Bornholms Brand Park
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Tucked into the forest of Almindingen near Aakirkeby, Bornholms Brand Park is one of northern Europe’s most intimate harness-racing tracks. The 580m oval draws locals and holidaymakers for atmospheric race days where horses thunder past just metres away. With a cosy café, lawn seating, a children’s playground and space to picnic, it blends classic Danish hygge with sporting tension, making it a relaxed family outing as well as a thrill for trotting enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Bornholms Brand Park
- Segenvej 41, Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- +4588811209
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the official race calendar in advance; race days are limited, and the gates typically open around 1.5 hours before the first start.
- Dress in layers and bring a light waterproof jacket; the track is mostly outdoors and conditions can change quickly in the forest.
- Combine café snacks with your own picnic and blanket so you can switch between grandstand views and relaxed lawn seating.
- Families should base themselves near the playground, where adults can still keep sight of the track while children explore.
- If you want to try betting, bring photo ID and some cash or card and allow time to read the race programme before placing a wager.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Rønne
From Rønne, use the regional bus service running toward Aakirkeby and Østermarie on the line that stops at Bornholms Brand Park. The journey typically takes around 25–35 minutes depending on the departure. Buses run several times a day in the main season but less frequently outside summer, so it is important to check the timetable in advance. A one-way adult ticket usually costs in the range of 30–60 DKK, with discounts for children and multi-trip cards.
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Car or taxi from Aakirkeby
From central Aakirkeby, reaching Bornholms Brand Park by car or taxi is quick, generally taking 5–10 minutes along the main local road network. Traffic is usually light, but it can be busier on race days. There is free parking in a designated area opposite the main entrance, which can fill up close to start time. Taxi fares on Bornholm for such a short ride are typically modest, but it is advisable to confirm the approximate price with the driver before departure.
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Car from Rønne and coastal towns
If you are staying elsewhere on Bornholm, such as Rønne, Nexø or Balka, driving is often the most flexible option. Travel times are generally about 20–30 minutes from Rønne and 25–35 minutes from Nexø, using the island’s main roads that cross the interior through Almindingen. Roads are paved and straightforward, but can be narrow in forested stretches, so allow extra time in high season or poor weather. Parking at the track is free, but large vehicles and motorhomes should arrive early on major race days to secure suitable space.
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Cycling from nearby areas
For active travellers based in Aakirkeby or nearby countryside accommodation, Bornholms Brand Park can be combined with a cycle trip through Almindingen. Most routes use a mix of local roads and dedicated cycle paths, with gentle hills and forest stretches. Depending on your starting point, expect 20–45 minutes of cycling each way. Surfaces are mostly paved or well-compacted, but can be slippery after rain. There is no formal bike parking, yet it is usually easy to lock bicycles along fences or in visible areas near the entrance.
Bornholms Brand Park location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about 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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
7.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
9.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Melsted Havn
9.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Midterpilt
11.4 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.
Slemmegrav
12.5 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
13.8 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
14.2 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
14.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
14.6 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
14.9 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Geografisk knudepunkt
14.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
16.9 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Vang Pier
18.0 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
19.0 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
20.2 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
Bornholms Sommerrevy
1.0 km
Denmark's most local summer revue—where island wit meets musical artistry beneath Bornholm's summer sky.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
1.3 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Rokkestenen i Almindingen
1.6 km
A quietly curious glacial boulder hidden in Almindingen Forest, Rokkestenen invites you to step off the path, brace your hands and feel ancient granite gently move.
Gamleborg
1.7 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Lilleborg
1.7 km
Step into the heart of Bornholm's history at Erichsens Gård, where 19th-century interiors and a tranquil garden reveal the island’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
2.0 km
Step through Bornholm’s forest edge into a dramatic green corridor of cliffs, meadows and echoing rock walls at the main entrance to Ekkodalen.
Bison På Bornholm
2.0 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
2.4 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.
Kongemindet
2.6 km
Royal memorial, forest lookout and Bornholm’s highest point in one – a granite-and-steel tower rising above Almindingen with sweeping island and Baltic views.
Rytterknægten
2.7 km
Bornholm’s modest summit in Almindingen Forest, where a royal memorial tower, whispering pines and modern trail facilities meet in a quietly atmospheric hilltop clearing.
Ekkodalen
2.7 km
Bornholm’s Echo Valley: a dramatic rift of cliffs, forest and meadow where geology, folklore and gentle walking paths meet in the heart of Almindingen.
Jægergrotten
2.8 km
A modest historic grotto and garden on Bornholm, offering a quiet glimpse of Aakirkeby’s 19th‑century leisure life amid trees, stonework and gentle calm.
Dronningestenen
3.0 km
Forest-framed viewpoint on a high Bornholm plateau, where the "Queen’s Stone" opens to sweeping vistas over southern fields and the far Baltic horizon.
Rø Transmitter
4.3 km
Explore Kanonstilling G3, a rare WWII German coastal artillery battery near Nexø, Bornholm—authentic bunkers, artillery, and sweeping Baltic Sea views await history enthusiasts.
Bornholm
5.1 km
Dramatic cliffs, dune-soft beaches and round churches meet creative harbour towns on Denmark’s sunniest Baltic island, a compact escape rich in nature and history.
Essential places to dine
Christianshøjkroen
1.0 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 Ekkodalshuset
2.0 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
2.2 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
9.8 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.
Spektakel-bar
10.0 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.
Norresan
10.2 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Stammershalle Badehotel
13.1 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.
Kadeau Bornholm
13.9 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.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
14.0 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
14.0 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
14.1 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Svaneke Røgeri
14.2 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
14.2 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
14.2 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Râzapâz
14.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
5.6 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
My Home Furniture Ronne
6.0 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
6.0 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Sparloppan
6.2 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
6.6 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.4 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
8.4 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
8.6 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
9.8 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
9.9 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.
Førder Bornholm
10.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Dansk
13.7 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
13.8 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
13.9 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.
Reflax
14.1 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Buddha Bar
6.2 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
6.2 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
10.1 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
13.3 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Madvig
14.1 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
14.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Café Lille Per
14.2 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
14.3 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
14.3 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
14.4 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.
Krystal Bodega
14.4 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
14.4 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Penyllan Brewery
14.7 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
14.8 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
15.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
13.8 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
14.3 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
14.4 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.
After Dark
14.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Business Friendly
