Listed – a charming fishing village on Bornholm's east coast

History and character of Listed

The name "Listed" comes from Old Danish "lista", meaning "strip" or "edge" – referring to the narrow strip of land along the coast below the hills to the south. It is an apt name, as the village indeed stretches along the rocky shore, nestled between the sea and gentle hillsides.

The first record of Listed dates from 1379, when the Archbishop of Lund encouraged herring fishing by having six fishermen's huts built here. Over the centuries, the village developed by combining fishing with farming. The harbour was laid out with three basins in the mid-19th century, a fourth basin was cut from the rock in 1891, and further enlargement followed in 1982.

Harbour and fishing

Listed harbour is still an active fishing port which also welcomes visiting yachts – there is space for around 25 guest boats, welcome in all basins. Along the waterfront there is a free-to-use yachter's shelter with three modern bathrooms with underfloor heating, washing machine and tumble dryer. The harbour has 230 V power connections (400 V on some jetties), Wi-Fi, a playground, barbecue area, defibrillator, slipway, and waste sorting facilities. Listed Havn holds the Blue Flag distinction – a mark of cleanliness and quality infrastructure.

Former smokehouses and crafts

The distinctive white chimneys of former smokehouses are Listed's hallmark. Although most no longer serve their original purpose, they form an important part of the landscape and recall the tradition of herring smoking that drove village life for centuries. Along the main road and narrow lanes you will find a potter's workshop, craft art studios, a goldsmith's boutique, and a glass art gallery – Listed is a magnet for artists and craftspeople.

Small fishing museum

The harbour houses a small fishing museum (Havnemuseet) telling the story of Listed from medieval herring fishing to the present day. The museum can be visited by arrangement with the keeper – an intimate experience well worth planning for.

Høl beach – the secret cove

About 300 metres north of the harbour lies "Høl" – a picturesque cove with a sandy beach, hidden at the end of a 100-metre-wide cleft in the rocks. It is the locals' favourite bathing spot, rarely visited by tourists. Perfect for a quiet swim away from the crowds.

Jørn Utzon's waterworks

About 300 metres from the harbour, along the Vasebæk stream, stands a small granite waterworks building designed in 1951 by Jørn Utzon – the Danish architect best known as the creator of the Sydney Opera House. The building features a distinctive hexagonal shape and a grass roof – one of Utzon's earliest projects and a unique architectural attraction on Bornholm.

The Listed Trail

A walking trail loops around the village – the Listed Trail, an easy 3.3 km route taking about an hour. The path leads along the coast, through woodland beside the Vasebæk stream (past Utzon's waterworks), to Bornholm's oldest 300-year-old oak tree, and the Lillehøj burial mound with its beautiful view of the harbour and the sea. An ideal walk for exploring the Listed area.

Location and surroundings

Listed lies on Bornholm's east coast, 2 km north-west of Svaneke – one of the island's most beautiful towns. To the north, the rocky coastline continues towards Gudhjem, and nearby (about 2 km) is Joboland – Bornholm's amusement park, particularly popular with families.

What to see nearby

Svaneke

Just 2 km from Listed – one of the best-preserved towns in Denmark, awarded the European Gold Medal for heritage conservation. Harbour, brewery, glass workshops, and charming streets.

Gudhjem

A picturesque town to the north of Listed, known for its smokehouses, steep streets sloping to the sea, and ferry connection to Christiansø. Home of the famous "Sol over Gudhjem".

Coastal path (Kyststien)

Bornholm's coastal path Kyststien passes through Listed, following the rocky shoreline towards Svaneke and Gudhjem. Ideal for hiking with views of the Baltic Sea.