BORNHOLM • TOWNS • NEXØ
Nexø – Bornholm’s second harbour town
Nexø is Bornholm’s second-largest town (around 4,000 residents) and an important harbour on the island’s east coast. With its waterfront atmosphere, lively market, museums and historic streets, Nexø is a great base for exploring Balka, Snogebæk and Dueodde.
Place type
harbour town
Best for
families, couples, solo
Vibe
harbour, culture, history
Region
eastern Bornholm
Why visit Nexø?
On Bornholm’s east coast you’ll find Nexø – with close to 4,000 residents, the island’s second-largest town. Founded around a small harbour, Nexø has grown into the second most important port on Bornholm after the island’s capital. Today the town blends old and new architecture with a working harbour, a lively square and a relaxed coastal rhythm. Browse small shops, stop by a café or restaurant, or visit a museum.
Nexø is the largest town on Bornholm’s eastern shoreline and an everyday hub for the local community. The beautiful timber-framed church in the centre dates to the late Gothic period and is relatively “young” compared to Bornholm’s other churches. Around the church you’ll find narrow lanes, cobbled streets and colourful half-timbered houses.
Looking for accommodation in Nexø? You’ll find plenty of choice – holiday homes, guesthouses, a campsite and many holiday apartments. Nexø beach is stony but still popular. A special feature is how quickly the water gets deep, so keep an eye on small children.
Things to do in Nexø
St Nicholas’ Church
The church tower shapes Nexø’s skyline. This late-Gothic church is dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, just like St Nicholas’ Church in Rønne. The white church with its impressive Renaissance half-timbered tower is a landmark in the town. Interior restoration began in 1985 and was completed in 1995.
Nexø Museum
Nexø Museum is located in an old warehouse by the harbour. It presents the history of Bornholm, with a special focus on Nexø. You’ll find information boards, photos, documents, tools, uniforms and many other exhibits that clearly explain the region’s historical development. The museum also includes an exhibition about the German occupation of Bornholm during World War II.
Martin Andersen memorial house
One of Nexø’s highlights – especially for literature lovers – is the former home of writer Martin Andersen Nexø. The small yellow museum house is easy to spot, and a bronze statue of the author stands outside. Inside you can learn about his life and work. Andersen became internationally known for the novel “Pelle the Conqueror”. The 1988 film adaptation won the Palme d’Or and an Academy Award. Throughout his life, Andersen felt strongly connected to the working class, and many of his autobiographical books address social issues in early 20th-century Denmark.
Bornholm Railway Museum (De Bornholmske Jernbaner Museum)
Located in Nexø harbour, this museum has showcased Bornholm’s railway history since 1994 in a former boat shed. Expect extensive documentation with photos, documents and exhibits, plus restored locomotives, trailers, passenger cars and a handcar. Although Bornholm no longer has rail transport today, the railway was a popular means of travel and an important part of the island’s economy from 1900 to 1960.
Sommerlunden (butterfly park)
Just outside Nexø you can spend a fun and colourful few hours at Sommerlunden. In the tropical house you can watch butterflies and moths in flight, surrounded by lush tropical plants. The park is great for families and offers plenty to explore. Outside the tropical house you’ll find a landscaped garden with many flowering plants, and a playground – a real bonus for younger visitors.
Nearby attractions from Nexø
Nexø is an excellent base on eastern Bornholm. Within a short trip you can reach charming villages, beaches and scenic viewpoints – perfect for a half-day outing or a full day of exploring.
Bodilsker – church and rural landscapes
Bodilsker is a parish in eastern Bornholm, close to Nexø. Around 930 people live in the area. The centrepiece is the whitewashed Sankt Bodils Kirke, beautifully set among fields in the distinctive Bornholm countryside.
Getting there: about 5 km west of Nexø.
Balka – one of the area’s best beaches
Balka is a small place located between Snogebæk and Nexø on Bornholm’s east coast. Thanks to its fine sand, Balka Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The sheltered bay connects seamlessly with the northern end of Snogebæk Beach and stretches in a long crescent for more than a kilometre. The area is also popular with water sports fans. The Nexø–Balka cycle route follows the former Bornholm railway line, and you’ll find the Hundsemyre bird reserve along the way.
Getting there: on the Rønne – Dueodde cycle route.
Snogebæk – small harbour and coastal charm
Snogebæk is a small fishing village between Nexø and Dueodde, set among some of Bornholm’s most beautiful beaches. Its classic island atmosphere comes largely from the tiny harbour, reached via a long pier, and (almost always) a traditional smokehouse.
Getting there: on the Svaneke – Rønne cycle route.
Dueodde – a postcard-perfect beach
Standing at Bornholm’s southern tip, you might feel like you’re on a tropical beach – only without the exotic vegetation. Dueodde is one of the island’s most beautiful corners. The widest beach on Bornholm stretches from Boderne in the west for more than 12 km to Balka in the east. Surfers find a small paradise here. The quartz sand is so fine it was once used for hourglasses. This is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Denmark – and even in Europe.
Getting there: on the Svaneke – Rønne cycle route.
FAQ — Nexø
What are the best things to do in Nexø?
Top things to do in Nexø include: St Nicholas’ Church, Nexø Museum, the Martin Andersen memorial house, the Bornholm Railway Museum (De Bornholmske Jernbaner Museum) and Sommerlunden (butterfly park).
Is Nexø a good place to stay overnight?
Yes. Nexø offers holiday homes, guesthouses, a campsite and apartments, and it’s a very convenient base for exploring eastern Bornholm.
Is Nexø beach suitable for children?
Nexø beach is stony and the water gets deep quite quickly, so it’s best to keep a close eye on small children.
Plan Bornholm your way
Choose guided tours or book a bike online and explore the island at your own pace. We can help match your plan to your dates and travel style.
