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Bornholm is a small island with an unusually large variety. In the north you will encounter granite cliffs, rift valleys and coastal paths with heights above sea level. Inland, forests and heathland take over. In the south the terrain becomes flatter, with sandy beaches, dunes and pine forests.
This makes Bornholm interesting for several types of hiking. There are short day trips, hilly coastal trails and longer routes through the island's interior. But Bornholm also requires more careful planning than a typical Swedish forest walk. The terrain changes quickly, the coastal weather can change in a short time and Denmark does not have the right of public access in the same way as Sweden or Finland.
Below are seven verifiable hiking destinations – and a practical rundown of what you need to know about access, camping and equipment.
1. Højlyngsstien – 67 kilometers through the interior of Bornholm
The Højlyngsstien (Highland Trail) runs across Bornholm, from Sandvig in the north to Aarsdale in the southeast. The marked trail is 67 kilometers long and is best suited as a multi-day trip.
The route mainly follows gravel roads, forest paths and some cycle paths. It passes Hammerknuden, Rø Plantage, Almindingen, Ølene and Paradisbakkerne, among others. Rytterknægten, Bornholm's highest natural point at 162 metres above sea level, is also located along the route. The altitude is modest compared to Swedish mountains, but the terrain is still hilly enough to be noticeable after several hours.
The Højlyngsstien passes through both state and private land. Therefore, you must follow signs and respect local access rules even when the trail is continuous. Feel free to divide the trip according to the official stages, but plan each day based on water, food, weather and legal overnight accommodations.
Check the current map at the Swedish Nature Agency , Udinaturen and Visit Bornholm .
2. The coastal path – about 120 kilometers around the island
Bornholm's coastal path, the Coastal Path, is approximately 120 kilometers long and follows the coast around the entire island. It is not a uniform path in terms of terrain. The northern part is dominated by granite, cliffs, stairs and hilly paths. In the south, the coast becomes more open and sandy, with dunes, beaches and coastal forests.
It is important not to plan the Coastal Path as if the entire route had the same character. One day may mean hard and uneven rocky ground. The next may consist of soft sand that makes each step more energy-intensive. Wind from the sea also affects the experience, especially on open coastal sections.
The Coastal Path can be combined with the Højlyngsstien for a longer round trip of around 187 kilometres. For a shorter trip it is better to choose a single coastal leg and plan your return by bus or other transport. Check ferry and bus times separately. BAT can be useful for stage planning, but times and traffic arrangements should be verified before the actual trip.
3. Around Hammerknuden – cliffs, lighthouses and coast
The round trip around Hammerknuden is approximately 7 kilometers, although the length varies depending on the option chosen. It can be walked in about two to three hours, but allow more time if you stop at viewpoints and lighthouses.
Here you get Bornholm in concentrated form: granite cliffs, coast, lighthouses, former quarries and hilly paths. The surface alternates between gravel, nature trail, asphalt and rocks. A common variant goes near Sandvig, on towards Hammerodde Fyr and Hammerhavn and back via, among others, Opalsøen and Hammersøen.
The round trip is relatively demanding despite the short distance. Wet rocks become slippery, and the path can be close to the sea in some parts. Wear shoes with stable soles and keep your distance from the edge when the wind is strong. Children and dogs require extra attention on the steeper sections.
See the current route description at the Swedish Nature Agency orVisit Bornholm .
4. Almindingen and Bisonstien – forest and large animals
Almindingen is Bornholm's large forest area and one of the island's best areas for longer day trips. The Bison Trail is described locally as approximately 12 kilometers long and runs through forest and Bisonskoven, where European bison are kept in a large enclosure.
The Swedish Nature Agency also describes a shorter bison tour of approximately 6.5 kilometers. This means that you should check the current map and signage before setting off. The route length and course may change as the nature conservation area is developed.
The hike is mainly forest terrain on gravel roads and paths. The difficulty level is moderate, but you should not underestimate the length if the ground is wet. When encountering bison, follow the signs on site. Keep your distance, do not try to approach the animals and never walk between a calf and an adult. Dogs must be on a leash.
Bison are wild animals, even when in a pen, so don't plan your trip as a zoo walk.
5. Ekkodalen–Rytterknægten – fissure valley and the highest point of the island
The officially described route between Ekkodalen and Rytterknægten is approximately 4 kilometers. It runs through forest and passes Gamleborg, older forest environments and parts of Bornholm's characteristic rift valley terrain.
For those who want to hike further, the tour can be combined with parts of the Højlyngsstien or other marked trails in Almindingen. A longer section through the area can be around 10–12 kilometers, depending on the starting point and route chosen.
Expect uneven forest ground and some stairs. The route is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Ekkodalen can be damp and slippery after rain, while shady parts of the path often dry slowly.
Rytterknægten is Bornholm's highest natural point, 162 meters above sea level. It is not mountain climbing. The value lies in the combination of fissure valley, forest, cultural history and Bornholm's hinterland – not in the altitude.
6. The Sanctuary Cliffs to Gudhjem – coastal walk with stairs
The stretch between Gudhjem and Helligdomsklipporna is approximately 7 kilometers and is one of Bornholm's most distinctive coastal walks. The trail runs through forest and along the rocky coast, with views of the sea and several dramatic rock formations.
Here the elevation difference is greater than the map first suggests. Steep stairs, rocky paths and short ups and downs mean that the hike can take time. The rocks become slippery in rain and coastal humidity. Walk with calm steps, use your hands where necessary and stay on the trail.
This is not the right place to chase kilometer time. Allow for meetings, stairs and weather. Bird protection and local barriers can also affect accessibility. Check current information at the Nature Agency's guide to Bornholm and follow the signs at the cliffs.
7. Dueodde – sand, dunes and southern coast
Dueodde shows a different side of Bornholm. Here, light sand, dunes and coastal forest dominate. The area is part of the longer Coastal Trail, but is also suitable for shorter trips where you combine beach and forest trails.
The terrain is flat, but sand is physically tiring. A couple of kilometers on loose beach can be more tiring for your calves and feet than a significantly longer distance on a hard path. Choose shoes according to the surface and avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
On the beach, the wind can be strong even when the forest feels calm. Bring extra layers and protect maps, electronics and food from sand. Beaches are often accessible on foot and for short stays, but protected areas, bird sanctuaries and local signage always apply.
Access in Denmark: no right of access like in Sweden
Denmark does not have a general right of access equivalent to the Swedish or Finnish one. The rules depend on whether the land is state-owned, public or private – and on what type of nature you are in.
In private forests, walking and cycling are normally limited to roads and paths. Access is usually from 6:00 a.m. to sunset. Avoid staying closer than 150 meters from homes and farm buildings. Camping requires the landowner's express permission. Small private forests may also have special access restrictions.
State forests and nature areas often have wider access, but local rules and signage also apply there. A trail can therefore pass through different types of land on the same day. Read the information on site and check the current status in Udinaturen .
Dogs should normally be on a leash. There may be special winter rules on beaches, but local signs and bird protection always come first.
Free camping is an exception – not a right of access
Free camping only applies in selected state forests. It is not a general right to pitch a tent anywhere on Bornholm.
The so-called 1–2–3 rule means:
- maximum one night at the same place
- maximum two tents
- maximum of three people per tent
The tent must be placed discreetly in wooded areas and not visible from a road, path or building. You may not camp on a beach, dune, meadow, bog, heath, field or in an open clearing. Always check that the area you have chosen is designated for free camping.
Open fires may only be used in designated fire areas. A closed fire pit may be permitted under current regulations, but fire bans and local regulations must be checked. Never light a fire on dry ground, grass or forest floor.
Shelters and primitive overnight accommodation sites are different from free camping. There may be booking requirements, special sites and local regulations. Information is available from the Swedish Nature Agency and Udinaturen.
Equipment for Bornholm
Bornholm does not require mountain equipment, but coastal wind, sand and varying terrain make different demands than a short Swedish forest trip.
Bring:
- stable hiking shoes with good grip
- wind and rain protection even during stable weather forecasts
- offline map and charged phone
- enough water and packed lunch
- first aid, bandages and extra socks
- tick and mosquito protection
- headlamp a day may be longer than planned
For multi-day trips, you can start with a tent , backpack , sleeping pad and sleeping bag . A sleeping pad that is too thin can cause the ground to be cold and impair recovery, even on mild nights. When choosing a sleeping bag or quilt, fill weight, insulation and moisture resistance are more important than just chasing the lowest weight. Please read our guide to down in sleeping bags and also use our packing list for summer hiking .
The best choice isn't the lightest product in each category. It's the gear that works when the wind picks up, the rock gets slippery, and the day gets longer than planned.
Practical planning from Sweden
Bornholm is normally reached by ferry or flight. Check current departures, baggage rules and connections separately before booking. Buses can facilitate transport between stages, but timetables and seasonal arrangements should be verified before each trip.
Download maps before you go. Don't count on coverage, water points, or open service points like you would at home. Also plan for weather, wind, and bird protection that may change what's possible that day.
Bornholm rewards those who plan simply but carefully: choose the right route for the group, control access and carry equipment that provides a margin when conditions change.
The next part in the Denmark series will be Zealand .