Hasle is a charming port town located on the western coast of Bornholm, just north of Rönne. Despite its modest size, Hasle harbors many interesting attractions and fascinating traditions. With just under 1,500 inhabitants, it is one of the larger towns on this picturesque Danish island. It stands out primarily thanks to its renowned smokehouse, where besides delicious fish dishes, you will also find a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and secrets of smoking fish.
The center of Hasle is surrounded by a picturesque harbor, which serves as the heart of the local community. Tiny cobblestone streets and colorful, charming buildings create a unique atmosphere in this place. One should not forget the stunning Hasle Town Hall, built in 1855, which is an important part of the local history.
Another gem is the extraordinary church with a tower built of Prussian brick, dating back to the 15th century and proudly rising from Bornholm granite. This place is not only spiritual but also historical, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The area around Hasle is a true treasure trove of Bornholm's nature and landscape. Here, you will encounter rocky formations, pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and charming sandy beaches. It's the perfect place for long walks, cycling, or relaxing swims in the Baltic Sea.
The town of Hasle has its origins dating back to the 12th century. In 1149, it first appears in historical sources, mentioned as a fishing port for local fishermen. However, it was only in the 16th century that Hasle began to attract attention as a significant center for trade and fishing.
Prosperity in the 16th Century In the 16th century, the town of Hasle became a central trading point on Bornholm. Thanks to the growing trade, Hasle quickly expanded and was granted town rights in 1555. This event symbolically affirmed its position as an important commercial and industrial hub on the island.
Development in the Early 20th Century Another stage of Hasle's development began in the early 20th century. The port was expanded multiple times to meet the increasing trade demands. Especially during World War I, the coal trade with countries involved in the conflict contributed to the town's prosperity. Hasle not only became a vital trade center but also a key coal supply point for surrounding regions.
Challenges and Successes in the Interwar Period After a period of dynamic city development, the 1920s and 1930s brought some challenges and stagnation. However, after World War II, Hasle experienced a resurgence, particularly in the fishing sector. Fishing was highly profitable until the 1980s when fishing quotas sharply declined.
Modernization of the Port to the Present Day In 1988, Hasle underwent another significant modernization. The port was significantly enlarged, adding several harbor basins and marinas. This allowed the town to accommodate a larger number of maritime vessels, both commercial and recreational.
Hasle Today Currently, the primary users of the Hasle port are recreational fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts. The town has retained its historical roots while adapting to new challenges and opportunities. The history of Hasle is a tale of perseverance and adaptation that continues to this day, making the town of Hasle an integral part of Bornholm's culture and economy.
Whether you're a fan of history, beautiful landscapes, or culture, Hasle has a lot to offer. Here are a few places that are definitely worth visiting during your stay in this charming location.
Hasle Harbor: Hasle Harbor is the heart of the town, bustling with life and offering plenty to see for anyone visiting Bornholm. While strolling along the waterfront, you can admire both traditional wooden fishing boats and modern yachts moored in the harbor. Hasle Harbor is also a place to immerse yourself in the local culture. It often hosts festivals, fish markets, and other events that allow you to learn about the traditions of the Bornholm community. You can taste fresh, local seafood straight from the sea at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes.
St. Peter's Church (Sankt Peders Kirke): The history of this church dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest religious buildings on the island. Its Gothic architecture stands out for its elegance and simplicity, characteristic of that period. Preserved architectural details, such as pointed window arches and vaults, serve as an excellent example of the Gothic style.
Ceramics and Handcrafts (Grønbechs Gård): Grønbechs Gård is an artistic enclave on Bornholm that entices with its unique ceramics and handcrafts. During your visit to this workshop, you will have the opportunity to witness the creation of these beautiful objects from scratch. You can watch craftsmen as they work with clay, sculpt, shape, and decorate. Grønbechs Gård is also the perfect place to find unique souvenirs from Bornholm. The workshop offers handmade dishes, vases, ornaments, and many other unique items. After your visit to the workshop, we encourage you to relax in the charming café located at Grønbechs Gård. It's a place where you can sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and savor delicious pastries.
Smokehouse and Smokehouse Museum (Hasle Røgeri): When you visit Hasle Smokehouse, you are greeted by the aroma of smoke and fresh fish, creating a true feast for the senses. It is here, in the traditional manner, that fish are smoked using wood-generated smoke. Smoked products such as herring, salmon, mackerel, and cod are unique in flavor and an excellent example of Bornholm's regional cuisine.
In addition to the opportunity to taste freshly smoked delicacies, Hasle Smokehouse also offers an interesting educational attraction - the Smokehouse Museum. This is a place where you can delve into the history and processes related to fish smoking on Bornholm.
The Smokehouse Museum transports visitors back in time, showcasing the tools, equipment, and techniques used by ancient fishermen and smokehouse workers. You will learn about the development of this craft on the island, understand which fish were traditionally smoked, and discover its significance in the local economy and culture.
Restaurants and Cafes: Hasle offers many cozy restaurants and cafes where you can taste traditional Bornholm cuisine and delicious local specialties.
Kultippen on Bornholm: Surreal Moon-Like Landscape - The history of Kultippen begins after World War II. In those difficult times on Bornholm, coal mining was carried out, and the mining waste was piled up. These piles, although initially created for waste disposal, became something much more than temporary dumps. The action of the wind and extreme weather conditions transformed them into a surreal landscape resembling another world.
Directions
Bike route from Rønne to Hasle (access from Glasværksvej)
Rubinsø Lake: History and Charm of an Artificial Lake - The history of Rubinsø Lake dates back to World War II. Coal mining was active in this region until the end of the war, and after its conclusion, the excavation gradually filled with water. The forces of nature and hydrological phenomena led to the creation of this picturesque lake. The most fascinating feature of Rubinsø Lake is, of course, its water. The color of the water is extremely unusual, resembling a ruby, hence the name. This unique water color is the result of minerals and elements present in the environment, giving the lake an extraordinary charm that attracts numerous tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Directions
The lake is located approximately 1 km south of Hasle.
Klemensker: Remembrance of the Patron and Flavors of Bornholm - The name of the municipality of Klemensker, located on the island of Bornholm, has its roots in the parish of the same name, at the heart of which is the charming church of St. Clement. This place pays tribute to the patron saint St. Clement, constituting an important part of local history and culture. Klemensker is also a place where the tradition of dairying is an integral part of the heritage. Andelsmejeri St. Clemens, a traditional dairy, has been transforming organic milk into exceptional organic cheeses since 1950. One of them is the well-known blue cheese "blåskimmel ost," which, under the name "Danablu," has gained recognition for its spicy aroma, both on the island and worldwide. Tourists have the opportunity to visit St. Clemens Dairy and shop in the privilege store. Travelers in Klemensker also have the opportunity to indulge in Bornholm's cuisine at the historic Kro, the local inn. Built in 1900, this cozy inn with characteristic Prussian brickwork invites you to social evenings with friends and family, offering an authentic atmosphere and excellent dishes.
Directions
Bike route from Rønne to Helligdommen.
Helligpeder in Teglkås: Bornholm's Treasures in the Hearts of Fishing Villages - Helligpeder in Teglkås, two charming fishing villages located just 3 kilometers north of Hasle, are true gems of Bornholm that attract tourists with their unique atmosphere and extraordinary history. These places encapsulate the essence of this beautiful island and certainly deserve the attention of every traveler. The settlement of Helligpeder is particularly known for its backyard smokehouses, which are probably the oldest on Bornholm. For centuries, fish have been smoked here in traditional smokehouses, giving them a unique flavor and aroma that is hard to find elsewhere. This long tradition of smoking fish is part of Bornholm's heritage and undeniably an integral part of the local culture. Both Helligpeder and Teglkås offer unique experiences when it comes to nature contemplation and relaxation in Bornholm's unique atmosphere. These small fishing settlements, hidden on the coast, offer peaceful beaches, picturesque cliffs, and the opportunity to observe seabirds. These are ideal places for long walks along the seashore, where the sound of waves and the sea breeze make time stand still. Additionally, the nature in the vicinity of Helligpeder and Teglkås is exceptionally diverse and abundant in rare plant and animal species. Nature enthusiasts and ornithologists will find many attractions here, especially during the spring and autumn bird migrations.
Tourist route along the picturesque cliff coast from Teglkås to Jons Kapel (about 1 km).
Jons Kapel: The Rock Where the Word Resounded - Jons Kapel, also known as Jon's Chapel, is a place on Bornholm that has attracted travelers and pilgrims for centuries with its history and the views it offers. It is a rock from which, according to legend, the monk Jon spoke to the inhabitants of Bornholm and converted them to Christianity. To reach Jons Kapel, you must descend 108 wooden steps leading to this magical rock. This in itself is an experience that allows you to feel the unique atmosphere of this place. The views from Jons Kapel are breathtaking, stretching over the picturesque coastline and the sea, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. Jons Kapel is also a perfect place for observing seabirds, especially during the migration period when birds pass over Bornholm. It's a true feast for birdwatching enthusiasts, and the sight of majestic birds soaring above the sea is an additional highlight of this place.
Directions
Bike route from Rønne to Allinge.
Rutsker: Beauty on the Island of Bornholm - Rutsker, the highest located village on the island of Bornholm, hides in its charms both historical treasures and breathtaking landscapes. The central point of Rutsker is the Romanesque church Ruts kirke, which was built around the year 1200. This beautiful church captivates with its architecture and serves not only as an important monument but also as a center for spiritual reflection. The history of this place becomes even more fascinating when you learn that one of the pastors of this church, Povl Anker, was an active participant in the uprising in Hasle. However, Rutsker is not only about history and architecture. It's also about the beautiful hill, situated at an elevation of 130 meters above sea level. This hill offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes of Bornholm. It's the perfect place for long walks and hikes, where the nature of Bornholm flourishes in all its beauty.
Directions
Road from Hasle to Rutsker.
