Bornholm is a small island in the Baltic Sea that feels like a world apart from the rest of Denmark.
Its rocky cliffs, white sand beaches, and charming fishing villages make it a beloved holiday destination. But what makes Bornholm truly special is the way it blends history, nature, and craftsmanship — and nowhere is this more evident than in its iconic round churches and coastal roads that invite slow exploration.
Bornholm is made for cycling. The island has an extensive network of dedicated bike paths, often separated from car traffic, that make getting from one village to the next a pleasure rather than a chore. The terrain is varied — flat in some sections, gently rolling in others — which means every ride feels fresh.
Many denmark cycling holidays and denmark bike tours start in Rønne, the island’s main town and ferry port. From here, you can follow well-marked cycling routes that loop around the island, taking in both its famous landmarks and its quieter corners. Pedaling through farmland, along pine forests, and past the sound of waves crashing on the shore is the perfect way to get into Bornholm’s rhythm.
There are four round churches on Bornholm — Østerlars, Nylars, Olsker, and Nyker — and visiting them feels a little like stepping into a medieval legend. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, these unique circular churches were used for both worship and defense.
Østerlars is the largest and most famous, with thick whitewashed walls, a conical roof, and a central pillar painted with medieval frescoes. Climb the narrow wooden stairs to the upper level and you can imagine villagers sheltering here during attacks, keeping watch over the surrounding fields.
The smaller churches each have their own personality — Nylars with its rune stones, Olsker standing high on a hill with views of the sea, and Nyker with its intimate scale and peaceful atmosphere. Cycling between them is like connecting pieces of a historical puzzle, each one adding to the story of Bornholm’s medieval past.
Beyond its churches, Bornholm is known for its coastline. The ride from Gudhjem to Svaneke is a highlight, following a road that hugs the cliffs and offers stunning views of the Baltic. Gudhjem itself is a postcard-perfect fishing village, with red-tiled roofs and smokehouses where herring is still prepared in the traditional way.
Stop for lunch at one of these smokehouses, where the menu is simple: smoked herring served with rye bread, chives, and a raw egg yolk — a Bornholm specialty known as Sol over Gudhjem. Afterward, continue east to Svaneke, a town famous for its glassblowers, candy makers, and ice cream shops.
Along the way, you can detour to small beaches tucked between rocky outcrops. Because Bornholm is compact, it’s easy to combine cultural sightseeing with a quick swim before continuing your ride.
Bornholm has long been a hub for artisans, and part of the joy of exploring the island is stopping to visit workshops. Ceramicists, glass artists, and woodworkers often keep their studios open to visitors, inviting you to watch them at work.
This connection to craftsmanship gives the island a creative energy that pairs beautifully with its slower pace. It’s easy to fill an afternoon browsing handmade pottery, sampling locally brewed beer, and picking up a few keepsakes that will remind you of the island long after you’ve left.
When the day’s cycling is done, settle into one of Bornholm’s coastal villages for the night. Many guesthouses and small hotels are housed in converted farmhouses or fishermen’s cottages, with cozy interiors and views of the sea. Dinner might be freshly caught fish, lamb from the island’s farms, or seasonal vegetables grown just down the road.
Summer evenings are long and luminous on Bornholm. Sit outside with a glass of chilled white wine as the sky turns pink over the Baltic, and listen to the church bells marking the hours. It’s a reminder that while you’ve spent the day moving, the island’s sense of time is always calm and unhurried.
Bornholm rewards travelers who want to go beyond the obvious. It’s small enough that you can circle the island in a few days, yet varied enough to keep each stage of the trip interesting. The combination of medieval churches, coastal scenery, craft traditions, and warm hospitality makes it one of Denmark’s most memorable destinations.
Choosing to explore by bike deepens the experience. You notice the scent of the fields, the sound of the sea, and the quiet of the villages in a way that you might miss by car. Many guided Denmark bike tours make Bornholm their centerpiece, curating routes that balance history, food, and relaxation — an ideal way to enjoy the island without having to rush.
Bornholm’s round churches stand as a reminder that this island has always been a place of refuge, a meeting point of trade routes and cultures. Today, they welcome travelers not seeking shelter from enemies, but seeking connection with a slower way of life.
As you ride back toward Rønne at the end of your trip, passing the last stretch of vineyard-dotted fields and hearing the distant call of the sea, you’ll carry with you not just photographs but the feeling of an island that invites you to return, to ride a little slower next time, and to keep discovering its quiet corners.
