Nature on Bornholm – lakes, forests, hills and the island's wild landscapes
Bornholm delights with the diversity of its landscapes and peaceful nature that extends far beyond the island's most popular attractions. Among forests, lakes, hills and wetlands you can discover both well-known places such as Almindingen and Paradisbakkerne and quieter corners full of silence and wild nature. It is this natural diversity that makes Bornholm one of the most exceptional places in Denmark for hiking, cycling and relaxed outdoor holidays.
It is also worth stepping off the main trails to discover lesser-known places such as Svartingedalen – one of Bornholm's most underrated valleys, forest trekking through Kobbeådalen and Stavehøl, or hidden paths in the peaceful Blykobbe Plantage between Rønne and Hasle. A completely different side of the island is revealed by the marshy areas of Udkæret near Pedersker, an excellent spot for birdwatching, and the small settlement of Levka near Listed, where nature and the coastal landscape create an almost forgotten atmosphere of old Bornholm.
Salene Gravplads – Iron Age burial site on Bornholm's coast
On the pebble beach at Salene stand around thirty low cairns of beach stones — grave markers from the Iron Age. They are the remains of an ancient burial ground (roughly 500 BC–AD 850), one of the most distinctive…
Hestestenene – the legendary Horse Stones of Bornholm
Hestestenene (Danish for “horse stones”) is one of the most photogenic megalith sites on Bornholm — four tall monoliths stand on the cliff top right beside the coastal path between Gudhjem and Helligdommen, with views…
Opalsøen – turquoise quarry lake on the Hammeren peninsula
Opalsøen (Danish for "opal lake") is one of the most striking sights on northern Bornholm — a deep, turquoise lake in a former granite quarry on the Hammerknuden peninsula. Steep rock walls plunge into crystal-clear…
Rubinsøen (Ruby Lake) – former coal mine and peaceful lake near Hasle
Rubinsøen (Danish for “ruby lake”) was an open-cast lignite mine just south of Hasle — today a calm, wooded lake surrounded by steep slopes and forest paths. An easy, free outing: a walk, a picnic with views over the…
Safirsøen (Sapphire Lake) – peaceful lake in a former clay pit near Hasle
Safirsøen (Danish for “sapphire lake”) is one of the colourful ponds formed by former workings south of Hasle — today a calm, easily reached lake in Sandflugtsskoven forest, popular with families and anglers. The poetic…
Smaragdsøen (Emerald Lake) – green water and the first clay pit near Hasle
Smaragdsøen (Danish for “emerald lake”) is one of the best-known ponds in the Hasle area on western Bornholm — a woodland lake in a former clay pit whose water often takes on a slightly green, emerald-like hue. Clay…
Pyritsøen – the largest former clay pit, pyrite and dinosaur tracks near Hasle
Pyritsøen (Danish for “pyrite lake”) is the largest woodland pond among the former clay pits west of Hasle — a broad, calm lake filling Bagågraven, where clay was extracted for much of the 20th century for Hasle…
On our website you will discover not only the most popular attractions but also hidden and less obvious corners of Bornholm. We show peaceful valleys, forest paths, small settlements, wetlands and places that most tourists rarely reach. Just walk a few kilometres beyond the main sights to see a more natural, quiet and authentic side of the island.
