Holiday in Bornholm

About Bornholm

Bornholm is Denmark's sun island in the Baltic Sea – a 588 square kilometer jewel that combines everything that Scandinavia has to offer in a compact space, with its dramatic granite cliffs, white sandy beaches, medieval round churches, and a thriving craft scene. For German holidaymakers, Bornholm is particularly attractive because the island can be reached by ferry from Sassnitz on Rügen in just 3.5 hours – Scandinavian flair without a long journey. The island surprises with a diversity that one would not expect in such a small area: In the north, the granite cliffs of Helligdomsklippen rise steeply from the Baltic Sea, while in the south, the endless white sandy beaches of Dueodde stretch out, among the finest in Northern Europe. In the interior of the island lie the Almindingen forest area and the mysterious Ekkodalen gorges, while the coastal towns of Gudhjem, Svaneke, and Allinge showcase picturesque Denmark with their half-timbered houses and smokehouses (Røgerier) that are hard to find elsewhere. Bornholm's four medieval round churches (Rundkirker) – Østerlars, Nylars, Olsker, and Nyker – are unique in the world: fortified houses of worship from the 12th century with a circular ground plan and walls up to three meters thick, which also served as defensive structures. Christiansø, a tiny fortress island northeast of Bornholm, is accessible by boat and offers a time travel experience to the 17th century – only 90 people live here, there are no cars, and the fortifications are protected as historical monuments. The culinary scene of Bornholm is a highlight in itself: the island has developed into a culinary stronghold of Denmark. The traditional smokehouses at the harbor of Gudhjem serve the famous smoked herring with raw egg yolk on dark bread – the legendary Sol over Gudhjem (Sun over Gudhjem). At the same time, young chefs have brought a New Nordic Cuisine to the island, transforming local ingredients such as Bornholm honey, seaweed salt, and craft beer into creative dishes.