Almindingen Forest, Bornholm
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.
Sprawling across the heart of Bornholm, Almindingen is one of Denmark’s largest forests and the island’s wild green core. Once common grazing land, this carefully reforested landscape now unfolds as a mosaic of deep woods, rocky rift valleys, still forest lakes and open glades. Well-marked trails lead to highlights such as Ekkodalen echo valley, the Rytterknægten lookout tower, castle ruins and a fenced reserve where European bison roam, making Almindingen a rewarding escape for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers.
A brief summary to Almindingen
- Bornholm, DK
- Duration: 2 to 8 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring sturdy footwear and layers: trails range from smooth forest roads to rocky, rooty paths, and weather can shift quickly under the trees.
- Start early or late in the day for a better chance of spotting European bison and birdlife around lakes and clearings.
- Carry water and snacks; facilities are scattered and you can easily spend several hours between restrooms or cafes at the forest edges.
- Pick one focus area per visit—such as Ekkodalen, Rytterknægten, or the castle ruins—to avoid rushing across the large forest.
- If hiking with children, choose colour-marked shorter loops and consider pairing a walk with a picnic at a lake or viewpoint.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne to Almindingen takes around 20–30 minutes depending on your chosen trailhead, following the main inland roads across the island. Several free parking areas are available at key access points such as near Ekkodalen and Rytterknægten, but spaces can fill on sunny weekends and in July–August. Roads are paved and suitable for all standard vehicles, and there are no tolls or entrance fees for the forest itself.
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Bus from Bornholm towns
Regional buses run between Rønne, Aakirkeby and other towns with stops along the main roads bordering Almindingen, with typical journey times of 20–40 minutes depending on departure point. From the nearest stops you should expect an additional walk on forest roads to reach specific sights such as Ekkodalen or the bison enclosure. Standard local bus fares apply and are generally a few tens of Danish kroner per adult; services are less frequent in the evening and outside the summer season.
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Bicycle from Aakirkeby area
Cycling from Aakirkeby to Almindingen usually takes 20–35 minutes each way along a mix of minor roads and signposted cycle routes, with gentle but steady inclines as you approach the higher forest plateau. The route suits reasonably confident cyclists and older children; younger riders may find hills and traffic on some stretches more demanding. There is no charge to enter the forest, but bring lights and extra layers if returning in the cooler evening or shoulder seasons.
Almindingen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Almindingen
Bornholm’s Green Heart Reborn from Common Land
Almindingen stretches across the centre of Bornholm, forming one of Denmark’s largest continuous forest areas and the island’s verdant backbone. For centuries this plateau was shared pastureland rather than dense woodland, its name roughly meaning “the common” or “all men’s possession”. By around 1800, overgrazing and woodcutting had stripped most trees from the landscape. A royal decree launched a vast reforestation project, led by forester Hans Rømer. Stone walls were raised to keep grazing animals out, and new oaks, beeches and conifers were planted. Over the next two centuries Almindingen expanded dramatically as municipal plantations merged with the original forest. Today you wander through a man-made yet seemingly ancient landscape, where careful management blends commercial forestry with protected pockets of near-wild nature.Granite Cliffs, Rift Valleys and Quiet Forest Lakes
The character of Almindingen is shaped by Bornholm’s ancient granite bedrock. In many places it pushes through the thin soils as crags, boulders and rocky ground, giving the forest a distinctly Nordic feel. On the western side, steep rock walls and blocks line the trails, while hidden forest lakes and peat bogs lie tucked into hollows between low hills. Among the most striking features are Bornholm’s rift valleys. Ekkodalen, the longest, cuts a dramatic groove through the forest with cliffs up to 20 metres high and a famous natural echo bouncing off the stone. Elsewhere, small bogs and wetlands provide habitat for birds and dragonflies, best appreciated from simple wooden towers set beside reed-fringed pools. Even short walks here can take you from shady conifer stands to open heather, juniper thickets and mossy beech groves.Rytterknægten, Ancient Castles and Living History
In the middle of the forest rises Rytterknægten, at 162 metres the highest point on Bornholm. A tower and viewing platform crown the summit, offering broad views across the tree canopy and, in clear weather, towards the island’s coast. The monument here also commemorates a royal visit in the 19th century, tying the landscape to national history as well as local forestry efforts. Scattered through the woods are reminders of much earlier eras. The ruined fortresses of Gamleborg and Lilleborg sit on rocky knolls, once guarding routes across the island. From their crumbling walls you look out over tree-tops rather than medieval farmland, but the strategic siting remains easy to sense. Forest lanes lead to old ranger houses, an arboretum of tree species collected from similar latitudes, and sections of heath that preserve what Almindingen looked like before replanting, with juniper, birch and heather instead of tall timber.Bison, Birdlife and Subtle Wildlife Encounters
Almindingen’s varied habitats support rich flora and fauna, from fungi and lichens to songbirds, owls and raptors that hunt over clearings and marshes. Simple observation towers overlook lakes and bogs, giving you a quiet perch from which to scan for waterbirds and listen to the forest’s layered soundscape. In spring, wild garlic can carpet some valleys, while autumn brings intense colour and an abundance of mushrooms along the paths. A standout feature is the fenced bison enclosure, where a small herd of European bison – reintroduced here in the 21st century – graze within a large woodland paddock. Designated viewpoints allow you to look for these heavy, shaggy silhouettes among the trees. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the possibility adds a sense of wilderness unusual in Denmark. Red deer no longer roam freely as they once did, yet Almindingen still feels like an active, living ecosystem rather than a static park.Exploring on Foot, by Bike or on Horseback
The forest is laced with waymarked hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, many of them themed routes linking viewpoints, lakes and historic sites. Broad forest roads and gentler paths suit family walks, while narrower tracks climb rocky slopes or wind along the base of rift valleys. Cyclists can follow gravel roads and designated routes, and there are specific bridle paths and paddocks for riders. Almindingen also caters to unhurried stays. Primitive campsites and simple shelters invite multi-day excursions, and picnic tables or clearings near lakes make natural lunch spots. Information boards in key areas explain geology, history and wildlife, helping you read the landscape as you go. Whether you come for a short stroll under the canopy, a full-day hike between valleys and viewpoints, or a quiet evening listening to birds over a forest bog, the experience is one of immersion in Bornholm’s reimagined wild core.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Midterpilt
4.2 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
5.9 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
7.9 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Snogebæk Havn
9.4 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
10.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Melsted Havn
13.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
19.2 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
20.2 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
20.6 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
20.7 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
20.9 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
21.2 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Vang Pier
25.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
25.7 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Opal Lake
27.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Opal Lake in Allinge, Bornholm, where adventure and tranquility meet in a stunning natural setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
3.5 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.
Rokkestenen
4.8 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.
Paradisbakkerne
5.4 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.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
5.5 km
Walk into a living rewilding experiment in Almindingen, where European bison shape Bornholm’s forest and quiet paths invite close, careful encounters with wild nature.
Bison På Bornholm
5.7 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
6.6 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.
Brændesgårdshaven
6.8 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.
Bornholm Automobilmuseum Aakirkeby
6.8 km
Bornholm's award-winning automobile museum preserving over 80 classic vehicles and automotive heritage.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
7.1 km
Bornholm’s largest Iron Age ring fort layered over a Neolithic sun temple, where soft ramparts, woodhenge traces and wide valley views bring 5,000 years of ritual and refuge to life.
NaturBornholm
7.4 km
Interactive gateway to Bornholm’s dinosaurs, geology and Baltic nature, set right on a dramatic fault line in a striking Henning Larsen–designed centre.
Boderne Bornholm
7.4 km
A quiet ribbon of pale sand, dunes and harbour life on Bornholm’s south coast, where a former fishing hamlet now offers relaxed, low-key Baltic beach days.
Hallebrøndshøj
7.5 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
7.6 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Nexø Museum
7.6 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Vingården Lille Gadegård
7.7 km
Bornholm’s largest vineyard, blending northern-latitude wine, homely Danish buffets and laid-back farm life in a rustic countryside setting near Aakirkeby.
Essential places to dine
Culinarium
7.7 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
7.9 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
8.3 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
9.0 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
9.0 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 Pakhuset
9.1 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
9.2 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
9.2 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Snogebæk Røgeri
9.2 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
9.3 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.
Svaneke Røgeri
9.4 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.9 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Kadeau Bornholm
10.1 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
10.1 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
13.6 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Home Furniture Ronne
6.5 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
6.9 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
7.4 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Reflax
9.1 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
9.2 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
9.2 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
9.3 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
9.4 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
9.8 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
11.2 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.9 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Janne K
13.7 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
13.8 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
14.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
14.8 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
Buddha Bar
6.9 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
6.9 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
The Golden Rooster
7.5 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
7.7 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
7.9 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
9.0 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
9.0 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Sørens Værtshus
9.3 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.
Provianten
14.0 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
19.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
20.6 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
20.6 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
20.7 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.
Krystal Bodega
20.8 km
No‑frills local pub in central Rønne, serving cold beers, bar games and late‑night Bornholm atmosphere in classic Danish bodega style.
Café 18
20.8 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
20.1 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
20.7 km
No‑frills late‑night disco bar in central Rønne, mixing local bodega charm with loud music, dancing and affordable drinks on Bornholm’s main island.
Musikhuzet
20.8 km
Bornholm’s Musikhuzet in central Rønne offers an ever-changing lineup of live concerts, cultural performances, and community events in a buzzing local landmark venue.
After Dark
21.0 km
Compact weekend nightclub bringing big-city beats, DJ-driven dancing and a lively bar atmosphere to the otherwise quiet island town of Rønne on Bornholm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Wildlife Habitat
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
