Is Bornholm suitable for an active holiday?

Yes – the island’s hiking and cycling routes and varied terrain make it suitable for different fitness levels and time frames.

How do I plan a relaxed day in nature?

Focus on one area, choose 2–3 highlights and include a longer walk, leaving room for spontaneous stops.

BORNHOLM • LANDSCAPE • NATURE • TRAILS

Bornholm’s Landscape and Nature

Q: When is the best time to see the heathlands?

The heathlands are most impressive in late summer during the flowering season, but they are worth visiting throughout the season.

Q: What should I choose on windy or rainy days?

Forests offer more sheltered trails. Museums and local workshops are also a good alternative in bad weather.

Bornholm is a scenic Baltic island known for its diverse landscapes – from sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to forests and open heathlands. Its unspoiled nature and extensive network of trails make it a perfect destination for active holidays and outdoor experiences.

Guided tours Plan your trip

Contrasts

cliffs + beaches

Trails

hiking & cycling

Nature

forests + heathlands

Wildlife

birds & fauna

Home/ Bornholm/ Landscape and nature

Bornholm is an island of striking contrasts, where rugged northern cliffs meet the gentle southern coastline. Shaped over thousands of years, its landscape combines wild nature with traces of history and human presence.

Rivers, lakes and protected ecosystems make Bornholm a paradise for nature lovers seeking peace, space and authentic outdoor experiences.

The Bornholm Coastline – cliffs and sandy beaches

The rugged cliffs of northern Bornholm contrast sharply with the wide, pale beaches of the south. From Allinge to Svaneke, the coastline changes dramatically, offering spectacular views, coastal meadows and hidden coves.

Rift valleys – geological treasures of Bornholm

Ekkødalen and Døndalen are rift valleys formed by tectonic movements and glacial activity. Today they are among the island’s most scenic hiking areas, combining geology with lush vegetation.

Bornholm’s heathlands

Heathlands are a distinctive feature of Bornholm’s landscape and a legacy of traditional grazing. Areas such as Hammerknuden and Paradisbakkerne are now carefully protected and are especially beautiful in late summer when the heather is in bloom.

The green heart of Bornholm – forests

More than 20% of the island is covered by forest. Almindingen, one of Denmark’s largest forest areas, offers hiking trails, valleys and quiet natural spaces perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature.

Remarkable wildlife on Bornholm

Bornholm is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Seabirds, deer, bats and a wide range of habitats create rich ecosystems where encounters with nature are always close at hand.