Holidays with Children on Bornholm – a family guide to attractions and beaches

The best family rhythm on Bornholm is simple: 1 bigger attraction (or two short ones) + breaks + relaxed time (beach/walk/playground). The island can be windy, so it’s worth having a solid Plan B for rain and strong wind.

• Don’t overpack the day: 1–2 attractions max; the rest is beach and downtime.
• Snacks save holidays: water + small bites in your bag = fewer meltdowns.
• Plan B: NaturBornholm, Bornholms Tekniske Samling, Sommerlunden (parts are indoors).

Checklist (works every time)

• Layers: hoodie + windproof jacket (Bornholm can surprise you).
• Water + snacks: hungry kids = crisis; prevent it early.
• Plan B: NaturBornholm / Tekniske / Sommerlunden when weather changes.
• Pace: one main attraction per day is usually enough.

3-day plan (minimum “taste of Bornholm”)

Day 1: Lykkelund + easy time (beach/playground) • Day 2: NaturBornholm (great in rain too) • Day 3: Brændesgårdshaven.

5-day plan (comfortable)

Day 1: beach (Balka/Dueodde) • Day 2: Medieval Centre • Day 3: Brændesgårdshaven • Day 4: Nature Park • Day 5: Sommerlunden or Rovfugleshow (depending on weather).

7-day plan (slow + buffer day)

Add: Tekniske Samling + Skattejagt (spread over a few days) + 2 beach days + 1 weather buffer day.

Kids get real close to animals: goats, mini pigs, donkeys, ponies, guinea pigs and cats. You can watch daily activities (like milking goats or feeding young animals) and spend time in the garden with a natural playground.

There’s a shop with local products: ice cream, cheese, meats and Bornholm treats. There’s also a small café – perfect for coffee and homemade cake after playtime.

ADDRESS: Krækketsvej 3, Østerlars, 3760 Gudhjem

A large open-air museum where you discover everyday medieval life. There are activities, games and role-play elements, so it’s not just looking – it’s doing.

Explore on your own (with a pocket guide) or join free guided tours. Often on site: coin striking, archery, painting with traditional pigments, or even a cannon firing demo.

ADDRESS: Stangevej 1, Østerlars, 3760 Gudhjem

A genuinely engaging adventure: Archbishop Eskil’s testament was split into 24 parts hidden across 12 locations on the island. The riddles suit different ages, and you have a full week to solve it (at your own pace).

ADDRESS (starting point): Stangevej 1, Østerlars, 3760 Gudhjem

4000 m² of exhibitions and 25 themed collections: toys, machines, ceramics, vehicles and everyday life from decades past. Big plus: many exhibits are hands-on – exactly what kids enjoy most.

For children aged 5–9 there’s a “conversation suitcase” – prompts and questions that turn the visit into play.

ADDRESS: Borrelyngsvej 48, Rutsker, 3770 Allinge

The park offers activities for different ages: climbing routes with increasing difficulty, ziplines, disc golf, football golf and an interactive quiz maze among oak trees.

ADDRESS: Brommevej 10, 3760 Gudhjem

More than just a bird show: there’s also a mini zoo (e.g., rabbits, chickens, sheep), feeding opportunities, and a large playground. Shows run several times a day, often also in an indoor version.

ADDRESS: Lundsgårdsvej 4, 3700 Rønne

In one ticket: a water park (approx. 6000 m²), zoo, boats, a zipline over water, mini golf, a climbing wall, and plenty of play zones. There are also calmer garden corners – perfect for a reset.

ADDRESS: Højevejen 4, 3740 Svaneke

Many visits start with the “Time Machine” show that takes you into Bornholm’s past (dinosaurs, an earthquake experience), and then you explore the interactive exhibition areas: the Ice Age, the Baltic Sea, island wildlife and nature.

ADDRESS: Grønningen 30, 3720 Aakirkeby

Sommerlunden is an “oasis” near Nexø – built around nature and creativity. The biggest magnets for families are tropical butterflies in the warm zone, themed sand sculptures, and spaces where kids can create and play.

In practice, it’s great for a half-day (or as Plan B when weather changes), because some parts are indoors, and there’s often a café plus calm resting areas.

Dueodde is famous for its fine, bright sand and huge open space. It’s a great pick when you want kids to have room to run, build sandcastles and play without feeling crowded.

Tip: pack an extra layer for wind – even in summer it can blow.

Balka is a strong favourite with families: it often feels “safer” and works well for shorter beach time, especially with younger children.

Sandvig is a great option when you combine beach time with sightseeing in the north of the island. Often chosen for a shorter stop – more scenic and “excursion-like” than an all-day beach session.

Bornholm is a brilliant choice for families: nature, beaches, educational attractions and parks where kids can burn energy. The best island holiday is all about balance: one attraction + beach + breaks + slow time.