Aarsdale Mølle
A brick‑built windmill queen above Aarsdale, where working machinery, Baltic views and Bornholm’s milling heritage come together in a single evocative hilltop landmark.
Perched on a hill above the little fishing village of Aarsdale near Svaneke, Aarsdale Mølle is one of Bornholm’s most evocative windmills. The octagonal brick “Dutch” mill from 1877 still stands with its sails catching the Baltic breeze, its machinery intact and ready for demonstration. Step inside to explore a fully functional grain mill, learn about Bornholm’s milling traditions and browse the small shop or café in the adjoining warehouse – all with sweeping sea views as a backdrop.
A brief summary to Aarsdale Mølle
- Denmark, Gaden 44, Svaneke, 3740, DK
- +4524412386
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Aim to visit on a clear, breezy day; the sails are more likely to turn, and the hilltop setting delivers wide views over Aarsdale and the Baltic Sea.
- Inside the mill, floors are connected by steep, narrow stairs; wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to climb carefully, especially with young children.
- Set aside time for the adjoining shop or café area, where you can look for flour and local products that tie directly back to the mill’s ongoing tradition.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Svaneke
From Svaneke, use the regional bus that runs along the east coast towards Nexø and stops in or near Aarsdale; services typically take about 10–15 minutes, with departures roughly once an hour during the day. A single ticket on Bornholm buses usually costs around 25–35 DKK depending on distance. Check timetables in advance, as evening and weekend frequencies can be reduced.
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Bicycle along the east coast
Cycling from Svaneke or Nexø to Aarsdale is a classic Bornholm experience, following coastal roads and cycle routes with moderate hills. Expect around 15–25 minutes from Svaneke and 20–35 minutes from Nexø, depending on your pace. Bicycles can be rented in several nearby towns for roughly 100–150 DKK per day. Be prepared for occasional strong winds and sharing some stretches with car traffic.
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Car or taxi on local roads
Reaching Aarsdale Mølle by car from Svaneke or Nexø takes about 5–10 minutes along local roads. Parking in the village is generally free but can be limited in peak summer hours, so allow a little time to find a suitable spot and walk up to the mill. Taxis operate on Bornholm but should be booked ahead, with short local journeys typically costing in the range of 100–200 DKK depending on distance and time of day.
Aarsdale Mølle location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Aarsdale Mølle
Brick tower in the Baltic wind
Aarsdale Mølle rises above the southern edge of Aarsdale like a brick lighthouse for grain, its white‑trimmed sails turning against the Bornholm sky. Built in 1877 as a Dutch‑style windmill, it stands on a hilltop just south of the village, with open views down to the red roofs and the Baltic Sea beyond. The octagonal tower, about 20 metres high, is typical of Bornholm’s later mills, but the setting feels uniquely intimate: rural fields on one side, rocky coastline on the other. From a distance you see a compact but powerful structure, its tapering brick body crowned by a timber cap clad in shingles. As you get closer, the sheer solidity of the base becomes obvious. The mill was literally rooted in the landscape using hundreds of cartloads of local stone, giving it the heft needed to withstand Bornholm’s often forceful coastal winds.Crafted from stone, brick and timber
The lower levels of Aarsdale Mølle are built from rough natural stone, stacked into thick walls that carry the weight of the milling machinery above. On top of this sits the brick tower, carefully bonded to create an octagon that sheds the wind and channels its force into the sails. The shingled cap can turn to face changing wind directions, an elegant piece of 19th‑century engineering. Inside, the structure reveals itself as a vertical workshop. Massive timber beams cross the walls, supporting floors pierced by the main shaft. The smell of wood, oil and flour hangs in the air. Cogs carved from hardwood slot into gear wheels, while chutes and hoppers funnel grain down towards the millstones. Everything is exposed and legible, so you can see exactly how the energy from the wind is transmitted through the tower to grind grain.A living chapter in Bornholm’s milling story
Bornholm was once dotted with mills, and Aarsdale Mølle became known as the “queen” of the island’s Dutch windmills. For generations it served local farmers, grinding grain for bread and animal feed and anchoring the small community around it. Milling here did not stop with the arrival of modern engines; the mill continued operating into the 21st century and remains fully functional today, a rare example of continuous use rather than reconstruction. Around the mill a cluster of modest buildings tells the rest of the story: an old bakery wing added in the late 19th century, a warehouse that later housed an engine to supplement the wind, and small outbuildings with the patina of long workdays. Taken together they offer a snapshot of a family‑run rural business, evolving while still centred on the power of the wind.Exploring the interior and machinery
Visitors are invited to climb through the mill, floor by floor. On the ground level you enter among sacks, tools and the base of the drive shaft. A steep ladder or narrow stair brings you up to the grinding floor, where the millstones sit in their wooden casings, belts and levers radiating from the central mechanism. Higher still is the gearing stage, a mesh of cogwheels and shafts that transform the slow rotation of the sails into the motion needed for milling. As you move upward, you experience the mill as the miller once did: listening to the creak of timber, gauging the strength of the wind, adjusting shutters and feed rates to keep the stones working evenly. When the machinery runs for demonstrations, the whole structure hums and vibrates gently, bringing the 19th‑century technology to life in a tangible way.Sea views, local flavours and village atmosphere
Back outside, the mill’s hilltop position makes it a natural viewpoint. From the yard you can look across the clustered houses of Aarsdale, the small harbour and the bright line of the Baltic on the horizon. The combination of industrial heritage and maritime scenery is one of the site’s quiet pleasures. In the adjoining warehouse you can usually find a small shop or café‑style setup with local products. Flour milled on site, regional specialties and simple refreshments link the technical story of the mill back to the everyday life of the island. Many visitors weave a stop at Aarsdale Mølle into a broader exploration of Bornholm’s east coast villages, but the mill itself rewards slow, close attention: brickwork, carpentry, machinery and landscape all carefully layered into one compact, characterful landmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Midterpilt
3.6 km
A modest stone cairn marking the highest point of Paradisbakkerne, Midterpilt is a quiet waypoint on Bornholm’s wildest woodland and heathland hiking routes.
Louisenlund
6.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Snogebæk Havn
8.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
14.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Melsted Havn
15.1 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
15.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
26.6 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
27.8 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
28.1 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
28.3 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
28.5 km
A slender white cast-iron lighthouse above Rønne’s harbour, once a vital guiding light and now a simple, elegant symbol of Bornholm’s maritime gateway.
Destination Bornholm ApS
28.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Domen
29.6 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Vang Pier
30.6 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
30.9 km
Northern Europe's largest castle ruin crowning a clifftop fortress with Baltic views, free and open 24/7.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hallebrøndshøj
2.5 km
Explore the evocative WWII coastal battery at Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø—where stark history and sweeping Baltic Sea views create a unique Bornholm experience.
Paradisbakkerne
2.5 km
Rocky Ice Age hills, deep forest ravines and ancient fort ruins create a near‑wilderness escape in eastern Bornholm, laced with waymarked trails and quiet forest lakes.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
3.1 km
A modest 19th‑century lighthouse on Bornholm’s rocky shore, offering open Baltic horizons, weather‑worn masonry and a quietly atmospheric coastal vantage point.
Rokkestenen
3.3 km
Bornholm’s most famous rocking stone: a 35‑ton Ice Age boulder you can set in motion, hidden in the rugged forested hills of Paradisbakkerne near Svaneke.
Svaneke Havn
3.6 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
Brændesgårdshaven
3.6 km
Low‑key family amusement park in the Bornholm countryside, blending rides, water fun, animals and gardens into a relaxed full‑day outing near Svaneke.
The Swan / Svanen
3.7 km
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Nexø Sandskulptur
4.4 km
Ephemeral masterpieces in sand rise between old harbor silos and Baltic light, turning Nexø’s working waterfront into Bornholm’s most unexpected open-air art park.
Nexø Museum
4.6 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
4.6 km
Iron Age refuge hidden in Bornholm’s rocky Paradisbakkerne, where low ramparts, steep slopes and heather‑clad forest reveal a quiet but powerful story of defence.
Udforsk Bornholm
4.6 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
4.7 km
A steamy tropical hothouse on the edge of Nexø, where hundreds of exotic butterflies, koi ponds and lush gardens create a vivid island-of-summer on Bornholm.
Almindingen
7.7 km
Vast reforested heart of Bornholm, where granite cliffs, echoing valleys, castle ruins and European bison meet a web of trails under a deep green canopy.
Snogebæk Strand
9.4 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Randkløve Skår
10.0 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Essential places to dine
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
3.6 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
3.6 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Restaurant Pakhuset
3.6 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
3.6 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
3.6 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
4.0 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Culinarium
4.5 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Snogebæk Røgeri
8.7 km
Traditional Bornholm smokehouse and seafood buffet in the seaside village of Snogebæk, combining casual dining with a well‑stocked shop of freshly smoked fish.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
9.0 km
Cosy seaside dining in Snogebæk, where hearty Danish dishes, Baltic seafood and a leafy summer courtyard capture the laid-back charm of Bornholm’s south coast.
Bakkarøgeriet
15.1 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
15.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
15.2 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Kadeau Bornholm
15.7 km
Remote, refined and deeply Bornholm at heart, this seaside cottage restaurant turns island gardens, shorelines and smokehouses into an immersive New Nordic tasting journey.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
16.0 km
Hearty portions and classic Danish comfort food on the sunny slopes above Gudhjem’s harbour, ideal for a generous lunch or relaxed, no‑nonsense dinner.
Spektakel-bar
16.2 km
Leafy courtyard dining in central Gudhjem, where a focused menu, good drinks and only-outdoor seating create one of Bornholm’s cosiest evening hangouts.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Reflax
3.6 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
3.6 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
3.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Mollys Verden
9.1 km
A cosy Bornholm interiors haven in Snogebæk, where playful Nordic design, colourful homewares and quirky gifts turn casual browsing into a gentle little adventure.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
11.0 km
Spacious Bornholm farm shop on the rocky east coast, mixing English country fashion, Italian dresses and homey gifts in a cosy countryside setting all year round.
Baltic Sea Glass
13.3 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
13.7 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
My Home Furniture Ronne
14.3 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
14.6 km
Quirky flea market, art gallery and cosy café gathered on one floor above Aakirkeby’s town square, mixing retro treasures, local creativity and relaxed Bornholm hygge.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
15.1 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Janne K
16.1 km
Intimate Scandinavian clothing and lifestyle boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, pairing Nordic style with a Bornholm coastal sensibility in a calm, curated space.
Lifestone
16.1 km
A cosy seaside boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, blending relaxed Scandinavian fashion with the everyday charm of Bornholm’s most dramatic harbour town.
Førder Bornholm
16.3 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
20.2 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
20.4 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mikkeller Aarsdale
0.4 km
Seasonal seaside craft beer bar and burger spot in a former smokehouse on Bornholm’s Aarsdale harbour, pairing inventive taps with relaxed Baltic Sea views.
Madvig
3.6 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Søllings Bodega
3.6 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
The Golden Rooster
4.7 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
4.7 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
Sørens Værtshus
8.8 km
Casual seaside pub in Snogebæk serving deep-pan stone-oven pizza, cold drinks and live summer music a short stroll from Bornholm’s sandy beaches.
Buddha Bar
14.6 km
Relaxed, Asian‑tinged bar on Aakirkeby’s central square, ideal for casual drinks, simple bites and unhurried people‑watching at the heart of inland Bornholm.
Dagligstuen
14.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
16.3 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
25.4 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
26.7 km
Intimate cocktail and tapas bar bringing a touch of cabaret flair and late‑night atmosphere to the quiet coastal town of Allinge on Bornholm.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
27.3 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
28.1 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
28.2 km
A snug, Bornholm-flavoured pub on Lille Torv in central Rønne, pouring local craft beers and cocktails in a warm, intimate setting with easy island charm.
O'Malley
28.3 km
Cosy Irish pub and sports bar in central Rønne, pouring stout and whiskies, screening live games and hosting lively evenings on Bornholm’s main town square.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
