Black Pot (Sorte Gryde) Sea Cave, Bornholm
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Tucked beneath Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs near Gudhjem, the Black Pot (Sorte Gryde) is a narrow, atmospheric sea cave that cuts up to 60 metres into the island’s granite coast. Reached via a coastal path, a small footbridge and a steep metal ladder, it offers a raw, close-up encounter with the sculpting power of the Baltic Sea, rare cave spiders and the island’s distinct geology in a setting that feels both mystical and wild.
A brief summary to Black Pot
- Helligdomsvej 14, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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
- Bring a strong flashlight or headlamp; the cave extends tens of metres into the rock and becomes completely dark soon after the entrance.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and be prepared for wet, uneven surfaces on the footbridge, ladder and inside the cave.
- Avoid entering the cave in strong winds or rough seas, when waves and spray make the approach and interior significantly more hazardous.
- Allow extra time to explore the wider Sanctuary Cliffs paths and viewpoints, which offer impressive coastal scenery beyond the cave itself.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Bus from Rønne to Sanctuary Cliffs
From Rønne, take the regional bus service toward Gudhjem that stops near Helligdomsklipperne; the journey typically takes around 40–55 minutes depending on the route and timetable. Services usually run several times a day in both directions, with slightly reduced frequency outside summer. A one-way adult ticket generally falls in the range of 40–70 DKK, often payable by card or transport app. From the bus stop it is a short walk on established paths to the Sanctuary Cliffs area and the start of the stairs down towards the Black Pot.
-
Car or rental car on Bornholm
Driving from Rønne to Helligdomsvej 14 near Gudhjem typically takes around 30–40 minutes along the island’s main roads. The route is straightforward, but traffic can be slightly heavier in peak summer. There is public parking close to the Sanctuary Cliffs visitor area, though spaces may fill during busy periods, and in some seasons time limits or small fees may apply, so always check local signage. From the parking area, allow extra time to walk down the steps and coastal paths to reach the Black Pot cave entrance.
-
Coastal walk from Gudhjem
For a scenic approach, experienced walkers can follow the marked coastal path from Gudhjem towards the Sanctuary Cliffs, a route of roughly 6 km that usually takes 1.5–2 hours at a moderate pace. The trail undulates over rocky sections with roots and steps, and is not suitable for prams or travellers with significant mobility limitations. Good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are important, as wind and sea spray can make parts of the path slippery. This option is free and particularly rewarding in clear, dry conditions.
-
Seasonal boat from Gudhjem (viewing option)
In the warmer half of the year, a small tour boat typically sails between Gudhjem harbour and the Sanctuary Cliffs, with trips often lasting 45–60 minutes round-trip. Prices are commonly in the range of 120–200 DKK per adult, with reduced fares for children. The boat provides impressive views of the cliffs and sea caves from the water but usually does not allow direct access into the Black Pot itself. Sailings depend on weather and sea state, and may be cancelled in strong wind or heavy swell, so check the day’s schedule locally.
Black Pot location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Black Pot
Granite, Waves and a Hidden Passage
Bornholm’s Black Pot, or Sorte Gryde, is the most famous of several sea caves carved into the Sanctuary Cliffs (Helligdomsklipperne) on the island’s northeast coast. Here the Baltic Sea has patiently etched a tall, narrow crack into the crystalline granite, pushing some 50–60 metres under the cliff. The result is a shadowy passageway that feels almost like a secret corridor into the rock, far removed from the open shoreline just outside. Unlike typical Danish landscapes of low, sandy coasts, this stretch of Bornholm rises sharply from the water. Dark rock walls, stacked and fractured, frame the cave entrance, reminding you that this is one of the country’s most geologically distinctive corners. The roar and echo of the sea, even on calm days, hints at the forces that created this place and continue to shape it.Approaching the Cave Mouth
The approach to the Black Pot is part of the experience. From the Sanctuary Cliffs visitor area, paths and stairways thread down towards the waterline, revealing ever-changing views of jagged outcrops and sea stacks. Near the cave, a small footbridge crosses a gap where waves surge below, connecting you to the rock ledge leading to the entrance. From here, a steep metal ladder drops you to the low platform at the mouth of the cave. Space is tight, the rock underfoot can be wet and slippery, and the soundscape amplifies every splash and footstep. Light quickly fades as you move inside, so a good torch is essential if you want to appreciate the cave’s full depth and texture. The transition from bright open coast to confined darkness is abrupt, heightening the sense of stepping into a separate, enclosed world.Inside the Black Pot
Once you leave daylight behind, the cave becomes a tall slit in the rock, its walls glistening with moisture and salt. The passage bends and narrows, so the outside world disappears entirely after a short distance. In places, you may need to watch your footing and duck slightly as the roof dips or boulders interrupt the path. This dim environment is home to specialised life, including the Bornholm cave spider and other tiny invertebrates adapted to the cool, stable conditions. Silence, broken only by dripping water and the distant boom of waves, makes the interior feel older and more remote than its modest size suggests. For many visitors, the appeal lies less in dramatic formations than in the pure, physical sensation of being deep inside the island’s granite shell.Cliffs of Legends and Rock Names
The Black Pot is just one feature in a cliffscape rich with stories and evocative names. Nearby you find other caves and rock formations such as Våde Ovn (Wet Oven) and Tørre Ovn (Dry Oven), each describing its relationship with the sea. Above, pinnacles and ledges carry romantic titles like Lovers’ Bench and Moonshine Rocks, reflecting centuries of fascination with this dramatic coastline. In the Middle Ages, a holy spring at the foot of the cliffs drew pilgrims seeking healing, and a chapel once stood on the plateau above. Though the structures have vanished, the sense of a special, almost sacred landscape lingers. Today the cliffs are protected, valued both for their natural character and for the glimpse they offer into how people have interacted with this shoreline over time.Experiencing the Sanctuary Coast
Most travellers visit the Black Pot as part of a wider exploration of the Sanctuary Cliffs. From the cliff-top paths you can peer down onto sea stacks and crashing surf, while stairways deliver you to different ledges and viewpoints close to the water. In season, the small tour boat that runs between Gudhjem and the cliffs offers a contrasting perspective, revealing the cave’s setting from offshore, even if you cannot enter by sea. Allow unhurried time here: to listen to the sea reverberate in the rock, feel the temperature drop as you enter the cave, and then emerge again into wind and sunlight. Combined with a visit to the nearby Bornholm Art Museum or a longer coastal walk, the Black Pot becomes a highlight in a day that blends geology, nature, art and island atmosphere into a single, memorable stop.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
5.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
9.0 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
10.9 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
14.6 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.4 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Klintebakken
18.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
18.3 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.3 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
18.9 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
19.0 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Midterpilt
19.1 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
19.2 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Udforsk Bornholm
23.5 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
26.3 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Sanctuary Rocks
0.2 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
0.2 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Dry Oven CAVE
0.2 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
0.3 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Helligdomsklipperne
0.7 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Døndalen
0.8 km
Wild rift valley, towering trees and Denmark’s highest waterfall come together in this quietly dramatic forest walk on Bornholm’s rugged north coast.
Døndalen Vandfald
1.1 km
Lush rift valley, changing 20 m waterfall and sweeping Baltic views combine in one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric forest walks just west of Gudhjem.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
3.4 km
A 20‑ton rocking boulder hidden in Rutsker Højlyng’s heathland, where Ice Age geology, quiet woodland and Bornholm folklore come together in a simple, wild setting.
Spellinge Mose
3.4 km
Quiet Bornholm wetland in a rocky rift valley, where Iron Age ruins, an old railway trail and protected bog habitats meet in a serene pocket of wild nature.
Storeborg
3.4 km
Explore the dramatic rift valley of Ekkodalen on Bornholm—where echoing cliffs, lush trails, and legendary stories meet in a uniquely Danish natural setting.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
3.7 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
4.0 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Røverborgen
4.2 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
4.4 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Oluf Høst Museum
4.6 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
2.5 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.
Norresan
4.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
4.9 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.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
5.0 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
8.1 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
8.3 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
8.3 km
Hearty Bornholm cooking in a former post office, where generous plates, local ingredients and a cosy courtyard turn Allinge’s everyday letters into lingering meals.
Terrassen
8.4 km
Wine, cocktails and Nordic comfort food on a wide harbour-view deck in historic Høiers Gaard, where Allinge’s sea air, granite coast and easygoing buzz meet.
The Ranch
9.6 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
10.4 km
Cozy Danish restaurant and konditori in seaside Allinge, pairing nostalgic “mormor” charm with hearty comfort dishes, cakes and coffee just steps from Bornholm’s harbor.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
10.4 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Christianshøjkroen
11.5 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
12.8 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Hasle Smokehouse
13.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
4.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
4.9 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.
Janne K
5.0 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
5.9 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
7.3 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
7.5 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
9.7 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.6 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
17.0 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
17.2 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
17.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
17.6 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
17.7 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
18.3 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
18.4 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Penyllan Brewery
4.8 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Provianten
4.9 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Cabaret Bornholm
6.5 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
8.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
8.5 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
9.8 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
13.0 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.
Buddha Bar
17.2 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
17.3 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.5 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Søllings Bodega
18.4 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
18.4 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
O'Malley
18.5 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
18.6 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.
Café Lille Per
18.6 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
18.3 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.4 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
18.6 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
18.8 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
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly