Discover Bornholm by bike

Bike around the entire island or go on day trips

Everyone can discover Bornholm from a bikes saddle - whether you're an experienced cycling enthusiast or if you've never been on a cycling trip before. You can follow Bornholm's coastline all the way around, racking up 104,5 km whilst doing so. It's a ride that everyone can make, but how long you want to spend doing it, is completely up to you and your level. Some can go around the island in one day, whilst others prefer to split the journey up into smaller bits. In that way you can really enjoy some sightseeing and the beautiful nature as you go by. 

Is a dedicated cycling trip not for you? Then try a days trip with a bike instead. There are plenty of smaller routes to follow on the island, that take you past exciting local history, unique nature and pleasant towns where you can have a great lunch on the road.

Here on this page we'll guide you through a selection of routes on Bornholm. The routes vary, taking you through different towns and areas, and stretch from 18-31 km.
 

Cycling routes on Bornholm

Which route would you like to follow?

• Rønne - Hasle - Allinge-Sandvig
• Allinge-Sandvig - Gudhjem - Svaneke
• Rønne - Almindingen - Gudhjem
• Allinge-Sandvig - Almindingen - Aakirkeby
• Rønne - Rø - Helligdommen
• Rønne - Almindingen - Aarsdale

 

Rønne → Hasle → Allinge-Sandvig
Around 25-27 km

This route goes from Rønne to Allinge-Sandvig, through Hasle and Vang, via an established bike path.

Starting in Rønne you'll go through the beautiful Blykobbe Plantage, before reaching Hasle. If you're hungry for lunch here, it's perfect to stop and grab a bite at Hasle Røgeri which is one of our absolute favourite smokehouses - and also our favourite on the west coast.

When cycling on from Hasle and further north, you'll pass through two small fishing docks, Helligpeder and Teglkås. The road itself stops at Gines Minde, but the bike path continues along the impressive cliff coast up till Jons Kapel. Here you have to carry your bike up the 115 meter long stairway. The path is remarkably beautiful, but if you're travelling with children or maybe a trailer on your bike, it's perhaps better to stay on the country road on this specific part of the route.

After Jons Kapel the route continues on through the rocky landscape past Ringebakkerne granite quarry, the fishing dock Vang, and the forest Slotslyngen, that goes on up to Hammershus. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the ruin and walk by the visitors centre, where you'll find a small exhibition about Hammershus' history and small shop for food and drinks.

After Hammershus you'll arrive in Sandvig, here you'll find a small beach where you can take a plunge in the sea - a refreshing swim after a few hours on your bike. In both Allinge and Sandvig there are plenty of restaurants to be found in order to still your hunger after a lovely day of excersise along the west coast of Bornholm.

Most can complete this route in a day. If so, we recommend that you stay the night in Allinge-Sandvig for two days, to rest aswell as explore Allinge-Sandvig.

 

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Allinge-Sandvig → Gudhjem → Svaneke
Ca. 30 km

This route trails along Bornholm's eastcoast, which is deemed by many to be the island's most beautiful coastline. The route can be completed in one day, but it's definitely an option to split it into two days, spending a night in Gudhjem. Gudhjem and Svaneke are both very charming towns well worth a visit. The towns have cozy streets and alleyways amidst half-timbered houses, small boutiques, and excellent restaurants.

On the route between Allinge-Sandvig and Gudhjem, you will pass Bornholm's Art museum by Helligdomsklipperne. The museum as well as the cliffs are worth a visit; a perfect spot to take a short rest. If you're in the mood to explore even more Bornholmer art, you can stop by Oluf Høst museet when arriving in Gudhjem.

The route between Allinge-Sandvig, Gudhjem and Svaneke  is generally in a steady decline; however, there are still some slopes to conquer on the way, in particular around Helligdomsklipperne.

 

Rønne → Almindingen → Gudhjem
Ca. 27 km

Most cycling routes on Bornholm take you along the island's beautiful coastline. However, this route goes through Almindingen - Denmark's fifth largest forest. The trail is a relaxing change of pace in fantastic scenery.

Follow the old railroad east out of Rønne to Robbedale and then onwards to Vestermarie. From Vestermarie, you will reach the edge, and start, of Almindingen. In the 19th century, the forest was contained and cultivated by the forester Hans Rømer. In 2012 seven European bisons were put in an enclosure of 200 hectares, and if you're lucky, you will be able to spot one during your trip through the woods.

Bornholm's highest point lies in Almindingen, by Rytterknægten. Rytterknægten is located about halfway through this route, and is therefore a great spot for a well-deserved respite. During summer, there is a kiosk where you can buy refreshments and snacks. Furthermore, if you're in need of lunch, hop on your bike and go to Christianshøjkroen. They've got a splendid lunch menu.

Continuing north, exiting Almindingen, takes you to Østerlars. Here you can visit Bornholm's biggest rundkirke (round church), Østerlars rundkirke, which is the village's most famous trademark. The church was built in the 12th century, and is one of Bornholm's four round churches. Stay a while to learn about its thrilling history and the function it served during the war.

After Østerlars continue towards Kobbeå and the waterfall Stavehøl, which is located in one of the island's beautiful rift valleys. Then, carry on north to reach Gudhjem, where you will find plenty of fine accommodations and restaurants.

 

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Allinge-Sandvig → Almindingen → Aakirkeby
Ca. 31 km

The route starts on the northern part of Bornholm, where the terrain is somewhat hilly. Begin by exploring Madsebakke helleristninger (petroglyphs) on the cliffs behind Allinge-Sandvig - Scandinavia's biggest site of petroglyphs. The symbols are astonishingly well-preserved, carved in the early Bronze Age - meaning that they are up to 3000 years old!

Cycling south leads you to Olsker, where you can visit Sankt Ols Kirke, which is yet another one of the island's four round churches. The church lies 113 meters above sea level, and is, with its 13 meters, the tallest of the Bornholmer round churches. The height offers a beautiful view of the land and sea. In clear weather, you can spot Christiansø to the east.

Go south from Olsker towards Rutsker Plantage and Spelling Mose. Fra Olsker fortsætter du sydover mod Rutsker Plantage og Spelling Mose. Her kan du opleve fredede naturseværdigheder og naturlandskaber, der tidligere var mere udbredt på Bornholm, men nu kun befinder sig heroppe.

Continue south until you reach Aldmindingen. Here you can visit Ekkodalen, find the island's biggest "rocking stone", and maybe spot a few free-range European bisons. Of course it's completely viable to simply cruise on through, enjoying the scenery from the saddle. On the other side of Almindingen Aakirkeby awaits - the journey's end.

 

Rønne → Rø → Helligdommen
Ca. 18 km

On this route, you follow the island's old railway tracks. By the early 20th century, it was possible to go by train from Rønne to Sandvig, Gudhjem, and Nexø. The railway was kept in use until 1968, and it's along these old tracks that you can enjoy your trip from Rønne to Gudhjem.

Go due north towards Nyker, where you can take a rest by the island's third and smallest round church, Nyker rundkirke. From here, continue on to towards Klemensker, and then onwards to Bornholm's Art museum. On the way, you will pass by Rutsker Plantage and Spelling Mose. If you've got the time for it, it's a wonderful area to stretch your legs and explore by foot.

Not far from Rutsker Plantage lies the old station village Rø. From hereon the route leads down to the Art museum, and, like always, we recommend that you make a short stop here to go on a discovery of Bornholmer related art. Right by the museum, you will find Helligdomsklipperne and Den Sorte Gryde (the black cauldron). The site is one of Bornholm's most popular sightseeing attractions, and, naturally, we recommend that you stop by.

A little bit south of Helligdomsklipperne lies Gudhjem. In Gudhjem you will find a varying array of accommodations and restaurants - a great place to end the cycling trip.

 

Rønne → Almindingen → Aarsdale
Ca. 36 km

Take your bike east from Rønne and through Almindingen, past the castle ruins of Lilleborg. Lilleborg was built in ca. 1150 and functioned as the king's castle, while Hammershus was the archbishop's fortress.

Continue east through Almindingen until you reach Ølene. Ølene is a nature reserve; it's closed to the public to create the best possible conditions for the bird life on Bornholm. However, you can get a great view of the reserve from the observation towers to the north and south respectively. From the towers, you can watch the different types of birds who live there - birds of prey, geese, ducks, and cranes.

Then, leaving Ølene behind you, you will pass through Paradisbakkerne towards Aarsdale. Paradisbakkerne's terrain is beautiful though hilly, with most of the island's rift valleys located here. When having made your way through the area, you will arrive in the small fishing village Aarsdale, where you can eat and drink at Mikkeller Aarsdale.

If you are looking for a place to stay, we recommend heading over to Svaneke, about 5 km north of Aarsdale.