Bornholmertårnet – Cold War Tower at Dueodde
Former top-secret NATO listening post turned Cold War museum, crowned by a 70 m viewing tower with sweeping panoramas over Dueodde and eastern Bornholm.
Bornholmertårnet is a former top-secret NATO listening post near Dueodde on Bornholm, transformed into an immersive Cold War and World War II museum. Inside the 1300 m² bunker-like facility, exhibitions of photos, films, machines and original equipment reveal how Denmark monitored Warsaw Pact communications and how Bornholm was bombed in 1945. The highlight is the 70 m tower with elevator access and sweeping views over Dueodde’s dunes and eastern Bornholm.
A brief summary to Bornholmertarnet
- Strandmarksvejen 2, Nexø, 3730, DK
- +4540205240
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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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-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 2–3 hours so you have time both for the exhibitions and for unhurried views from the top of the 70 m tower.
- Bring a windproof layer; even on warm days the exposed viewing platform can feel breezy compared with the sheltered exhibitions inside.
- If you dislike long stair climbs, use the elevator in the tower; those comfortable with heights may enjoy walking one way to appreciate the structure.
- Combine your visit with time on Dueodde Beach nearby to make a full day that blends Cold War history and Bornholm’s coastal scenery.
- Most information is text- and film-based, so consider bringing reading glasses or downloading translation apps if you need language support.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Nexø and eastern Bornholm
From central Nexø, reaching Bornholmertårnet by car typically takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and seasonal congestion near Dueodde. The route follows paved local roads through villages and forest. There is on-site parking close to the entrance, though spaces can fill quickly during peak summer weeks. Fuel costs are modest for the short distance, and there is no additional road toll. The approach is straightforward for standard vehicles and suitable for families.
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Car from Rønne and western Bornholm
Travellers staying near Rønne can expect a driving time of about 35–45 minutes to Bornholmertårnet, using the island’s main cross-Bornholm route before turning towards the southern coast. The roads are paved and in good condition, but speed limits and occasional slow-moving traffic through villages extend the journey slightly. Parking at the attraction itself is free or low-cost, depending on current arrangements, and there are no special vehicle requirements.
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Local bus plus short walk
In season, regional buses connect Nexø and Rønne with stops in the Dueodde area, from which a final walk of more than 1 km on relatively flat terrain leads to Bornholmertårnet. Journey times from Nexø are usually 20–30 minutes, while from Rønne they are closer to 45–60 minutes. A single adult ticket on Bornholm’s buses typically costs in the range of 25–50 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. Services run less frequently outside the main summer months, so checking timetable information in advance is important.
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Cycling on Bornholm’s bike network
Bornholm is well known for its cycle routes, and confident cyclists can reach Bornholmertårnet from Nexø in around 30–45 minutes and from Dueodde accommodations in roughly 15–25 minutes. The ride follows a mix of smaller roads and dedicated paths, with gentle hills and occasional forest sections. There is space to lock bicycles near the entrance, but no guarded parking. Strong winds along the coast and changing weather should be considered when planning a cycling visit.
Bornholmertarnet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Bornholmertarnet
From Secret Listening Post to Open Museum
Bornholmertårnet sits quietly in the dunes near Dueodde, but for decades this was one of Denmark’s most secretive military sites. Built as a NATO listening post during the Cold War, it formed part of a dense network of surveillance stations monitoring radio communications from the Warsaw Pact countries across the Baltic. For many years the installation did not appear on ordinary maps; access was strictly controlled, and the work carried out here was highly classified. Today the former spy facility has been transformed into an experience centre that finally lifts the veil on this hidden chapter of Bornholm’s story. Visitors move through corridors and control rooms that once housed intelligence officers and technicians, turning an abstract period in history into something you can stand inside and sense physically.War Stories Told in Concrete and Steel
Inside the 1300 m² complex you find large-scale photo exhibitions, archival material and film sequences that trace Bornholm’s military role from the Second World War through the height of the East–West confrontation. Panels and displays explain how, uniquely in Denmark, the island was bombed in 1945 and subsequently occupied by Soviet forces even after the rest of the country was liberated. The rooms retain much of their original character, with heavy doors, cable runs and equipment racks hinting at the intense activity that once filled the site. Machinery, radios and technical devices illustrate how signals intelligence was gathered, processed and shared. Rather than focusing on battles, the narrative follows the more hidden world of surveillance, secrecy and political tension that defined the Cold War years.Climbing to Bornholm’s Panoramic Viewpoint
The museum’s landmark is the 70 m high tower rising above the pine forest and coastal dunes. Built to carry radar and listening equipment high above the surrounding landscape, it now serves as one of the island’s most expansive viewpoints. An elevator makes the ascent straightforward, while those who prefer the physical challenge can tackle the hundreds of steps that spiral towards the top platform. From the viewing deck the scene opens in all directions. To one side stretch the bright sands of Dueodde and the shifting dunes of southern Bornholm; to another, farmland and forest patchwork towards Nexø and the island’s eastern coast. On clear days the Baltic horizon seems almost endless, emphasising how strategic this vantage point once was for scanning the sea and airspace beyond.Cold War Technology and Everyday Life on the Frontline
Back at ground level, smaller rooms explore both the technology and the human side of life at the station. Exhibits show how data was stored and cooled, including the large outdoor cooling installation that once kept server rooms at stable temperatures. The old incinerator for destroying classified documents still stands as a stark reminder of the lengths taken to keep information secure. Text, images and film clips describe how soldiers and intelligence staff lived and worked in a place where routine, vigilance and silence were part of everyday life. The displays place the station within the broader political climate, explaining why a small island in the Baltic could become an important listening ear for NATO throughout the second half of the twentieth century.Outdoor Traces and Activities for All Ages
Outside the main building you can wander among remnants of technical installations that once supported the listening operations. The scale of the infrastructure becomes clearer in the open air: cables, pipes and solid concrete structures embedded in the landscape. Informative signs help decode what you are seeing, bridging the gap between military engineering and civilian understanding. Families will find hands-on elements that turn the serious subject matter into accessible learning. Various activities invite younger visitors to engage with the theme of espionage and code-breaking in a playful yet informative way, encouraging them to imagine how it felt to work in an environment built on secrets.Planning Your Time at the Tower
A visit to Bornholmertårnet combines time indoors with fresh air at the tower and around the grounds, making it suitable in a wide range of weather conditions. Most exhibitions are under cover, so rain and wind are less of a concern, while the rooftop platform is best appreciated on clearer days when visibility is high. Allow enough time to both explore the historical material and enjoy the view from the top without rushing between the two. The site is compact enough to explore comfortably in a half day, yet detailed enough in its storytelling to reward those who prefer to linger over the films and information boards. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a Cold War buff, or simply curious about the striking tower visible from Dueodde’s beaches, the combination of architecture, landscape and narrative makes the experience distinctive on Bornholm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Snogebæk Havn
3.9 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
4.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Midterpilt
10.2 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.
Klintebakken
12.5 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
15.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Melsted Havn
23.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
25.5 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
25.8 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
26.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Den russiske bjørn
26.3 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
26.4 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
26.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Vang Pier
34.8 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
35.7 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Lille Tårn
36.3 km
A 1685 fortress tower preserving military and local heritage on Denmark's easternmost inhabited islands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kanonstilling G3
0.5 km
Explore Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø, a preserved WWII coastal artillery site offering historical insights and stunning Bornholm coastal views.
Dueodde Fyr
1.1 km
Denmark’s tallest lighthouse, rising above Dueodde’s white dunes and Baltic horizons, offering sweeping views, coastal nature and a modern chapter of Bornholm’s maritime story.
Dueodde
1.1 km
Bornholm’s southern tip of sugar-fine sand and shallow, clear Baltic waters, framed by pine forest, dunes, a towering lighthouse and quiet wartime relics.
Dueodde Strand
1.6 km
Fine white sand, whispering pines and a vast Baltic horizon meet at Bornholm’s southern tip, where Dueodde Strand stretches for kilometres of tranquil, windswept coast.
Dueodde, Bornholms sydligste punkt
1.6 km
Vast white dunes, ultra-fine sand and a towering lighthouse meet at Bornholm’s southern tip, where forest and Baltic Sea blend into one luminous coastal landscape.
Snogebæk Strand
3.4 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
4.7 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.
Vingården Lille Gadegård
7.4 km
Bornholm’s largest vineyard, blending northern-latitude wine, homely Danish buffets and laid-back farm life in a rustic countryside setting near Aakirkeby.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
7.5 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
7.8 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Nexø Museum
7.8 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Nexø Sandskulptur
8.1 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.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
9.3 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
9.7 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.
Almindingen
10.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
3.7 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.
Snogebæk Røgeri
4.0 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
5.3 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Kadeau Bornholm
6.7 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.
Culinarium
7.9 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
15.5 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
15.6 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
15.6 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 Pakhuset
15.6 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
15.6 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
15.9 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
16.1 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
17.0 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 Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
19.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
23.9 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
Mollys Verden
3.6 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
12.3 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
12.4 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
12.4 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Reflax
15.6 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
15.6 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
15.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
19.5 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
20.1 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
20.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Baltic Sea Glass
21.4 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Janne K
24.0 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.
Lifestone
24.1 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
24.2 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
24.3 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
Sørens Værtshus
3.9 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.
The Golden Rooster
7.7 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.
Buddha Bar
12.4 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
12.4 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
12.6 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
15.5 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
15.5 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Provianten
24.3 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
25.7 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
26.1 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
26.2 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
26.4 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
26.4 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
26.4 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
25.8 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Musikhuzet
26.4 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.
Palæcafeen
26.4 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.
After Dark
26.5 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly