SUP on Bornholm – best routes and paddleboarding spots
Bornholm is one of the most exciting places in Scandinavia for stand-up paddleboarding. Within the island's compact area, you'll find dramatic cliffs, calm bays, sandy beaches and hidden harbours – a diversity unmatched anywhere else in Denmark. If the west coast is too windy, you can be on the sheltered east side of the island within half an hour.
Below you'll find an overview of the best routes and paddleboarding spots on Bornholm – from easy, shallow stretches ideal for families and beginners, to more demanding routes along the cliff-lined northern coast. Each spot is described with specific details: distance, character, wind conditions and difficulty level.
Best SUP routes on Bornholm
Each route has a different character – from calm paddling inside a harbour to an expedition along 10-metre cliffs. Choose a route that matches your skill level, the weather and what you're looking for on the water.
Hammerhavn → Kamelhovederne
A spectacular route along the island's northern tip – one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in all of Denmark. Start from the small harbour of Hammerhavn, where you can easily enter the water from the small harbour beach. Once past the harbour entrance, granite cliffs rising over 10 metres above the water begin. Along the way, you can paddle into a sea cave (Våde Ovn) and admire the ruins of Hammershus from the sea.
Route facts
- Distance: approx. 2 km (Hammerhavn → Kamelhovederne and back, can be extended further)
- Level: Intermediate – cliffs, possible swell at the harbour entrance
- Unfavourable wind: W, SW, NW
- Start: Beach at Hammerhavn harbour
Port w Hasle
Hasle is one of the most versatile SUP spots on the island. You can paddle inside the breakwater (safe for beginners) or head out through the harbour channel to the open sea. Next to the harbour grill there's a kayak jetty that provides easy water access. More experienced paddlers can head south along the coast. After your return – stop at the harbour beach and grab a drink at the seaside café.
Route facts
- Distance: Flexible – from a few hundred metres inside the harbour to several km along the coast
- Level: Easy (inside the harbour) / Intermediate (outside the harbour)
- Unfavourable wind: Works in any wind inside the harbour; outside avoid W, SW, NW
- Start: Kayak jetty by the harbour grill, Hasle Havn
Nørresand w Gudhjem
Nørresand harbour in Gudhjem is the ideal starting point for paddling along the scenic north-eastern coast. From the harbour you head west, passing Mågestolene, Røverborgen (the Robber's Castle) and the prehistoric Hestestenene stones. The route follows rocky formations with views of the open sea. If you time your trip for sunset, you'll enjoy calmer water and an unforgettable view – paddling straight towards the setting sun.
Route facts
- Distance: approx. 1.5 km (Nørresand → Hestestenene and back); in good conditions you can continue – approx. 5 km to Helligdomsklipperne
- Level: Intermediate
- Unfavourable wind: NW, W
- Start: Kayak steps at Nørresand harbour, Gudhjem
Svaneke → Hullehavn → Årsdale
The east coast is a great choice when westerly winds blow – and on Bornholm, that happens often. Start from the outer part of the harbour in Svaneke, by the harbour swimming area. The route heads south along a rocky coastline, passing the lighthouse and the hidden harbour of Hullehavn – a good spot for a break. You can continue further to Årsdale. Most of the stretch is cliffs, so getting ashore along the way is difficult, though not impossible.
Route facts
- Distance: approx. 8 km (Svaneke → Årsdale and back)
- Level: Advanced – long distance, rocky coastline
- Unfavourable wind: E, NE, SE
- Start: Harbour swimming area, Svaneke Havn
Balka → Snogebæk
The best route for families and those new to SUP. Balka beach has a wide, sandy bottom and shallow water – you can stand on the bottom even far from shore. The route heads south along the coast, passing the unique sand-and-limestone reefs of Salthammer Odde, to the small fishing harbour in Snogebæk. Inside the harbour you can paddle under the bridge and along the breakwater – especially fun for children.
Route facts
- Distance: approx. 4–5 km (Balka → Snogebæk and back)
- Level: Easy – shallow water, sandy bottom, ideal for families
- Unfavourable wind: E, NE, SE
- Start: Balka beach (any entry point)
Bornholm offers an exceptional variety of SUP conditions – from calm beaches to cliffs
Challenge: SUP around Bornholm
For the most experienced – a SUP loop around the entire island. That's over 104 km of coastline, which can be covered in several days with overnight stays in coastal shelters, or even in a single push – the record is just under 19 hours. Spring and autumn are the best times for such an expedition: fewer people in the shelters, but you need to expect changeable weather and lower water temperatures.
Safety on the water
SUP is great fun, but it requires following a few basic rules, regardless of your experience level.
Life jacket
In Denmark, paddleboarding without a life jacket is against the law. Always bring a life jacket with you, even on calm water.
Leash
Always use a leash connecting you to your board. If you fall off, the board won't drift away – it's your life raft on open water.
Check the wind
Before every session, check the wind forecast. Avoid offshore wind – it can carry you out to sea. Beginners should not go out in winds above 5 m/s.
Phone and company
Bring a phone in a waterproof case. Don't paddle alone – let someone know your planned route and return time. Stick to populated stretches of coastline.
Where and how to rent a board?
There are several rental shops on Bornholm offering SUP boards – both hardboards and inflatables. The largest ones are in Rønne, Hasle and on the east coast. Some also offer short introductory lessons for beginners or guided tours along the coastline.
Prices are typically between 150 and 300 DKK for a few hours. If you bring your own equipment, remember a life jacket and a leash – they are mandatory.
North vs. south – which SUP suits you?
The character of Bornholm's coastline changes dramatically depending on which side of the island you're on:
- North and west – dramatic cliffs, deeper water, waves, sea caves. More demanding routes with spectacular views. For experienced paddlers.
- East – rocky coastline with hidden harbours. Good conditions in westerly winds (common on Bornholm). Intermediate level.
- South – wide sandy beaches, shallow water, gentle conditions. Ideal for families, children and beginners.
This diversity means that regardless of wind direction, you can always find a good spot for SUP on Bornholm.
