The Best Ice Cream on Bornholm
Summer on Bornholm smells of salt, smokehouse aromas and – on almost every corner – ice cream freshly mixed on the spot. The island has a long tradition of artisan dairy and desserts; today, many towns have ice cream parlours that prepare their own bases, use seasonal fruit from local orchards and serve their treats right by the harbour, in the market square or above the rocks.
Flavours are never exactly the same from one season to the next – the selection changes with ripe strawberries, rhubarb, figs and blueberries. You can have ice cream in a cup, in a crisp cone or try Bornholm specialities such as sorbets made from local fruit. Below are three places worth visiting when you plan a sweet break between the beach and the bike route.
Where to find the best ice cream?
Bornholm offers both classic scoops – vanilla, chocolate, strawberry – and bolder combinations inspired by herbs, spices and fruit from island farms. In summer, popular parlours often have short queues, but it is worth the wait: many places make ice cream on site, and the flavours in the display can change from week to week.
Most ice cream parlours are in Svaneke, Gudhjem and Snogebæk – easy places to combine dessert with a stroll in the harbour, on the beach or along a cycling route. Below we describe three spots with a distinctly local character, each with its own atmosphere and history.
Bornholms Ismejeri & Kaffebar – Svaneke
Bornholms Ismejeri is one of the best-known ice cream parlours on the island. In the centre of Svaneke, close to the street-side craft workshops, a small shop displays colourful scoops – from creamy ice cream made with milk from nearby farms to refreshing sorbets from seasonal fruit.
The team likes to experiment with ingredients: when available, the menu includes flavours based on herbs, spices and fruit from Bornholm orchards. Cones are baked on site – thin, crisp and perfect for a generous portion. You can enjoy your ice cream in the cosy courtyard behind the shop or take it on a walk towards the harbour and rocky coastline.
For several years now, the iconic Krølle Bølle Is – Bornholm’s famous ice lolly from local folklore – has been produced again here in Svaneke. It is worth stopping by even just to try this island classic.
Why visit?
| Wide range of seasonal flavours | the selection changes with the availability of island fruit and berries – always a reason to come back. |
| Homemade cones and local milk | ice cream is made on site from Bornholm suppliers, and the cones have a distinct, homemade character. |
| Cosy courtyard in Svaneke | a quiet spot for dessert in the town centre, a few steps from the harbour and craft shops. |
Address
| Bornholms Ismejeri & Kaffebar | |
| Postgade 3, 3740 Svaneke, DK | |
| Google Maps |
Gudhjem Is – by the harbour since 1959
Gudhjem Is stands on the waterfront in one of Bornholm’s most picturesque towns. It is one of the oldest ice cream parlours on the island – operating since 1959 – and the scent of fresh cones and creamy ice cream is part of the harbour’s summer identity.
Production takes place behind the shop; flavours draw on Italian ice cream tradition but use milk from the regional dairy. In season you will find classics – vanilla, pistachio, chocolate – as well as more seasonal options from fruit and berries. Besides scoops, soft-serve ice cream and homemade treats are served in various styles.
Gudhjem Is is also known for the impressive “Apollo” portion – a tall cone composition with several scoops and toppings. It is aimed at hungry walkers; you can also simply ask for a regular portion in a cup or standard cone and enjoy the view of the harbour and rocks from the terrace.
Why visit?
| More than six decades of history | the parlour at Gudhjem harbour is a living tradition – remembered by many regular visitors to the island. |
| Views of the harbour and sea | dessert enjoyed right by the water, in one of the most beautiful towns in north-eastern Bornholm. |
| Varied selection | scoops, soft ice cream and seasonal flavours – something for lovers of classics and for those who like to try something new. |
Address
| Gudhjem Is | |
| Ejnar Mikkelsensvej 26, 3760 Gudhjem, DK | |
| Google Maps |
Kjærstrup – chocolate and seasonal ice cream in Snogebæk
In the seaside village of Snogebæk, between Nexø and Balka beach, you will find Kjærstrup – a Bornholm chocolate workshop known for handmade sweets. For years it has combined craft tradition with local ingredients; in summer the shops also serve soft ice cream inspired by classic Danish flødeboller – light, creamy treats here in a cool, refreshing form.
This is a different experience from a classic harbour-side ice cream parlour: at Kjærstrup the aroma of cocoa and chocolate dominates, and ice cream in season complements the range – worth stopping for a scoop to take away or to enjoy in the quiet coastal setting, a few minutes’ walk from the pier and beach.
Kjærstrup has been on Bornholm since 1999 and focuses on quality and sustainable production. Even if you come mainly for ice cream, it is easy to be tempted by a bar of chocolate as a souvenir or a box of sweets for the walk along the beach.
Why visit?
| Seasonal soft ice cream | in summer, creamy soft-serve appears on the menu – a different experience from a typical harbour parlour. |
| Artisan chocolate from Bornholm | combine a frozen treat with tasting local chocolate products. |
| Snogebæk – close to beach and pier | a calm break after swimming at Balka or a walk along the coast towards Nexø. |
Address
| Kjærstrup | |
| Hovedgade 9–13, 3730 Nexø (Snogebæk), DK | |
| Google Maps |
Bornholms Ismejeri – Svaneke
Good to know
- Ice cream parlours operate mainly in the tourist season – check opening hours before you travel.
- At many places cones are baked on site – if you prefer a crisp cone, ask for one instead of a cup.
- Seasonal flavours disappear quickly – if something catches your eye in the display, do not save it for “next time”.
- The iconic Krølle Bølle Is is produced on Bornholm again – in Svaneke, among other places, you can buy these ice lollies on a stick in several flavours.
Ice cream on Bornholm is a simple summer ritual: a queue at the counter, choosing a flavour, a few minutes on the terrace or on the rocks above the sea. No grand occasion is needed – just stop at a parlour on the way to the beach or back from a cycling route. Enjoy.
