Smokehouse culture with two different stories

Bornholm’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since. In Hasle, Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked in the traditional way, using open chimneys and alder wood. The two places introduce different chapters in local food culture: Gudhjem links its historical beginnings with the continuing herring tradition, while Hasle puts the smoking method itself in the spotlight. If you are interested in the origins and preparation of regional foods, you can explore these differences in particular.

Landscape and different views

The landscape offers another way to discover Bornholm. Ekkodalen in Almindingen is Bornholm’s largest rift valley, making it a striking landscape feature alongside the smokehouses and museums. At Hammershus, there are two distinct viewpoints: the visitor centre offers panoramic views of Hammershus, while from the cliffs above Opal Lake, the view takes in the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea and the ruins of Hammershus Castle. The first view focuses on Hammershus; the second includes a wider range of landscape features. When comparing the views, you can also consider whether you want to focus on the structure itself or on a broader vista.

Discover exhibitions and history

The NaturBornholm experience centre features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition. The exhibits may change over time, so check what is currently on display before your visit. Bornholm’s Medieval Centre has a different focus: this 15-hectare open-air museum brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an engaging, interactive way. The centre’s range of exhibits and animals offers a contrast to the interactive presentation of the island’s history. Depending on your interests, you can focus more on the variety of topics at the experience centre or on the portrayal of a particular historical period.

A visit to Østerlars Round Church is subject to certain conditions. When no service is taking place, visitors can enter the church for a fee and climb up to the roof beams. Check before your visit whether these conditions are still in effect. For planning purposes, both the service schedule and the fee are relevant; the possible climb is a specific part of the church visit.

Plan your journey to Bornholm

You can reach Bornholm by ferry, plane, bus or train. One specific ferry route runs from Ystad in Sweden to Bornholm; the crossing takes one hour and 20 minutes. This journey time can help you estimate this particular leg of your trip. Check the current timetable for this ferry route before travelling.

More places on Bornholm

Discover more destinations: Aakirkeby, Arnager, Gudhjem, Hasle, Klemensker, Listed, Muleby, Nexø, Nyker, Olsker, Pedersker, Rispebjerg Huse, Rø, Sandkås, Snogebæk, Sose, Svaneke, Tejn, Vester Sømarken, Årsdale, Østerlars, Østermarie, Knudsker, Arsballe, Kås, Boderne, Vang, Nylars, Bodilsker, Allinge-Sandvig, Ertholmene, Balka, Rønne Parish

See the main travel overview: Denmark.