Bornholms Middelaldercenter
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter, near Østerlars just outside Gudhjem on Bornholm, is an expansive open‑air medieval world where a fortified manor, watermill, craft houses and farmsteads bring the 14th century to life. Costumed interpreters, live demonstrations, animals and hands‑on activities like archery and old games make this a standout family attraction, blending playful learning with an evocative Baltic island landscape rich in history.
A brief summary to Bornholms Middelaldercenter
- Stangevej 1, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- +4556498319
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
- Thursday 11 am-3 pm
- Friday 11 am-3 pm
- Saturday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least half a day so you can see live demonstrations, join hands‑on activities and still have time to wander the village, ramparts and watermill at a relaxed pace.
- Check seasonal opening hours and event calendars in advance; the most extensive programme of shows, archery and workshops usually runs in the main summer months.
- Wear comfortable, weather‑appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, as most of the experience is outdoors on uneven ground, grass and gravel paths.
- If visiting with young children, look out for the archaeological dig area and indoor activity room, which provide focused play when energy or weather fluctuates.
- Combine your visit with nearby Østerlars round church, just a short walk away, to deepen your understanding of Bornholm’s medieval architecture and defensive history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from Gudhjem
From Gudhjem town, take a regional bus on routes that serve Østerlars and the island interior; the ride to the stop near Østerlars round church typically takes around 10–15 minutes. Buses usually run at least hourly in summer and less frequently outside the peak season. A single adult ticket on local Bornholm buses is generally in the range of 25–40 DKK, with discounts for children. From the bus stop it is a short, signposted walk on gently sloping country roads to the Medieval Centre, suitable for most visitors but less ideal for those who find gradients challenging.
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Bus from Rønne and central Bornholm
If you are staying in Rønne or elsewhere on the island, use the main east–west bus routes that connect Rønne with Østerlars and Gudhjem; the journey from Rønne to the stop near Østerlars usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on the service. Expect to pay around 35–60 DKK for an adult single ticket, with reduced fares for children and multi‑ride options. Services are more frequent in summer and may be limited in the evening and on weekends, so it is wise to check the timetable and plan your return connection before setting out.
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Taxi from Gudhjem or Rønne
Taxis on Bornholm can be booked by phone from Gudhjem or Rønne and will take you directly to the entrance at Stangevej 1. From Gudhjem the ride is short, often 5–10 minutes, while from Rønne it can take 30–35 minutes depending on traffic and route. Typical fares for such trips range roughly from 100–200 DKK from Gudhjem and 400–600 DKK from Rønne, varying with time of day and any waiting time. Taxis are useful if you are travelling with small children, have limited mobility or are visiting outside core bus hours, but advance booking is recommended at busy times and in the evening.
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Cycling from nearby villages
Bornholm is well known for its cycle‑friendly roads and signed routes, and the Medieval Centre is reachable by bike from Gudhjem, Østerlars and other nearby settlements using quieter inland roads. Depending on your starting point, the ride might take 15–40 minutes each way over gently undulating terrain, with some short hills that can feel demanding in strong wind. You can rent bicycles in several Bornholm towns for roughly 100–200 DKK per day, with children’s bikes, seats and helmets available. Surfaces are mostly paved or good‑quality gravel, but weather can change quickly, so bring layers and be cautious in wet or gusty conditions.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bornholms Middelaldercenter
A medieval island world brought back to life
Bornholms Middelaldercenter is an open‑air historical centre set in rolling countryside just inland from Gudhjem, where fields, forest and rocky outcrops frame a carefully re‑created medieval community. Focused on the years around 1300–1450, it feels more like stepping into a living village than visiting a conventional museum. Paths lead between simple farmhouses, fenced paddocks and a grand fortified residence, with the Baltic light and Bornholm’s characteristic bedrock shaping the backdrop. Rather than glass cases, the emphasis here is on immersive storytelling. Timber buildings lean slightly, smoke drifts from hearths and tools are left out as if their owners have just stepped away. The nearby Østerlars round church underlines how closely the centre is tied to Bornholm’s medieval landscape, and makes it easy to imagine how strategic this island once was in the Baltic power game.The fortified manor at the heart of the story
The visual and narrative anchor of the site is a large fortified manor, encircled by an earthen rampart and wooden palisade. Towers rise above the walls and, inside, a frescoed great hall hints at the wealth and authority of the local elite. Here you can trace the social hierarchy of late‑medieval Bornholm, from noble residence to service rooms and storage spaces. Stepping into the painted hall, you are surrounded by colourful wall decorations inspired by medieval motifs, long tables and heavy benches that suggest feasts, negotiations and celebrations. The contrast between this refined space and the humbler peasant dwellings scattered outside highlights the gap between manor life and ordinary farm households, while still keeping everything within a walkable, coherent setting.Craft, labour and the rhythm of rural life
Around the manor, smaller houses and workshops illustrate the many skills needed to keep a community running. A working smithy demonstrates how weapons, tools and fittings were forged, while nearby craft houses focus on textiles, woodwork and simple domestic tasks. During the main season, staff in period dress grind grain in a small watermill, tend gardens and fields, and handle traditional equipment. Footpaths link enclosures with historic breeds of farm animals, showing how livestock shaped daily routines and prosperity. You see how agriculture, craft and defence intertwined in a landscape that had to be largely self‑sufficient. The open layout encourages wandering and pausing: you might watch a cannon or hand‑gun being fired on the rampart at set times, then slip back to quieter corners to listen to the mill stream and birds in the surrounding woods.Hands-on history for curious families
Bornholms Middelaldercenter is particularly geared towards families, with many activities designed for children to touch, try and play. Archery ranges, armour demonstrations and old‑fashioned games give younger visitors a visceral sense of what it meant to be a foot soldier or farm child in the 14th century. In an indoor activity room, simple experiments and themed tasks continue the experience even if the weather turns. A small archaeological dig area lets children carefully scrape away sand in search of buried objects, turning abstract talk of “finds” into something tangible. Seasonal programmes expand the offer with pirate‑themed exhibitions about Baltic sea raiders, medieval shows and special weeks where tents, stalls and extra workshops fill the grounds. The balance of fun and information makes it easy to spend the better part of a day without anyone losing interest.Bornholm’s wider medieval tapestry
The centre also acts as a hub for exploring Bornholm’s broader medieval heritage. The island once sat at the crossroads of Danish, German, Swedish and Hanseatic ambitions, and traces of that strategic importance remain in castle ruins such as Hammershus, in distinctive churches and in place names. Staff from the centre are involved in interpretation and educational work at several of these sites, connecting the reconstructed village with real historical ruins. Within the grounds, information boards place the buildings and activities in this wider context, weaving in stories of trade routes, piracy in the Baltic and shifting alliances. For visitors, this means that a day here is not only about watching smiths at work or firing arrows; it also becomes a way to understand how a small rocky island could play an outsized role in northern European history, all while you walk between timber walls, grazing animals and the soft contours of Bornholm’s interior landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
3.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
8.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
12.6 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
13.0 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Domen
15.5 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
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.
Vang Pier
16.3 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
17.9 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
18.6 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
18.7 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Destination Bornholm ApS
18.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Snogebæk Havn
19.7 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
19.8 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Bornholmertarnet
20.8 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Bornholmertarnet, a unique landmark and museum in Nexø, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Østerlars Church
0.6 km
Denmark’s largest round church, Østerlars blends 12th‑century stone fortification, vivid medieval frescoes and Viking rune stones in a single atmospheric Bornholm landmark.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
1.2 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Kobbeådalen
2.8 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
3.2 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
3.8 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
4.1 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.
Rø Plantage
4.1 km
Ancient forests, hidden fortresses, and serene lakes in Bornholm's tranquil woodland sanctuary.
Røverborgen
4.1 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
4.2 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
4.2 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Oluf Høst Museum
4.2 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.
Rø Transmitter
4.8 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.
Randkløve Skår
5.4 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Bornholm
5.9 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.
Bornholms Brand Park
6.0 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
3.7 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
4.0 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
4.2 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
6.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
6.9 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
8.0 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Stammershalle Badehotel
9.0 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.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
12.6 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
12.6 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Røgeri
12.6 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Pakhuset
12.6 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
12.7 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
12.7 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
The Ranch
13.8 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
14.6 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
0.7 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
3.0 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
3.8 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
3.9 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
4.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
4.2 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
6.7 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
10.4 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
11.7 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
12.0 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
12.5 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Art Box Bornholm
12.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
12.7 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
12.7 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
4.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
11.2 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Buddha Bar
12.0 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
12.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Cabaret Bornholm
12.3 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.
Søllings Bodega
12.6 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
12.6 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
14.2 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
14.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
15.0 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Ølhuzed ApS
15.9 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.
Underbar
16.3 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.
The Golden Rooster
16.9 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
17.1 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
