At the heart of Bølshavn is a modest harbor where local fishing boats moor, surrounded by low, traditional fishermen’s houses. Nearby, the village gives way to more natural, protected coastal areas. The harbor, village, and coastal landscape give the place its distinct character.
Coastal walking and cycling
The Kyststien coastal trail runs north from Bølshavn through Ypnasted, past former small fishing landing sites and along rocky stretches of coast. Check the current trail markings on site before setting out. A coastal cycling route also passes through the Bølshavn area. For your planning, you can choose between two different options: a specifically described walking route that heads north and a cycling route in the area.
The old rescue path between Bølshavn and Saltuna is about five kilometers long; the walk is estimated to take two to three hours. The distance and estimated duration answer different planning questions: how long the route is and how much walking time you can allow. The stretch of coast between Bølshavn and Saltuna includes high, rugged coastal cliffs, shady wooded valleys, and flower-rich coastal meadows.
Landscape and traces of history
The natural woodland landscape around Randkløve Skår includes wild cherry trees and juniper. Trails in the Bølshavn area also feature a small runestone and subtle remnants of former coastal fortifications. These fortifications are now visible only as gentle changes in the terrain. If you would like to notice small traces of history as well as the coastal scenery, you can keep these features in mind when planning your visit.
Getting to Bølshavn
The closest bus stops to Bølshavn are on route 158; from there, a short path leads downhill into the village. Stop locations and services may change, so check current connections before traveling. When choosing a hotel in Bølshavn, you can take the walking and cycling options described here, as well as your travel plans, into account.
Bornholm as a wider area to explore
You can reach Bornholm by ferry, plane, bus, or train. The ferry crossing from Ystad in Sweden to Bornholm takes one hour and 20 minutes. Check current timetables and connections before traveling.
Bornholm’s natural and cultural attractions offer different experiences. Ekkodalen in Almindingen is Bornholm’s largest rift valley. Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a 15-hectare open-air museum that brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an informative and interactive way. The NaturBornholm experience center features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium, and a bison exhibition. As exhibitions may change, it is worth checking what is currently on display before visiting.
Viewpoints also offer different perspectives: Hammershus Visitor Center provides panoramic views of Hammershus. From the cliffs above Opal Lake, you can look out over the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea, and the Hammershus castle ruins.
Bornholm’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since. Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked traditionally over alder wood in open chimneys. Visitors can enter Østerlars Round Church for a fee when no service is taking place, and climb up to the roof beams. Check the current visiting conditions before your visit.
For the broader travel overview: Svaneke.
