The museums on Bornholm offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and nature of this Danish island. Their collections include archaeological artifacts, stories about the lives of the island's inhabitants, as well as exhibitions dedicated to art and the distinctive Bornholm landscape.
Founded in 1893, Bornholms Museum is one of Denmark’s oldest and most fascinating historical museums. Located in Rønne at Sct. Mortensgade 29, it showcases remarkable collections spanning 10,000 years of Bornholm’s history – from the Neolithic era to the Cold War period (1945–1989).
The permanent exhibitions feature a collection of Bornholm grandfather clocks, a maritime display for sailing enthusiasts, and captivating presentations from World War II, highlighting the German occupation, bombings, and Soviet presence until 1946. The museum also offers a unique insight into the island’s culture, history, and nature, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists.
Erichsens Gård is a beautifully preserved 19th-century townhouse located in Rønne at Laksegade 7. It once belonged to the distinguished Erichsen family, which played an important role in Bornholm’s history. The house holds a fascinating story of romantic love between the owners' daughter, Vilhelmine, and the renowned Danish painter and poet Holger Drachmann.
Visitors can also explore the adjoining garden, a true gem of 19th-century garden culture. Designed in a nostalgic "grandmother’s era" style, it boasts a rich variety of plants and provides a peaceful oasis in the heart of the town. This charming site blends the unique atmosphere of historic Bornholm with natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the island.
Founded in 1859, Hjorths Fabrik is a historic yet still-operating ceramics factory that remained in the hands of the Hjorth family for four generations, contributing significantly to the development of Bornholm's craftsmanship. Located in Rønne at Krystalgade 5, the factory features a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of ceramics on Bornholm – from the 18th century through potters and faience producers to contemporary artistic ceramics.
Visitors can not only explore the rich history of Bornholm’s ceramic tradition but also witness the live production process in the workshops. Information about techniques and products is available in Polish on tablets. Guided tours are also offered, including in English, for those interested in a more in-depth experience.
Melstedgård Agricultural Museum is a unique historical Bornholm farm from the late 18th century, located at Melstedvej 25 in Melsted. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved residential and farm buildings, furnished with original furniture and equipment from the era, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life of the past.
The museum grounds feature live farm animals, an orchard, and a vegetable garden, as well as a collection of old agricultural machinery. A dedicated exhibition on the history of farming on Bornholm, along with numerous interactive activities, makes this an ideal destination for the whole family, providing unforgettable experiences for both children and adults.
The Oluf Høst Museum is a unique place dedicated to one of Bornholm’s most famous artists, Oluf Høst (1884–1966). The museum is housed in a large home known as Norresân, named after the nearby Nørresand Harbor, located at the western edge of Gudhjem. Its collection features selected paintings by Høst, showcasing his distinctive perspective on Bornholm’s landscapes.
The building has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore three studios: one inside the house, another in the picturesque rocky garden, and a third on the grounds behind the building. This is the perfect destination for art lovers and those seeking inspiration in Bornholm’s unique surroundings.
Although there are no railway tracks on Bornholm today, the island has a fascinating railway history that spanned from 1900 to 1968. During this time, three railway lines operated across different routes, playing a vital role in the island's transportation system. At the railway museum, located in Nexø Harbor, visitors can explore restored locomotives, carriages, and track systems that transport them back to the golden age of Bornholm's railways.
De Bornholmske Jernbaner is a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and railway lovers, offering a unique insight into this remarkable part of Bornholm’s heritage. Interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts make the museum an exciting attraction for both adults and children.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum, located about 6 km north of Gudhjem, is set in one of Denmark’s most picturesque and dramatic landscapes – Helligdomsklipperne. Built in 1993 and expanded in 2003, the museum is considered a masterpiece of modern Danish architecture. Its collection features both ancient and contemporary artworks and crafts, highlighting Bornholm’s unique role as a source of artistic inspiration.
This exceptional place seamlessly combines art with nature, offering not only outstanding exhibitions but also breathtaking views of Helligdomsklipperne, making it a must-visit destination for art and nature lovers alike.
Bornholms Automobilmuseum in Aakirkeby – The History of Automobiles on Bornholm
Bornholms Automobilmuseum is a remarkable museum located on the outskirts of Aakirkeby, at Grammegårdsvej 1. Despite its modest size, the museum boasts a unique collection of vehicles that will fascinate any car enthusiast. Among the exhibits are extraordinary cars such as Al Capone’s bulletproof Cadillac, the Lincoln X100 associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Adolf Hitler’s parade car, Ronald Reagan’s 1972 Lincoln, and George Bush’s 2001 Cadillac.
Additionally, visitors can admire vintage cars and motorcycles from the former Eastern Bloc and East Germany, making the museum a treasure trove of automotive history and diversity. This is a must-visit destination on Bornholm for car lovers and those interested in 20th-century history.
Bornholms Forsvarsmuseum – The History of Bornholm’s Defense
Bornholms Forsvarsmuseum in Rønne is a fascinating museum dedicated to the military history of Bornholm. Located at Arsenalvej 8, the museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts related to the island’s involvement in armed conflicts from the Middle Ages to the present day. In the museum’s courtyard, visitors can explore various military vehicles and weapons, which can be touched and even tested, making the visit interactive and engaging for everyone.
The museum is spread over two floors, presenting the history of Bornholm’s defense in both a local and global context, offering insight into the island’s strategic significance over the centuries. It is an educational and enriching experience, perfect for military history enthusiasts as well as families with children.
Gudhjem Museum, located at the highest point of Gudhjem on Stationsvej 1, is housed in a former railway station building alongside a modern exhibition pavilion. The museum showcases a rich collection of paintings by artists associated with Gudhjem, highlighting the artistic heritage of this picturesque town. The old station building also serves as a reminder of the Gudhjem railway, which operated on the Aakirkeby – Almindingen route from 1916 to 1953.
This unique site combines regional heritage with a stunning artistic landscape, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and those interested in the history of Bornholm.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum, located at Moseløkkevej 9 in Allinge, sits above an active granite quarry near the famous ruins of Hammershus Castle. Granite extraction began here in 1870 when local merchants Grønbech and Kurdt recognized the potential of Bornholm’s mineral resources.
The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of granite mining, showcasing old tools, archival photographs, and video materials documenting quarrying processes over the years. It is the perfect place to learn about the significance of granite for the island’s development and to see how traditional extraction methods have evolved alongside modern technologies.
The Martin Andersen Museum, located at Ferskesøstræde 36 in Nexø, is an intimate and beautifully designed museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Danish writer Martin Andersen Nexø. Housed in his former home, which opened as a museum in 1990, it offers visitors a glimpse into the humble conditions in which the future author of Pelle the Conqueror grew up. This semi-autobiographical novel was later adapted into a film that won both an Academy Award and the Palme d’Or in 1988.
The museum also showcases other works by the author, who gained international fame as the "writer of the proletariat." It provides a unique insight into the life and literary contributions of a man who played a significant role in Danish literature and culture.
NaturBornholm is a modern science center dedicated to the geological past and natural environment of Bornholm. Opened on May 16, 2000, the 3,800 m² center is one of the largest attractions on the island. Located in Aakirkeby, near the Klintebakken hill, NaturBornholm offers a deep dive into the geological boundary created 200 million years ago by a powerful earthquake.
The center features interactive exhibits that explore the island’s history—from the formation of its rocks to the unique ecosystems of Bornholm. It is an ideal destination for both adults and children, offering an inspiring and educational experience for all visitors.
Opened in 1970, Historisk Museum Nexø is housed in a historic sandstone building at Havnen 9, in the harbor area of Nexø. Built in 1796, the building served as the town hall until 1856 and was expanded with an additional floor around 1890. The museum documents the rich history of the town, including its maritime heritage, the German occupation, Soviet bombings, and the Russian occupation after World War II.
The exhibitions offer an immersive experience into key moments of Nexø’s history, particularly the dramatic events of the 1940s. With a collection of historical artifacts, the museum provides a deep insight into the town’s past and its people, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Smokehouse Museum Hasle, located at Søndre Bæk 20 in Hasle, is a unique place that tells the story of fish smoking on Bornholm. The museum is housed in one of two buildings of a former smokehouse, built in 1897. Inside, visitors can explore numerous old photographs documenting the daily work and learn about the smoking processes and techniques that were practiced in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The smokehouse operated until the mid-20th century when stricter sanitary regulations led to the closure of most similar facilities on Bornholm. Today, Smokehouse Museum Hasle allows visitors to step back in time and understand the importance of this craft for the island’s culture and economy.
Christiansø Museum is a historical museum located on the Ertholmene archipelago, housed in the Small Tower on the island of Frederiksø. The tower was built between 1685 and 1687 as part of the defensive fortifications of Ertholmene. The museum offers a fascinating collection covering the regional and local history of the islands, as well as an exhibition dedicated to Christiansø’s role as a military fortress.
One of the museum’s highlights is a model of the fortress, depicting its appearance in 1855, which is displayed on the top floor of the Small Tower. This unique site allows visitors to explore the strategic significance of the islands in the past and immerse themselves in the military history of Christiansø.
Hammershus Besøgscenter, a modern visitor center located at Slotslyngvej 9 in Allinge, offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Hammershus castle ruins. The center presents the castle’s golden age around 1575, showcasing daily life, construction, leisure, and architectural details of this impressive fortress. With its contemporary design seamlessly integrated into the landscape, the center serves as a bridge between past and future.
The visitor center features an exhibition about the castle, a café, a seminar room, and a long terrace offering breathtaking views of the Hammershus ruins. A bridge spanning the gorge provides convenient access to the castle, making the visit even more memorable.
Bornholms Tekniske Samling, located at Østre Borregård on Nordre Borrelyngvej 48 in Allinge, is a unique technical museum housed in a former farm once belonging to Hammershus. The museum boasts an extensive collection covering everything from toys, radios, hand tools, and electrical devices to agricultural equipment, tractors, and machinery related to everyday life and Bornholm’s economy.
The exhibits date back to the time of our great-grandparents, with most items donated by local businesses and island residents. The museum also features furniture, vehicles, and other artifacts that showcase the technological and social history of Bornholm, making it a true treasure trove of knowledge and memories.
