Cycling • hiking • water sports • climbing • active with kids

Active on Bornholm: the best ideas for cycling, trails and the sea

Bornholm is made for active exploring: excellent bike paths, scenic hiking routes, clean beaches and great conditions for water sports. Choose your style (or mix a few) and plan your days without long drives.

Simplest plan
1 activity = 1 day
Must do
cycling + northern cliffs
Gear
layers + wind jacket
Plan B
forest / inland

Bornholm loves movement: short distances, big nature and routes for every fitness level

Active on Bornholm – cliffs, forests and beaches

If you want to experience Bornholm “for real”, head outdoors: by bike, on foot or on the water. The island is compact and landscapes change quickly – which means even a short route can feel like a major highlight.

  • For everyone: from family-friendly routes to more challenging sections
  • No pressure: 2–3 key stops a day + time for beaches and breaks
  • Convenient: easy to combine activity with towns and local food
“On Bornholm you don’t need a marathon. Pick a direction and stay curious — the island does the rest.”

What to do actively on Bornholm: choose your style

Hiking on Bornholm – trails and cliffs

Hiking: cliffs, forests and scenic trails

From short walks to longer trekking sections. Great routes run both along the coast and through the island’s interior.

  • Best for: viewpoints + nature
  • Tip: grippy shoes for rocky ground
Hiking
Water sports on Bornholm – beaches and wind

The sea: surfing, kitesurfing and the vibe of the southern beaches

Wide beaches on the south coast are great for water sports. If you’re dreaming of wind and open space, head south.

  • Best for: active travellers + summer
  • Tip: check the wind forecast
Water sports
Climbing on Bornholm – granite rocks

Climbing: granite, cliffs and strong spots

Bornholm is one of Denmark’s more interesting places for climbers – granite rock and routes across levels.

  • Best for: adrenaline fans
  • Tip: choose sheltered crags on windy days
Climbing

Ready-made ideas for an active day: pick one and go

Cycling: “Around Bornholm” (in stages)

A great adventure idea: split the island route into comfortable stages and combine it with beaches and harbour stops.

  • Style: views + towns
  • Tip: choose an e-bike when it’s windy
See the route

Hiking: Hammerknuden loop (big views)

Cliffs, a lighthouse and lakes in former quarries – one of the island’s most spectacular walks.

  • Time: about 2 hours
  • Tip: best light morning / evening
Route details

Kayaking: calmer bays and coastline

Bornholm from the water feels different: rock formations, small coves and calm away from the main routes.

  • Style: nature + relaxation
  • Tip: check wind conditions
Kayaking on Bornholm

Plan B: forests and inland (when it’s windy)

When the coast feels too exposed, choose sheltered routes inland and keep walks shorter and more flexible.

  • Style: flexible
  • Tip: layers + a thermos
Planning your stay
Guided tours What to pack

FAQ: Active on Bornholm

What’s best for your first active day on Bornholm?

The easiest start is cycling (you can scale the distance) or a short scenic hike. Rule of thumb: pick 2–3 key stops and leave time for breaks.

Is Bornholm good for e-bikes and family-friendly routes?

Yes — e-bikes are great in wind and on longer loops, and it’s easy to plan a family pace by keeping distances shorter and stopping often.

What should you do when it’s very windy?

Choose sheltered routes inland (forests and the centre of Bornholm), shorter walks and a “no-stress” plan. Always bring layers and a wind jacket.

How should you pack for an active trip?

Layers, comfortable shoes and wind protection are key. A power bank, water and a small first-aid kit also help. Use the packing checklist and adapt it to your style (cycling/hiking/water).

Want an active plan without the logistics?

Explore guided tours or simply pick an activity and head out.

Guided tours See all activities
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