Bagågraven & Pyritsøen Coastal Clay Pit
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
Bagågraven, on Havvej just north of Rønne on Bornholm, is a former coastal clay pit that has transformed into a striking landscape of steep sandy banks, Pyritsøen lake and Baltic shoreline. Once dug for clay used in Hasle’s famous tiles, it now reveals layers from the Middle Jurassic and has yielded dinosaur footprints nearby. Today it is a quiet, wind‑swept spot for short walks, coastal views, geology, birdlife and a taste of Bornholm’s industrial and deep natural history.
A brief summary to Bagågraven
- Havvej, Rønne, 3700, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths on the clay and sand slopes can be loose, uneven and slippery after rain or winter storms.
- Bring windproof layers, as the exposed coastal banks can feel significantly cooler than inland, even in summer.
- Combine your visit with a section of the Hasle–Rønne coastal trail or cycle path for broader views of Bornholm’s west coast.
- If you are interested in the dinosaur story, pair this stop with a visit to NaturBornholm, where some of the footprints are displayed.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Local bus from Rønne
From central Rønne, use a regional bus towards Hasle or Sorthat and alight at a stop near Havvej; services typically run at least once per hour on weekdays and less often on weekends. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes, followed by a short walk on minor roads and paths. A single adult ticket on Bornholm’s buses usually costs about 25–35 DKK depending on zones and time of day.
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Bicycle from Rønne
Cycling from Rønne centre to Bagågraven follows the signed coastal cycle route towards Hasle and takes roughly 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses paved paths and quiet roads but is exposed to wind and includes some gentle gradients. Bike rental in Rønne generally ranges from 100–200 DKK per day, and this is a straightforward outing for leisure cyclists.
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On foot via coastal trail
Walkers can reach Bagågraven from Rønne by following the marked coastal trail towards Hasle, a seafront route that typically takes 60–75 minutes one way. The path varies between forest tracks, sandy stretches and slightly uneven ground, so light hiking shoes are advisable. It is suitable for most reasonably fit walkers but may be challenging for prams or those with limited mobility.
Bagågraven location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Bagågraven
From working clay pit to wild coastal hollow
Bagågraven sits tucked between forest, coast and the Hasle–Rønne stretch of shoreline, where the Baltic rolls in against steep man‑made slopes. Around 1900 clay extraction began here, feeding the Hasle tile and refractory works that lined the coast. For decades, machines bit steadily into the shoreline, carving a broad amphitheatre‑like hollow that has since partly filled with water to form Pyritsøen, a sheltered lake just inland from the sea. When extraction stopped in the late 1980s, the site was left as a raw wound in the landscape. Over time, wind, rain and the Baltic have reshaped the exposed clay and sand, softening edges and cutting small ravines. The result is an unusual semi‑wild bowl of slopes, ponds and banks, framed by low woodland and opening westwards to the horizon.Layers from the Jurassic beneath your feet
Bagågraven exposes deposits known as the Bagå Formation, laid down in the Middle Jurassic around 170 million years ago. In the scarred walls you can see a sequence of dark coal‑bearing clays, pale sandstones and grey muds, once formed in river channels and floodplains on a broad delta. Between the channels, quieter water deposited fine clay while vegetation colonised the low‑lying ground. Nearby, at the coast around Pyritsøen, geologists have found dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone blocks washed out of these layers. They are some of the key pieces of evidence that large dinosaurs once roamed Bornholm, which remained dry land while most of future Denmark lay under shallow seas. Standing here, it is easy to picture broad‑backed animals trudging across a muddy delta long before the Baltic existed.A refuge for birds, amphibians and coastal plants
After the diggers left, Bagågraven quickly became a refuge for wildlife. The steep faces and loose material attracted sand martins and other burrowing birds, while shallow pools and the lake margins turned into breeding grounds for frogs and toads. The mixture of bare ground, scrub and wet patches is also good insect habitat, and sharp‑eyed visitors may notice dragonflies skimming low over the water in summer. Closer to the sea, hardy coastal plants push roots into the eroding banks and pebble‑strewn foreshore. Storms periodically bite into the protective ridge between Pyritsøen and the open Baltic, carrying clay and sand away and slowly altering the outline of the coast. It is a landscape in visible motion, where each winter’s waves redraw the fine details of the shoreline.Short walks, viewpoints and quiet pauses
For visitors, Bagågraven is a compact, low‑key destination rather than a formal park. Unmarked paths and trods loop around the hollow, linking forest, lake edge and seafront. From the upper banks you gain broad views along Bornholm’s west coast towards Rønne and, in clear light, north towards Hasle’s smoking chimneys and cliffs. Down by the water, the atmosphere shifts. The lake surface often lies calmer than the sea beyond, reflecting sky and banks, while the muffled boom of surf reaches you from the far side of the narrow land bridge. It is an easy place to linger on a bench or rock, watching the changing light and the movement of clouds above the Baltic.A stop on coastal trails and cycle routes
Bagågraven also functions as a natural pause point on longer excursions. The coastal trail that connects Rønne and Hasle passes close by, weaving between forest and sea. Cyclists on the popular Hasle–Rønne route skim the land bridge and can detour a few minutes to look down into the former pit and across Pyritsøen. There are no attractions in the theme‑park sense here: no displays, no playgrounds, simply a raw, evolving landscape shaped first by industry and now by wind and waves. That simplicity is part of its charm. Bagågraven offers a compact encounter with Bornholm’s deep time, its coastal energy and its quieter, everyday nature, all within a short outing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Slemmegrav
4.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Den russiske bjørn
5.3 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
5.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
5.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
5.9 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
6.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Vang Pier
10.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
15.5 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Klintebakken
16.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Melsted Havn
18.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
23.1 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.2 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Midterpilt
25.3 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.
Kanonstilling G3
29.2 km
A vast unfinished WWII gun battery hidden in Bornholm’s pines, where moss-covered concrete, dark bunkers and Baltic history meet just behind Dueodde’s dunes.
Snogebæk Havn
29.9 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kultippen Hasle
2.1 km
A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Hasle Strand
2.5 km
Long west-coast sands, quiet dunes and pine-backed shoreline where Bornholm’s soft side meets big Baltic sunsets just south of the harbor town of Hasle.
The Brogård stone
3.3 km
Bornholm’s largest Viking runestone, standing quietly by a country road near Hasle, where clear runes in granite still tell a thousand-year-old story.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
3.5 km
A historic merchant’s house in Hasle transformed into Bornholm’s vibrant hub for contemporary ceramics, glass and design – with galleries, shop and café under one roof.
New Church
4.3 km
Historic seafaring heritage and coastal resilience at an evocative museum on Nexø’s bustling harbor, revealing Bornholm’s maritime stories and post-war rebuilding.
Erichsens Gård
5.4 km
Step through a low timbered doorway into 19th‑century Bornholm life, where a merchant’s home and secret garden in Rønne quietly preserve stories of art, family and island culture.
Bornholms Museum
5.5 km
Bornholm’s cultural heart in Rønne, where gold hoards, island clocks, and wartime stories trace 10,000 years of Baltic island history under one roof.
Hjorths Fabrik
5.5 km
Step into a 19th‑century ceramics factory in central Rønne where kilns still glow, clay still turns on the wheel, and 150 years of Bornholm stoneware come to life.
Jættebolden
5.7 km
A legendary giant’s boulder hidden in Bornholm’s wild Svartingedal ravine, where old forest, rich birdlife and myth-filled geology meet on a quiet hillside.
St Nicholas Church
5.9 km
Historic hilltop parish church above Rønne’s harbour, blending 13th‑century roots, Bornholm granite craft and a living musical tradition in a serene Baltic setting.
Svartingedalen
5.9 km
A lush Bornholm fissure valley hidden among farm fields, where cool forest shade, steep rock walls and a winding path create an intimate slice of wild nature.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
6.4 km
A quietly dramatic split boulder on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where ancient rock, Baltic light and hints of old sacred landscapes meet above the sea.
Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
6.5 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
6.5 km
Immersive birds-of-prey shows and evolution-themed encounters on Bornholm, where owls, falcons, reptiles and farm animals turn science into a full, family-friendly day out.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
8.1 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Essential places to dine
Hasle Smokehouse
3.1 km
Historic alderwood smokehouses on Bornholm’s west coast, where traditional smoked fish, casual dining and Baltic Sea views meet in one atmospheric seaside stop.
Râzapâz
5.3 km
Natural wine, seasonal plates and bohemian charm come together at this intimate Rønne spiseri, where Bornholm’s culinary energy is poured by the glass.
Snurra
5.3 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Texas Bornholm
5.4 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Café-Munter
5.5 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
5.6 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Det Røde Pakhus
5.6 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Hovedvagten
5.7 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
The Ranch
7.2 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
10.9 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
11.9 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
13.2 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
13.6 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Stammershalle Badehotel
14.1 km
Historic 1911 seaside bathing hotel on Bornholm’s wild north coast, pairing Baltic Sea panoramas and rocky swims with refined Nordic dining and quiet coastal charm.
Restaurant Margeritten
15.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Torvehal Bornholm
4.4 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
4.7 km
Compact but expertly stocked fishing specialist in central Rønne, where Bornholm’s anglers gear up, swap tips and prepare for time on the island’s lakes and coasts.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
5.3 km
Volunteer-run thrift shop in central Rønne, where low-priced second-hand clothing and curios support local church social work and sustainable shopping on Bornholm.
People-Fashion.dk
5.3 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
5.4 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
5.6 km
One of Denmark’s oldest family-run bookshops, blending 19th‑century heritage, live culture and 20,000+ books in the heart of Rønne’s main square.
Snellemark Centret
5.6 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
sNoir
5.6 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
5.6 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
5.6 km
A small, colorful universe of Scandinavian-designed gifts, gadgets and creative essentials in the heart of Rønne, perfect for playful souvenirs and practical finds.
Dansk
6.4 km
Relaxed, value-focused clothing outlet in Rønne offering practical Danish fashion and everyday basics for the whole family, with a cosy coffee corner on site.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.6 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
9.7 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
16.4 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sparloppan
16.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ølhuzed ApS
3.6 km
Cosy craft beer bar in the heart of Hasle, pouring Bornholm brews and European favourites with simple tapas, nachos and an easygoing neighbourhood vibe.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
5.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
5.4 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
5.5 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
5.5 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
5.7 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.
Café Lille Per
5.7 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Cabaret Bornholm
11.4 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.
Penyllan Brewery
13.5 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pilen bar & bodega
15.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
15.3 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
15.9 km
Intimate cliffside bar beneath Hotel Nordlandet, where Nordic cocktails, candlelight and big Baltic horizons turn Bornholm’s wild north coast into your living room.
Dagligstuen
16.4 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
16.5 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.
Provianten
18.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
5.3 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
5.5 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
5.6 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
5.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
BAR 24
98.3 km
Discover Sassnitz's nightlife at BAR 24, a vibrant night club and gastropub offering great drinks, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
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
