Bike tours on Bornholm
Discover Bornholm by bike — scenic routes, round churches, charming towns and nature highlights.
Bornholm • Almindingen • rift valley • echo • forest walk • nature
Ekkodalen – Echo Valley on Bornholm
Ekkodalen (Echo Valley) is part of Bornholm’s longest rift valley. Above ground, it stretches from Saltuna in the east for about 12 kilometres to Vallensgårds Mose — and beneath the surface it continues all the way to Arnager on the west coast. The valley is up to 70 metres wide and bordered by steep rock walls up to 20 metres high. It’s famous for its echo, created when sound bounces back from the cliffs — best heard near Hans Christian Ørsted’s spring.
Valley type
Rift valley
Width
Up to ~70 m
Cliff walls
Up to ~20 m high
Best echo spot
Ørsted’s spring
What makes Ekkodalen special?
The slopes are covered by a protected oak forest that is more than 200 years old. The meadow in the valley is grazed by livestock, which helps keep the views open so visitors can enjoy the dramatic rock formations. The “echo effect” happens when a shout or sound reflects off the steep rock walls and returns to you.
If you want the clearest echo, head for Hans Christian Ørsted’s spring — a little to the left of the path at the entrance to the valley.
Historical background
Ekkodalen — like several other valleys on Bornholm — was formed by major tectonic stresses. As the Earth’s crust cracked, deep fissures developed. Over time, rain and flowing water washed away sediments and helped shape the steep rock walls you see today.
The sheltered valley creates a special microclimate: milder in winter, and cooler and shaded in summer — which supports lush plant growth on the valley floor.
In 1809, Hans Rømer built a stone wall around the forest (still visible today), which limited local grazing rights. Rømer served as forest manager from 1800–1836 and helped shape Almindingen, now Denmark’s third-largest forest. Today, the valley is used as rich pastureland.
Hans Christian Ørsted’s spring
The strongest echo is usually heard near Hans Christian Ørsted’s spring — around 20 metres to the left along the path at the entrance to Ekkodalen, opposite Ekkodalshuset.
The spring was once considered a sacred well. Its exceptionally clear, pleasant-tasting water was believed to have healing properties. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was also known as Ørsted’s Radium Spring.
How to get there
Ekkodalen is located in the heart of Bornholm, in the Almindingen forest area. It’s a great stop on a forest walk, and easy to combine with other central-Bornholm routes.
Other great things to do
Looking for more ideas? Combine Echo Valley with an active day — on a bike, on foot, or on the sea.
Kayaking on Bornholm
Experience Bornholm from the water — join a guided trip or rent equipment and explore at your own pace.
FAQ — Ekkodalen (Echo Valley)
Where is Ekkodalen on Bornholm?
Ekkodalen is in central Bornholm, in the Almindingen forest area.
Why is it called Echo Valley?
The steep rock walls reflect sound back, creating a clear echo — especially near Ørsted’s spring.
What’s the best spot to hear the echo?
Locals often recommend Hans Christian Ørsted’s spring near the entrance to the valley.
Is the forest protected?
Yes — the slopes include a protected oak forest more than 200 years old.
Plan Bornholm your way
Choose guided tours — or rent a bike online and explore the island at your own pace. We’re happy to help you put together a plan that fits your dates and travel style.
