Arnager
A quiet spot on south-west Bornholm – great for a harbour stroll and a calm break by the sea.
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BORNHOLM • PLACES • TOWNS & VILLAGES
Towns and villages on Bornholm – a guide to the island’s small ports and local gems
Bornholm is not just about the “big” towns – the island’s real charm often lives in small harbours, fishing settlements and quiet villages where you can feel the Danish island vibe. Below you’ll find a curated list of Bornholm places – perfect for a day trip, an overnight stay, or an easy seaside walk.
Best for
walks, harbours, local vibe
Getting around
car, bike, BAT buses
small towns, lots of nature
Tip
pick 2–3 bases and explore around
What are Bornholm’s towns and villages like?
Bornholm doesn’t feel like a place of “classic villages” you may know from other parts of Europe. Instead, the island is a mosaic of small towns, harbour communities and local centres with cafés, restaurants, shops and attractions. The largest towns include Rønne, Nexø, Aakirkeby, Allinge-Sandvig, Gudhjem, Hasle and Svaneke – but many of Bornholm’s best moments happen in the smaller places.
Getting around is easy: choose a car, a bike, or BAT public transport. Bornholm has an excellent cycling network (often following former railway embankments), and many areas are also accessible by bus.
Discover these places
Balka
A south-east classic – ideal for beach time, family days, and an easy summer atmosphere.
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Boderne
A small coastal place in the south – perfect for relaxed walks and less obvious routes.
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Bølshavn
A tiny harbour settlement – great for a short stop, photos, and that quiet sea view.
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Dueodde
Wide beaches and bright sand – one of Bornholm’s most iconic areas for long, scenic walks.
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Helligpeder & Teglkås
Two fishing settlements on a cliffy coastline – a great choice for a sea walk and “quiet north” vibes.
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Klemensker
A calm inland village – a handy stop on a cycling route or a drive across Bornholm.
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Listed
A small, picturesque spot on the east coast – ideal for a quick harbour stroll and a gentle stop “on the way”.
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Melsted
Easy pace and local charm – a good pick if you want Bornholm without rushing.
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Nyker
A quiet village in the west – great when you want “local Bornholm” away from the main buzz.
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Nylars
In south-central Bornholm – a good stop for short visits and easy local exploring.
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Olsker
A calmer side of the north – a nice pick if you’re exploring around Allinge and the coastline.
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Østerlars
Central-east Bornholm – a practical base for short trips to nearby highlights.
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Østermarie
A peaceful eastern village – ideal for slow travel and discovering local routes.
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Pedersker
South Bornholm – a calm stop if you’re combining sightseeing with cycling routes.
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Rø
A quiet northern village – a good stop between Gudhjem, Allinge and nearby viewpoints.
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Rutsker
Bornholm’s highest-lying village – a great choice for views and calm routes in the north-west.
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Snogebæk
South-east Bornholm – an easy summer vibe, relaxed exploring and beaches nearby.
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Tejn & Sandkås
North Bornholm – harbour vibes and coastline, a good starting point for Allinge and Gudhjem area trips.
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Vang
The west coast in a wilder mood – perfect if you like cliffs, wind and quiet sea routes.
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Vestermarie
A handy inland point in the west – great for calm exploring around Rønne and Hasle.
See placeFAQ — towns and villages on Bornholm
How do I choose the best base on Bornholm?
The simplest approach is to pick 1–2 bases and do day trips. If you want “easy access everywhere”, the central part of the island works well. For beaches, choose the south; for cliffs and a wilder coastline, head north and west.
Is Bornholm good for cycling?
Yes. Bornholm has an excellent cycling network and many sections are clearly signposted. It’s a great way to link small towns, harbours and short routes between attractions.
Which places are calmer and less crowded?
Smaller villages away from the main resorts are usually the quietest. Use them as “on-the-way” stops — especially in the west and in the island interior.
Is there public transport on Bornholm?
Yes. BAT buses connect the main towns and selected points across the island, so you can travel without a car.
Plan Bornholm your way
Choose guided tours, or rent a bike online and explore the island at your own pace. We can help match the plan to your dates and travel style.
