Experience the night sky on Bornholm
Bornholm lies in the middle of the Baltic Sea and has low light pollution. Autumn and winter are often the best seasons for stargazing.
Bornholm • cliffs • west coast • viewpoints • short hike • nature
Jons Kapel – a cliff formation on Bornholm
North of the small fishing village of Teglkås on Bornholm’s west coast lies Jons Kapel – a dramatic cliff formation, where one of the rocks rises around 22 metres, steep and slender. From the beach, it looks like a church steeple. According to legend, the hermit and missionary Jon lived and meditated in caves in the area – caves that can only be seen from the sea.
Height
Approx. 22 m rock
Stairs
171 steps down to the coast
Protected area
Protected since 1907
Nearby
Hvidkleven “white cliffs”
Jons Kapel on Bornholm’s west coast
Jons Kapel is known for its rugged cliffs and the story of the missionary Jon. The cave that opens towards the sea is often called “the pulpit”, and legend says a preacher spoke from here to Bornholm’s fishermen and blessed them before they headed out to sea.
Further south you’ll find three caves where Jon is said to have lived. They have nicknames such as the church hall/chapel, as well as the “pantry”, “sacristy”, “dining room” and even the “bedroom”.
To protect the area, the rock formation was listed as a protected natural site in 1907. Today, Jons Kapel is a popular stop for anyone who loves nature, dramatic coastal scenery and short hikes with a big reward in the form of views and atmosphere.
Hvidkleven – “the white cliffs”
Just north of Jons Kapel, Hvidkleven rises as a steep cliff wall of around 41 metres. The name comes from the way the rocks can appear almost white in strong wind or storms – when waves crash in and foam heavily against the coast.
How to get to Jons Kapel
The walk to Jons Kapel starts in Teglkås or from the well-signposted parking area above the cliffs. From there, it’s just a few hundred metres to a steep wooden staircase with 171 steps leading down to the rocky shore. The stairs sit in a naturally formed diabase dyke – a rock type that weathered faster than the hard granite, creating this “passage”. The diabase was likely forced up as molten lava and cooled near the surface.
Address
Jons Kapel
Jon Kapelvej 4
DK-3790 Hasle
Bornholm
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FAQ — Jons Kapel
Where is Jons Kapel on Bornholm?
Jons Kapel is on Bornholm’s west coast, north of Teglkås, near Hasle.
How many steps are there down to the coast at Jons Kapel?
There are 171 steps down to the rocky shore.
What is Hvidkleven?
Hvidkleven is a steep cliff wall north of Jons Kapel, about 41 metres high, which can look almost white in strong wind.
Is the area at Jons Kapel protected?
Yes – the area has been protected since 1907.
Plan Bornholm your way
Choose guided tours – or book 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.
