Kyststien – trekking around Bornholm

The easiest stage to start with. From Rønne north along Antoinette Strand beach, through Blykobbe plantation with forest paths, past Pyritsøen lake (former clay quarry) and the lunar landscape of Kultippen – a barren area left by a 19th-century coal mine with only old wagons remaining. Destination: the traditional Hasle Røgeri smokehouse – the last on the island where herring is smoked in open chimneys over alder wood.

The most varied stage of the entire loop – uneven terrain with many ascents and descents, but rewarded with spectacular views. From Hasle along a paved path to the fishing villages of Helligpeder and Teglkås, then a steep climb into the forest to Jons Kapel – a legendary rock formation on the west coast. Then a narrow path high above the sea through Blåskinsdalen valley and Ringebakkebruddet quarry to coastal Vang. After a rest, a pebble beach and steep stairs to Slotslyngen, then through the forest to the ruins of Hammershus – Northern Europe's largest medieval fortress. Descent to Hammerhavn harbour and around Hammerknuden headland with its lighthouse and Salomons Kapel chapel.

Dramatic cliffs and one of the island's most beautiful towns at the end. From Sandvig along Strandvejen to Allinge, past the harbour and then on a coastal path south through Sandkås and Tejn. Past Tejn the main road leads by Stammershalle Badehotel until the trail descends to the forest at Helligdomsklipperne – one of Denmark's most important natural monuments, with the Sorte Gryde cave and Bornholms Kunstmuseum art museum above the cliffs. The last 8 km is the most beautiful section of Kyststien: climbs and descents, idyllic fields, deep forest, a narrow path above the beach and views of Gudhjem from Salene Bugt.

The east coast with half-timbered houses, small harbours and a rock phenomenon. From Gudhjem harbour up steps to the cliffs, then along a coastal path to Melsted and the Melstedgaard agricultural museum. Further south on a field road and forest path, past prehistoric menhirs, through Randkløve Skår – a 2-metre wide and 14-metre deep crevice in the granite cliff. Then idyllic villages: quiet Haralds Harbour, small Bølshavn and fishing village Listed. The last 2 km is a gravel path close to the sea with views of Vige harbour and marina, ending with steps down to Svaneke – Denmark's easternmost town.

Transition from granite to sand – from the rocky east to the gentle south. From Svaneke harbour south past the old lighthouse and beach at Hullehavn Camping, then along low but dramatic cliffs above the sea. Through Årsdale with its distinctive windmill and smokehouse to Nexø – the island's second-largest town. From Nexø along a cycle path through Balka Lyng heathland to Balka Beach – one of Bornholm's most popular beaches with white sand – from where you walk the last 4 km directly to the fishing village of Snogebæk.

Beach, beach and more beach – wide, white sands of the south coast. From Snogebæk on the main road to Turistvej, where the trail enters Dueodde Beach – the famous beach with Europe's finest sand. Worth a detour to the Dueodde Fyr lighthouse (47 m) and Bornholmertårnet tower – a former Cold War intelligence listening post, now open to visitors. After 6 km of beach, the trail leads between dunes to Slusegård Vandmølle – where the 15th meridian and 55th parallel intersect (marked with a tile in the ground). Then the cosy harbour of Østre Sømark, more beach, and then a section through pine forest and the Raghammer military training area to Boderne.

Closing the loop – a stage with character. From Boderne harbour the trail leads along the beach and alternating steep stairs up to the clifftop and back down. Stony beach and steep descents – probably the least-walked section of the entire Kyststien. Before Arnager a short road section, then through forest to the fishing village with Scandinavia's longest wooden pier (200 m). After Arnager the trail skirts the airport, loops through pine forest and the Stampen holiday cottage area. The last 3 km through coastal dunes and plantation to the popular Galløkken beach in Rønne, from where it's a straight walk to the centre and Velkomstcenter.