Døndalen (Døn Valley), Bornholm
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, or Døn Valley, is one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric nature reserves: a broad rift valley cloaked in wild forest, cut by a clear stream and home to Denmark’s highest waterfall at around 20 metres. Easy, mostly level forest paths make this an accessible escape for gentle walks, while side trails, rustic bridges and the lofty Amtmandsstenen viewpoint reward more energetic visitors with sweeping views towards the Baltic Sea and the island of Christiansø.
A brief summary to Døndalen
- Søndre Strandvej 144A, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots in winter and spring, when the path can be muddy and the stream runs high near the waterfall.
- Allow extra time to climb to the Amtmandsstenen viewpoint for sweeping views over the treetops, the Baltic Sea and Christiansø.
- Visit in early spring to see wild garlic and wood anemones covering the valley floor and to experience the waterfall at its most powerful.
- Stick to the main wide path for an easier, roughly 2 km return walk, or continue beyond the falls for a rougher, more adventurous forest route.
- There are no facilities inside the valley, so bring water and snacks, and use restrooms at nearby museums or cafés before your walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Gudhjem town centre
From central Gudhjem it typically takes about 5–10 minutes to drive to Døndalen via the coastal road towards Tejn. There is a free public car park near the valley entrance, but spaces can fill up in peak summer and on sunny weekends, so arrive earlier in the day if possible. The route is on standard paved roads and suitable for all vehicles.
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Local bus along the north coast
Bornholm’s coastal bus routes between Gudhjem and Tejn usually stop within walking distance of Døndalen, with journey times of around 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. Expect to pay roughly 25–40 DKK per adult for a single ticket, with reduced fares for children. Services are less frequent outside the main season and in the evening, so check the timetable in advance and plan your return connection.
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Cycling the coastal road
Cycling from Gudhjem to Døndalen generally takes 15–25 minutes each way along the scenic north‑coast road. The route includes some hills but follows paved surfaces, and experienced cyclists often combine a visit with nearby cliffs and the local art museum. There is no fee to park a bike at the trailhead, but use lights and reflective gear if travelling in low light or outside summer.
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Walking from nearby coastal accommodations
If you are staying at a hotel or guesthouse along the north coast between Gudhjem and Tejn, you can plan a longer walk to Døndalen, typically 30–60 minutes each way depending on your exact location. The approach uses existing pavements or roadside verges and then joins the main forest path in the valley, which is mostly level. This option suits reasonably fit walkers; there are no additional costs, but bring water and suitable footwear.
Døndalen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet 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
Discover more about Døndalen
A hidden rift valley on Bornholm’s wild north coast
Døndalen, also known as Døn Valley, slices inland from Bornholm’s rocky northeast coast just outside Gudhjem. At first glance it feels almost modest: a broad, green notch in the landscape where a clear stream winds between steep slopes. Step beneath the canopy, though, and the valley quickly closes around you, replacing coastal light with cool shade, birdsong and the sound of running water. This is not manicured parkland but a largely untouched forested reserve. Old deciduous trees tower overhead, fallen trunks are left to lie where they land, and the undergrowth is dense with ferns, moss and seasonal wildflowers. In places the valley sides rise to cliffs nearly 20 metres high, creating a sense of being wrapped inside a natural amphitheatre cut deep into Bornholm’s underlying rock.Denmark’s highest waterfall at the valley’s heart
Follow the main forest track and you are led gently, almost without noticing, towards the valley’s star feature: a waterfall where Døndal stream plunges about 20 metres over a series of rocky steps. In winter and spring, snowmelt and rain turn it into a thundering cascade that easily lives up to the name “Thunder Valley”; in drier months it becomes a more delicate curtain of water sliding over algae‑green rock. The approach is part of the charm. Bridges cross the stream, small side paths offer changing perspectives, and the forest gradually tightens around the gorge. Even when the flow is modest, the setting — sheer rock walls, dripping moss, and the cool spray in the air — gives the falls a surprisingly dramatic feel for a relatively low‑lying Danish island.Seasonal transformations and rich plant life
Døndalen rewards repeat visits because it changes so vividly with the seasons. In early spring, before the trees leaf out, the forest floor is carpeted with wood anemones and great swathes of wild garlic, perfuming the air and adding soft white and green tones beneath the bare branches. Later in spring and summer the canopy closes, creating dappled light and deep, cool shade even on hot days. Autumn shifts the palette again, with golden leaves glowing against the dark cliffs and the ever‑present green of moss and fern. In winter, when the trees stand bare and the water level is high, the structure of the valley is at its most visible: layers of bedrock, ice‑rimmed pools and, in cold snaps, icicles forming along the waterfall’s ledges.Gentle forest walk or more challenging exploration
One of Døndalen’s strengths is how easily you can tailor the experience. The broad main path from the coastal side of the valley to the waterfall is roughly a kilometre each way, on a mostly firm surface suitable for most walkers and, with some care, for pushchairs or robust wheelchairs. This out‑and‑back stroll gives a satisfying taste of the valley’s atmosphere without demanding fitness or special gear. Beyond the falls, the character changes. Paths become narrower and rougher, weaving between roots and over rocks where fallen trunks are left in place as natural obstacles. Side routes climb the valley sides, including stairways up to the cliff‑edge viewpoint of Amtmandsstenen. Here, a short, steeper effort is rewarded with a striking panorama over the treetops, the Baltic Sea and, on clear days, the silhouette of Christiansø offshore.Protected nature and a sense of quiet seclusion
Døndalen has protected status, and much of its 37‑hectare area is allowed to develop as near‑natural forest. This policy gives the valley a subtly different feel to more heavily managed woodlands on the island. Dead wood is left for fungi and insects, undergrowth is dense in places, and birds and small animals find plenty of cover. Despite its proximity to main roads and nearby cultural attractions, the valley feels surprisingly secluded once you are a short distance from the entrance. The main sounds are the stream, wind in the leaves and the calls of woodland birds. It is a place well suited to unhurried wandering, quiet photography, or simply pausing on a riverside rock to listen to the water.Planning a relaxed visit in all weathers
Døndalen is open at all hours and, with no entrance fee, lends itself to spontaneous visits. The easiest circuit to the waterfall and back typically takes around an hour at a relaxed pace, but you can linger longer on side paths, extend your walk deeper into the valley, or combine a visit with other nearby coastal viewpoints and cultural sites. The valley can be muddy, especially in winter and early spring when the water level is highest, so sturdy footwear is recommended and rubber boots are useful in the wettest months. On warm days, the forest provides welcome shade, while in colder seasons it offers a sheltered, atmospheric landscape where the drama of Denmark’s highest waterfall is at its peak.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
6.7 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
8.2 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
10.0 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
15.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.1 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
17.9 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.0 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Klintebakken
18.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
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.
Destination Bornholm ApS
18.6 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
18.8 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Midterpilt
19.8 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
24.2 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
26.3 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
26.9 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Døndalen Vandfald
0.5 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.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
0.7 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Black Pot
0.8 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.
The Sanctuary Rocks
0.9 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
0.9 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.
Dry Oven CAVE
1.1 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.
Helligdomsklipperne
1.6 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
2.7 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)
4.6 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
4.9 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
4.9 km
Ancient forests, hidden fortresses, and serene lakes in Bornholm's tranquil woodland sanctuary.
Røverborgen
5.0 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
5.2 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
1.8 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
5.4 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
5.8 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
5.9 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
7.4 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
7.6 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
7.6 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
7.7 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
8.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
9.6 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
9.7 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
10.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
11.8 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.6 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.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
13.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
5.7 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
5.8 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Lifestone
5.8 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
5.8 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
7.9 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
8.3 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
10.5 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Torvehal Bornholm
17.1 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
17.3 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
17.4 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
17.5 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
17.9 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
17.9 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
People-Fashion.dk
18.0 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
4.0 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
5.7 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.
Provianten
5.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
7.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
7.8 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
9.0 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
12.3 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Buddha Bar
17.5 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
17.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
O'Malley
18.1 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
18.2 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.
Krystal Bodega
18.2 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
18.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Café Lille Per
18.3 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
