Bornholm Outdoor
Plan your active outdoor holiday on Bornholm. Are you ready for a challenge? Your active holiday on Bornholm starts here, with activities for all ages and levels.
Located on the southwest coast of the island, Rønne is the capital of Bornholm and its largest city, with a population of over 13,000.
It is a place where tradition and modernity blend into beautiful, colorful patterns, seen in the Jugendstil houses characteristic of Rønne. A tour of this picturesque town is a unique experience - you can see many historic sites, including St. Nicholas' Church.
But Rønne is not just about history - it also offers great shopping and cultural experiences that attract tourists from all over the world. Numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants will satisfy the appetite of every visitor, and the rich cultural scene will provide entertainment even for the most demanding guests.
Rønne is also a port where ferries from Sassnitz, Køge, and Ystad arrive. It is an ideal place to start your adventure on Bornholm, exploring nearby attractions on foot, by bike, or by car. No matter how long you decide to stay on the island, Rønne is a place where everyone can find something for themselves.
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In the 13th century, when the island's capital was Aakirkeby, no one could have predicted that a small settlement on the coast would become one of the most important ports in the region. It was German merchants associated with the Hanseatic League who began building the town in 1327, and in the same year Rønne was granted town rights.
In the 18th century, the town flourished thanks to maritime trade, which led to the expansion of the port and increased importance of the town. Rønne became the main town of Bornholm, and in 1866 a steamship connection was established with the Swedish town of Ystad, enabling the development of trade and tourism.
However, fate can be cruel and Rønne was not spared during the Nazi occupation. The town suffered difficult times during World War II, and in May 1945, it was bombed by Soviet air forces. Most of the buildings were destroyed, but with the help of the Swedes, the town was rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
Today, Rønne is one of the most important towns in Bornholm and an attractive tourist destination. It is worth visiting the old port smithy from 1735, the majestic lighthouse from 1880, and the smallest house in the town on Vimmelskaftet. And for those who want to learn even more, the Bornholms Museum and Military Museum offer great opportunities to explore the island's history, including the famous gold tablets with carved figures from the 6th century and one of the oldest cannons in Denmark dating back to 1555.
The Port of Rønne is a crucial element of Bornholm's economy, as many goods and people arrive and depart from the island through this port. The port is managed by Rønne Havn A/S, a company that is also responsible for the development and modernization of the port and taking care of the natural environment around the port.
The port complex includes various terminals, including a cargo terminal, a fishing terminal, a passenger terminal, and a marina. The cargo terminal is the largest and serves ferries from Germany and Denmark, which deliver various goods to the island, such as food, fuel, and building materials.
The Port of Rønne was also the site of important historical events, such as during World War II when it was bombed by Soviet air forces. Many buildings were destroyed as a result of the bombing, but the port was quickly rebuilt and continued its operations.
Today, the Port of Rønne is a popular destination for tourists who use the passenger terminal to visit the island of Bornholm or travel to Sweden or Denmark.
The Old Forge in Rønne is a historic building with a rich history and many uses over the years. It was built in 1735 as an ammunition warehouse, which was very important at the time when Bornholm played a strategic role in defending Denmark. In 1843, the building was sold to the port authority in Rønne, which used it as a warehouse for various goods.
Over the years, the Old Forge has also been used as a place to store fishing equipment and as a warehouse for storing grain and other goods. In the 1970s, the building was restored and has since been occasionally opened to tourists. Inside, you can see exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of Bornholm, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and pottery.
The Old Forge is one of the oldest buildings in Rønne and is considered an important element of Bornholm's cultural heritage. Thanks to the preservation and restoration of this building, tourists can visit it and learn about its history and traditional crafts that are still practiced on Bornholm.
As you approach the picturesque island of Bornholm in Denmark, your first stop is the white lighthouse Rønne Bagfyr, located just below the church and above the harbor. This slender and bright white tower, along with the church, is usually the first and last thing you notice on Bornholm.
Rønne Bagfyr was built in 1880, on top of a hill above the harbor basin, as a copy of the lighthouse in the port of Ystad in southern Sweden. It served as a directional light for ships entering and leaving the harbor. Since then, the lighthouse has become an important landmark for residents and tourists visiting the island.
Although Rønne Bagfyr ceased operating as a lighthouse in 1989, it still attracts attention and remains a symbol of the island. It is located on a hill, which allows for beautiful views of the harbor and the sea. At night, the lighthouse is illuminated, bearing witness to the history of Bornholm and maritime service.
Sct. Nicolaus Kirke is a true treasure of Rønne, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. The white, majestic building stands proudly above the surrounding houses and has always attracted the attention of visitors. However, what makes the church so unique is its rich history and numerous secrets.
Important ceremonies were held in Sct. Nicolaus Kirke, and its interior has witnessed many events, both joyous and tragic. It is here that mysterious symbols and inscriptions are hidden, which still arouse controversy and encourage reflection on their meaning.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the church underwent a thorough renovation to restore its former glory. Today, over 100 years later, it still enchants with its mystical atmosphere and is not only a place of religious worship but also an important cultural hub of the city, where numerous concerts, exhibitions, and artistic events take place.
Perronen is a building that was once a train station located on the island of Bornholm in Denmark, but now functions as the Rønne hotel and restaurant. The building was constructed in 1913 and served as the main train station on the island for many years.
In 2012, the building was renovated and transformed into a hotel and restaurant while preserving its original architectural style, including the characteristic clock towers that add charm and attract tourists.
Currently, Perronen offers 12 rustic-style hotel rooms, each with a bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The Perronen restaurant serves local cuisine and seasonal menus prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Perronen is a popular destination for both tourists and residents of Bornholm who enjoy visiting for romantic dinners or weekend getaways.
Bornholm Museum is a museum located on the Danish island of Bornholm, which is dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and exhibiting artifacts related to the history and culture of Bornholm. The museum was founded in 1893 and since then it has been gathering a diverse collection of objects from prehistoric times to the present day, including items related to traditional crafts, handicrafts, archaeology, history, and art of Bornholm.
Additionally, the museum organizes numerous temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops, concerts, and educational activities for children and youth. Bornholm Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions on Bornholm and is definitely worth visiting during your stay on the island.
The smallest house in Rønne, located at Vimmelskaftet 11, is a charming treasure of Bornholm. With only 25 square meters, this small house is the smallest in all of Rønne. It is characterized by blue doors and small wooden steps leading up to them, and its picturesque location makes it part of one of the prettiest spots in Rønne.
Despite its small size, this house is an important element of Rønne's architecture and history. It was built in 1683 and was originally part of a larger residential building. In 1918, as a result of urban development, the house was separated from the rest of the building and became a standalone property. Since then, it has been used for various purposes, and its unique character has attracted tourists from all over the world.
Inside the house, there is one room where a family used to live. Currently, the house is available for rent, which is an additional tourist attraction for the city. Despite the limited space, the house has everything necessary for a comfortable stay. The owners keep it in excellent condition and try to maintain the original decor.
The smallest house in Rønne is a unique tourist attraction of Bornholm, which is worth seeing during a visit to the island.
Erichsens Gård is an extraordinary place that combines history, culture, and the beauty of nature. It is a perfectly preserved 19th-century home that reflects the wealth and prestige that came with being a merchant in those times.
Thomas Erichsen, the owner of the home, was one of the most important merchants in the city, and his company specialized in importing luxury goods such as coffee, tea, and sugar. Erichsens Gård is not only a home but also a place where an important part of social and cultural life revolved.
The interior of the home is decorated in a 19th-century style and filled with original furniture, decorations, and period equipment, which transports guests back in time and allows them to feel the atmosphere of those years.
However, the real gem of Erichsens Gård is the small but charming garden, which comes to life in the summer season. The garden hosts various cultural events such as concerts and theatrical performances, which attract both city residents and tourists. The garden is also an ideal place for rest and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Today, Erichsens Gård is open to visitors, who have the opportunity to learn about the history of the home, its former owners, and social life in the 19th century. It is a place where history, culture, and the beauty of nature come together to create an unforgettable mixture that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Hjorts Stentøj Ceramic Museum on Bornholm is a place where you can feel the soul of the island and learn about its rich history of ceramics. The museum features wonderful exhibits that showcase ceramic art, as well as the history of the Hjorts Stentøj brand, which had a tremendous impact on the development of ceramics on Bornholm and throughout Denmark.
Among the valuable exhibits, you can see unique collections of vases, plates, and pitchers made by Hjorts Stentøj over the years. These ceramic artworks are evidence of the role that this brand played in the island's developing culture. The museum also displays tools and machines used in ceramic production, allowing visitors to see how difficult and time-consuming the work associated with producing these exceptional objects is.
The Hjorts Stentøj Ceramic Museum on Bornholm is not just a place to admire valuable exhibits, but also a place to discover the fascinating history of ceramic art on Bornholm. The museum is an ideal destination for tourists and art enthusiasts who want to learn about the island's history and see how ceramics have developed over the centuries, and the significant role the Hjorts Stentøj brand has played in this process.
Forvarsmuseum is one of the most interesting places in Bornholm for military history enthusiasts. The fortifications from the 17th century located on the museum's grounds are a rare example of preserved defensive architecture. It is worth visiting this place to see what the fortifications looked like in the past and what their purpose was.
The fortifications were built on the orders of Danish King Frederick V and were supposed to play a key role in the fight against the Swedes. However, the fortress walls, which were a meter thick, the moat, and the cannons were never used in battle. Despite this, the fortifications have survived to this day, maintaining their impressive form.
Currently, Bornholm Defense Museum operates on the site of the fortifications. The museum features many uniforms, old maps, and documents related to the history of Bornholm. Additionally, it is worth seeing the fortifications around the fort and the tower, which have also survived to this day.
Forvarsmuseum is an excellent place for people interested in military history, but also for tourists who want to see rare and impressive examples of defensive architecture. By visiting this place, one can feel like they are stepping back in time and see what the fortifications looked like in the past and what their purpose was.
The bridge and colorful fishing houses - discover the beauty of Arnager on Bornholm
Arnager is a charming small fishing village located on the southern coast of the island of Bornholm, near the airport and a few kilometers east of the capital Rønne. Known as the oldest on Bornholm, it attracts summer vacationers looking for peace and quiet.
One of the biggest reasons to visit Arnager is the longest wooden bridge in Denmark, which the local community proudly admires. This bridge is also one of the characteristic elements of the landscape of this place.
In addition to the bridge, in Arnager you can also see beautiful, colorful fishing houses, a fishing harbor, and many picturesque landscapes that encourage walking and cycling tours. There are also several restaurants serving fresh fish straight from the sea, making it an ideal place for lovers of local cuisine.
It is worth noting that Arnager is just one of many attractions around Rønne and on the whole island of Bornholm, which offers many beautiful places to visit and discover.
ACCESS
Bike route Dueodde - Rønne
Nyker is a small holiday community located in the beautiful scenery of the western coast of Bornholm, surrounded by idyllic lakes and the Blykobbe Plantation forest. It is an ideal place for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy peace and the beauty of nature.
One of the greatest treasures of Nyker is the traditional, organic knäckebröd, which is still produced here. Every year, the annual "Store Legedag" - a day of great games - takes place, where residents and tourists enjoy various outdoor activities together.
Another attraction of Nyker is the historic round church, which is considered one of the most important monuments of Bornholm. It is a place where tradition and modernity meet, creating a unique cultural experience.
Nyker is a small, but incredibly charming village that has a lot to offer its visitors.
ACCESS
The village is about 6 km from Rønne
Bike route Rønne - Helligdommen
Nylars is a picturesque town located in the south of the island of Bornholm that attracts tourists from all over the world due to its beautiful church. Round churches are one of the greatest treasures of this Danish island, and the church in Nylars is one of them.
This church has an impressive history that can be read on its old walls. It was built in the 12th century and was originally dedicated to St. Lars, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. The Nylars church is made of stone and has a unique round shape. Its interior is bright and spacious, and on the walls, you can see beautiful frescoes and paintings from different periods. Next to the church, there is a small museum where you can learn about the history of the church and the life of the residents of Nylars.
The town of Nylars has only 230 inhabitants, but it is still a very attractive place for tourists. In addition to the church, you can also see beautiful landscapes and rural houses that are typical for Bornholm. In the vicinity of the town, there are also picturesque bike paths and tourist routes that lead through beautiful forests and meadows.
ACCESS
Nylars lies about 8 km east of Rønne.
Bike route Rønne - Nexø
Map Rønne .pdf
See what else might interest you. Discover the mystery of this sunny island. Yes, Bornholm is closer than you think...
Bornholm OutdoorPlan your active outdoor holiday on Bornholm. Are you ready for a challenge? Your active holiday on Bornholm starts here, with activities for all ages and levels.
Nature photography on BornholmOne of the great things about Bornholm is the great variety of landscapes. Picturesque, majestic, steep granite cliffs in the north and fine sand beaches in the south, heathland, waterfalls, bearded garlic and anemones, coastal boulders, and rocks.
