Bornholms Kunstmuseum
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum, perched above the dramatic Helligdomsklipperne cliffs near Gudhjem, is a striking modern art museum dedicated to Bornholm-related art and craft. Light-filled galleries step down the hillside toward the Baltic Sea, framing views of fields, rocky coastline and, on clear days, the distant island of Christiansø. Inside, works from the 19th century to today trace the island’s artistic story, with a strong focus on the Bornholm School painters, while outdoor paths lead toward the photogenic coastal landscape.
A brief summary to Bornholms Kunstmuseum
- Otto Bruuns Pl. 1, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- +4556484386
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow extra time to explore the paths from the museum down toward Helligdomsklipperne; sturdy shoes make the rocky viewpoints far more enjoyable.
- Start your visit early in the day for softer light in the galleries and quieter moments in the café overlooking the Baltic Sea.
- If travelling with limited mobility, request a wheelchair or folding chair at the ticket desk and use the lifts rather than the tower stairs.
- Combine your museum visit with the clifftop walking path toward Gudhjem in summer, but bring layers as coastal winds can be brisk even in warm weather.
- Check in advance for temporary exhibitions focused on glass and ceramics if you have a special interest in contemporary crafts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Car from Gudhjem
Driving from Gudhjem town centre to Bornholms Kunstmuseum takes around 10–15 minutes along the coastal road toward Tejn. The route is straightforward but can be busy in peak summer. Free parking, including disabled spaces, is available directly by the museum entrance. No tolls apply, and fuel costs for the short drive are minimal.
-
Bus from Gudhjem and Allinge
Regional buses serve the stop “Helligdommen / Bornholms Kunstmuseum” right by the museum, with journeys from Gudhjem typically taking about 10–15 minutes and from Allinge around 20–30 minutes. Services run several times a day, more frequently in summer. A single adult ticket on Bornholm buses usually costs the equivalent of about 3–6 EUR, and low-floor vehicles make boarding easier for most passengers.
-
Car or Bus from Rønne
From Rønne, the main town and ferry port, the drive to the museum takes roughly 35–45 minutes across the island on well-maintained roads. Alternatively, a direct bus route operates in most seasons, with a travel time of about 45–55 minutes and fares typically in the 5–10 EUR range one way. Services are less frequent outside summer, so checking the timetable in advance is important.
-
Cycling the Coastal Route
Experienced cyclists can reach the museum via scenic coastal cycle paths from Gudhjem or Tejn in roughly 25–40 minutes, depending on pace. The route includes some hills and exposed stretches where wind can be strong. There is ample space to secure bicycles at the museum. This option is best in dry, mild weather and may be challenging for young children or less confident riders.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Bornholms Kunstmuseum
Art on the Edge of the Baltic
Bornholms Kunstmuseum occupies a spectacular position above the Sanctuary Rocks, a stretch of jagged granite cliffs known locally as Helligdomsklipperne. Here the land falls away steeply toward the Baltic Sea, and the museum seems to hover between cultivated fields and wild coastline. Large windows pull the landscape into the building, so wherever you stand you are aware of the sea, sky and changing light that have inspired generations of artists on Bornholm. The surroundings invite you to linger before or after your visit. Paths lead out across grassy slopes where you might spot grazing cattle and wind-twisted trees clinging to the cliff edge. A short walk brings you to viewpoints over rock formations carved by waves and weather. It is this constant dialogue between art inside and nature outside that gives the museum its particular atmosphere.A Modern Danish Architectural Landmark
Completed in 1993 and later expanded, the museum’s white, minimalist building is considered one of the most successful works of modern Danish architecture. Rather than dominating the hill, it steps down in three main levels that follow the natural slope of the terrain. From above, the structure reads as a cluster of clean-lined volumes; from within, it feels like a small village of galleries, linked by a central internal “street”. A notable feature of this interior spine is the narrow watercourse that runs along it, evoking the historic Helligdomskilde healing spring that once drew pilgrims to this site. As you move between exhibition spaces, the gentle sound of running water accompanies your visit. Skylights and carefully placed openings bring in soft northern light, ideal for viewing paintings and sculptures while maintaining a calm, contemplative mood.The Bornholm School and Island Narratives
The core of the collection is dedicated to the so-called Bornholm School, a loose circle of artists who settled on the island in the early 20th century. Painters such as Olaf Rude, Oluf Høst and Edvard Weie were drawn here by the intense coastal light, rugged rock formations and colourful coastal towns. Their canvases often depict fields bordered by granite walls, red-roofed fishing villages and dramatic seascapes under fast-moving clouds. Alongside these works, earlier pieces from the 19th century show how Bornholm gradually emerged as a subject in Danish art, while more recent acquisitions bring the story up to the present. Contemporary painters, sculptors and photographers continue to respond to the same cliffs, harbours and forests, but with new materials and ideas. The result is a layered portrait of place, where you can trace shifts in style from romantic realism to modernism and beyond.Craft, Glass and Ceramic Innovation
Bornholm has long been known for its craft traditions, and the museum devotes significant space to glass and ceramics. Displays range from robust stoneware inspired by the island’s geology to delicate contemporary glass that plays with colour and transparency. Many pieces are linked to the nearby glass and ceramic school, whose graduates regularly exhibit here, keeping the connection between training and professional practice visible. In certain years, the museum also hosts international events dedicated to European glass and ceramics, turning Bornholm into a meeting point for makers from across the continent. Even outside these special occasions, the permanent craft collection illustrates how local materials and techniques have been reinterpreted over time, from utilitarian wares to experimental sculptural forms.Visiting Experience and Practical Comforts
Inside, the route is intuitive: you can follow a chronological circuit or dip in and out of side galleries according to your interests. Quiet seating areas allow you to pause with a view over fields or sea. A tower space offers an elevated perspective over the coast, though this part of the building is only accessible by stairs. The rest of the museum is equipped with lifts and ramps, and wheelchairs can be borrowed on request, making most areas accessible. On the entrance level you will find a café where large windows frame the coastline, perfect for a coffee or light meal between exhibitions. Free parking is available close by, including designated spaces for disabled visitors. A shop offers books, postcards and design items connected to Bornholm and its artists, extending the museum experience beyond the galleries.Clifftop Paths and Seasonal Character
One of the pleasures of coming here is combining art with a short walk in the surrounding landscape. From the museum grounds, trails lead toward cliff viewpoints and down toward the rocky shore. In summer, the route along the top of the cliffs toward Gudhjem becomes a scenic outing in itself, with wildflowers, sea birds and broad views across the Baltic. Boat services sometimes link the harbour and the foot of the cliffs, adding another way to approach or leave the area. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons. On clear days in late spring and early autumn the low sun floods the galleries with golden light, while winter visits highlight the stark forms of the architecture against a steel-grey sea. Whatever the weather, Bornholms Kunstmuseum offers a thoughtful blend of art, design and landscape that captures the essence of this distinctive island.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
6.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
8.9 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
10.7 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
14.7 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.2 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Klintebakken
17.9 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
18.0 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.1 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
18.7 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
18.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
18.9 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
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.
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
25.8 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.
Black Pot
0.3 km
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.
Dry Oven CAVE
0.4 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.
Døndalen
0.7 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
0.8 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.
Helligdomsklipperne
0.9 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
3.1 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
3.2 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
3.2 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)
3.9 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
4.2 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
4.3 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.
Rø Plantage
4.5 km
Ancient forests, hidden fortresses, and serene lakes in Bornholm's tranquil woodland sanctuary.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
4.5 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
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
4.7 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
5.1 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
5.2 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
8.2 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
9.4 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
9.7 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
10.3 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
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.
Christianshøjkroen
11.4 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
12.6 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Hasle Smokehouse
13.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
5.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
5.1 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.
Janne K
5.1 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
5.7 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
7.6 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
9.8 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
12.4 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
16.9 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
17.1 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
17.2 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
17.5 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
17.5 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
18.0 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
18.1 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
5.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Cabaret Bornholm
6.4 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.
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
9.7 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
12.7 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
17.1 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
17.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.3 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
18.2 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
18.3 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.
Café Lille Per
18.4 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Krystal Bodega
18.4 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
18.4 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
18.0 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.1 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
18.3 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
18.5 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
