Bornholm Rundt – cycling around Bornholm
Bornholm Rundt på Cykel is an annual cycling rally around the entire island – 103 km of scenic coastal route, organised continuously for many years. The event is recreational, with no timing or racing – it's about the joy of riding, the landscape and the atmosphere. Up to 2,000 cyclists take part each year. But is it worth joining the organised event, or is it better to ride the route independently?
What is Bornholm Rundt?
Bornholm Rundt på Cykel is a one-day cycling rally around the island, held every year on Sunday in week 34 (late August). Start at 8:00 from Rønne. The route covers 103 km clockwise along the coast – through the southern beaches, eastern towns and northern cliffs, back to Rønne.
Along the route there are four supply stations with water, energy drinks, fruit, snacks and sandwiches – in Pedersker, Svaneke, Gudhjem and at Slotslyngen near Hammershus. At the finish line a medal, diploma, hot dog and drink await.
Bornholm Rundt – facts
- Distance: 103 km (loop around the island)
- Start: Rønne (Louisenhøj, near the stadium)
- Date: Every year Sunday in week 34 (late August) – current dates in the events calendar
- Participants: Max. 2,000 – tickets often sell out
- Character: Recreational – no timing, no racing
- Bikes: All types, including e-bikes
- Time limit: Min. 8 hours
- Supply stations: 4 points with food and drinks
Rally rules
A few important rules to know before registering:
- Traffic rules apply – the route runs on public roads open to normal traffic. There are no road closures or traffic management by the organisers.
- You must not leave the route – the organiser removes signs and closes supply stations after the last cyclist passes. If you deviate from the route, you'll lose access to markings and supplies.
- Tickets usually sell out – registration for the next edition opens well in advance. Registration is binding, with no refunds.
- Toilets – public toilets along the route and at supply stations. Full facilities at start and finish.
Is it worth it? Rally vs. riding around the island independently
Bornholm Rundt is a great event with atmosphere and organisation – but it's not for everyone. If you're planning to cycle around Bornholm, it's worth considering whether the organised rally is really the best option, or whether it's better to ride the route independently or with a group of friends.
| Bornholm Rundt (rally) | Independent / with a group | |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Dictated by the group – 2,000 people on the road | Your own pace, stops whenever you want |
| Flexibility | No leaving the route, no shortening or extending | Full freedom – detour to a beach, café, sightseeing along the way |
| Safety | No traffic management, 2,000 cyclists on public roads, crowded at the start | Quiet roads, less collision risk in a group |
| Stress | 8h limit, crowd at start, non-transferable tickets | No time pressure – all day or two days |
| Supplies | 4 supply stations with food and drinks | Shops and cafés in every town along the route |
| Atmosphere | Group energy, medal at finish, music | Peace, your own rhythm, swimming stops along the way |
| Cost | Entry fee + possible accommodation | No fees – bikes available at many rental shops on the island |
| Date | Only one day per year (late August) | Any day, any time of year |
Our recommendation
If you value comfort, freedom and the full island experience – riding the loop around Bornholm independently is the better choice. The same route (approx. 105 km) is available all year round, and completing it at your own pace – with a swimming stop at Dueodde, lunch at a smokehouse in Gudhjem, photos at Hammershus – is a completely different experience from riding in a 2,000-person crowd on public roads without traffic closures.
The route can be spread over two days with an overnight stay along the way (e.g. in Svaneke or Gudhjem), giving time for sightseeing and rest. Bornholm Rundt is worth considering if you're looking for sporting atmosphere and group motivation – the medal at the finish, energy of 2,000 cyclists and sense of shared challenge have their charm. But for most tourists, the independent route will be more enjoyable, safer and more flexible.
More about cycling routes on Bornholm
The route around Bornholm is 103 km of scenic coastline – available all year round, not just on rally day
