Bornholms Brand Park

A forest racetrack in the heart of Bornholm

Bornholms Brand Park sits in a clearing in Almindingen, the great central forest that covers much of Bornholm, giving this small harness-racing track an unexpectedly pastoral backdrop. Instead of urban grandstands and concrete, you are surrounded by pines and broadleaf trees, with the sound of hooves echoing across the woods. The oval track is around 580m long, laid out for trotting rather than flat gallop racing, so the pace is tactical and the horses pass the spectator areas again and again. The scale is part of its charm: the facility is compact, and the course can accommodate roughly a thousand spectators without ever feeling overwhelming. Wherever you stand or sit, you are close to the rail and never far from the stables, the betting counters or the café. It feels more like a local festival than a large-scale sporting arena.

Island traditions and racing culture

Racing on Bornholm has deep roots, and Brand Park continues that island tradition with a calendar of trotting meetings spread through the season. On race days you can watch local and regional drivers competing in multiple heats, following the same horses from the paddock to the start line and back again. The programme highlights the runners, their recent form and colours, adding a layer of strategy if you decide to follow a favourite. There is an emphasis on making the experience accessible for visitors from abroad. Information boards and announcements help explain what is happening on the track, and there are clear guidelines for guests who wish to place a small bet for extra suspense. Even if you do not gamble, the sight of a close-fought finish under the forest edge floodlights or evening sun is memorable in itself.

Food, picnics and places to linger

Bornholms Brand Park is deliberately set up for unhurried, sociable days out. You can spread a blanket on the grassy infield edge, find a spot at outdoor tables or retreat to the stands and terraces if you prefer a seat. Many visitors bring their own picnic, combining local cheeses, smoked herring or pastries with the spectacle on the track. If you would rather travel light, the on-site Café Travbanen offers traditional Danish favourites, hot snacks, fries, sandwiches and a daily special, along with drinks and sweets. The choice is simple rather than gourmet, but it suits the informal mood and makes it easy to keep everyone fuelled between races. Free parking opposite the main entrance and nearby bus stops add to the practicality of using the park as a relaxed half-day base.

Family-friendly atmosphere for all ages

The park’s layout works well for families and mixed-age groups. A dedicated playground gives younger children a safe place to burn off energy between races, with climbing structures and room to run while adults keep an eye on the track. The open lawns mean buggies and prams are easy to manoeuvre, and there is plenty of space to spread out rather than being confined to numbered seats. The racing itself is relatively gentle compared with high-speed flat or jump races, which helps keep the atmosphere more about community and curiosity than intense competition. You can wander close to the parade ring to see the horses harnessed and ready, listen to the drivers’ quiet preparations and feel part of the day without needing deep knowledge of the sport.

Bornholm’s forest backdrop and seasonal moods

Because the track lies in Almindingen, the forest plays a major role in the character of a visit. Early in the season the trees are just leafing out and the air can be cool and crisp, while high summer brings long golden evenings and the possibility of watching the last races in low sun. Later in the year, autumn colours frame the oval in russet and gold. The mostly outdoor setting means you are exposed to the elements, but that is part of the experience: the smell of damp earth after a shower, the sound of wind in the trees and the changing light over the course all reinforce the feeling that this is racing on a human, island scale, closely tied to its surroundings.

Planning your race day

Race days and first-start times follow a published calendar, and gates usually open well before the opening race so you can settle in, explore the grounds and pick a favourite viewing spot. Day tickets are required on race days, with the option to buy in advance or at the entrance, and simple printed programmes are sold at the gate to help you follow each event. Most visitors spend several hours here, often arriving in the early afternoon or early evening and staying through multiple races. With facilities such as restrooms, food outlets, play areas and clear information points, it is easy to combine the sporting spectacle with a gentle introduction to Bornholm’s inland landscapes and local leisure culture.