked fish. If you’re lucky, you might even get a sample from one of the local fishermen.
This small town doubles in size during summer when tourists and seasonal residents arrive. Whether you want to admire the architecture and distinctive chimneys symbolizing the smokehouses or enjoy some of the best local dishes, Gudhjem is the place for you.
One must-try dish here is “Sol over Gudhjem,” which consists of smoked herring on rye bread with red onion and egg yolk, symbolizing the sun.
Gudhjem is also called Bornholm’s mountain town, a name it has earned due to its geographic location and surrounding nature. You can explore numerous hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints that are not to be missed.
During the summer, guided tours are available, offering a great opportunity to learn more about the area’s fascinating history.
Hotel Sandvig Havn
This classic hotel meets and exceeds expected standards. The wonderful rooms radiate quality, ensuring you’ll have a great night’s sleep.
The hotel features both a bar and a restaurant serving delicious and beautifully presented food all day and evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local specialties here—you won’t be disappointed.
With its prime location right by the sea, this hotel is a perfect base for those who want to explore and have everything Bornholm has to offer within reach. Take a stroll down to the beach for a swim if the weather permits, or simply enjoy the stunning view from the incredible terrace.
You’ll also be close to various exciting cultural experiences, as many artists of different kinds have their base in this area of the island.
Rønne
Rønne is often considered the “capital” of Bornholm and the main arrival point for visitors to the island. Ferries from Køge and Ystad dock here, and the island’s airport is just a few kilometers from the city center. About a third of the island’s population lives in Rønne, where you’ll find all the modern conveniences such as shopping, specialty stores, cafés, museums, cinemas, swimming pools, and much more.
The city’s main pedestrian street, St. Torvegade, is central to Rønne. Here, you can enjoy shopping, dining at one of the many restaurants, or sipping a drink at a local bar. Rønne is also well known for its vibrant live music scene, especially during the summer months.
Rønne’s Old Town features charming cobblestone streets and colorful, crooked half-timbered houses. Walking through these narrow alleys, you can feel the history surrounding you. This is a must-visit area in Rønne, cherished by locals and tourists alike.
The island’s largest church, Sct. Nicolai Kirke, is also located in Rønne’s old district. Perched on a hill by the harbor, it is one of the first landmarks visible when arriving by ferry.
With its prominent location in the city’s landscape, the church has become Rønne’s main landmark, recognized by both Danish and international tourists, as well as the locals. In Rønne, you can also visit Denmark’s oldest theater, which has been in operation since 1823.
Griffen Spa Hotel
If you enjoy luxury hotels, this is the perfect choice for your stay in charming Rønne. This four-star hotel offers beautiful accommodations right in the city center, close to shopping, history, and culture.
Griffen Spa Hotel features a delightful restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a drink to start or end your evening. Their delicious breakfast will prepare you for everything Bornholm has to offer.
You can also take advantage of the fantastic pool, which attracts both younger and older vacationers, as well as the complete spa services available at the hotel.
Another major benefit is that everything you could want to see and do in Rønne is within walking distance.
Allinge
Charming Allinge, located further north on Bornholm, is a popular choice among visitors. The town has successfully transformed its former industrial character into a vibrant tourism hub filled with exciting experiences and activities.
The main street is lively for most of the year, offering numerous great restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a nice drink.
Allinge also offers excellent art experiences and frequent performances by local artists. Nearby, you’ll find a rare and unique combination of small beaches and picturesque cliffs, many of which are ideal for swimming.
This is without a doubt an area suitable for the whole family, regardless of age or travel company.
The Falcon Hotel
This is a cozy hotel with large, comfortable beds and fantastic bathrooms. With a generous breakfast buffet included in your room price, you can start each morning full and ready to explore everything Bornholm has to offer.
You can also easily walk down to the beach to enjoy the sea or, if the weather allows, take a refreshing swim.
The Falcon Hotel is, in many ways, a classic seaside hotel where you can comfortably stay whether you’re traveling with family, alone, or in an adult-only group.
Don’t miss the charming restaurant, where you can also have dinner if you wish, and the surprisingly extensive and delightful selection of drinks.
Nexø
This charming little town is located in southeastern Bornholm and has just over 3,000 inhabitants. Historically, it has been well known as a fishing hub, but in recent years, like many other places on Bornholm, it has attracted numerous artists and galleries.
You can also find cozy markets in Nexø, especially during the summer months. Here, you can discover everything from fascinating books to local delicacies and fresh vegetables grown by farmers in and around Nexø.
Like most other places on Bornholm, you’ll have easy access to the sea if you choose to stay here. Don’t miss the charming harbor, where many of the remaining fishermen are happy to chat and share stories about Nexø.
This small town is known for its welcoming residents, many of whom have lived here for generations and are eager to share their deep knowledge of the area’s history.
Hotel Skovly
This is a cozy and highly affordable hotel just outside Nexø on Bornholm. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with spacious and well-maintained rooms. The hotel also offers a wonderful breakfast buffet, always included in your stay.
The hotel features its own mini-golf course, open during the summer months, and the reception staff are always highly service-oriented and helpful.
Hotel Skovly is the perfect place for a vacation where you want to stay comfortably and stylishly without overpaying. You will undoubtedly feel welcomed and well taken care of, whether you’re traveling alone, with children, or with friends.
You’ll also have easy access to everything Nexø and greater Bornholm have to offer, as Nexø has excellent transport connections to the rest of the island.
Close to the hotel, as in many other places on Bornholm, you’ll find the sea with excellent swimming opportunities, as well as several scenic hiking trails for those who enjoy exploring nature while traveling.
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