Dry Oven Cave at Helligdomsklipperne
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.
Carved into the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs (Helligdomsklipperne) on Bornholm’s northeast coast, Dry Oven Cave is a narrow sea cave reached by steep coastal paths and rocky ledges. Waves and wind have sculpted the dark chamber out of ancient granite, creating an atmospheric hideaway where you can listen to the Baltic surge, study the layers of rock, and feel how the island’s raw geology shapes every contour of this rugged shoreline.
A brief summary to Dry Oven CAVE
- Helligdomsvej 14, 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, non-slip footwear; the final approach to the cave follows uneven, often wet coastal rocks close to the waterline.
- Bring a headlamp or torch to fully appreciate the interior rock textures and to move safely once you enter the darker parts of the cave.
- Check sea and weather conditions in advance; avoid entering the cave during strong onshore winds, heavy swell or icy periods.
- Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Helligdomsklipperne cliffs and viewpoints, which offer superb coastal panoramas.
- Pack layers and a windproof jacket even in summer, as temperatures drop quickly inside the cave and sea breezes can be brisk on the cliffs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Gudhjem town
From central Gudhjem, driving to the Helligdomsklipperne area near Dry Oven Cave typically takes around 5–10 minutes, following the coastal road north. Parking is available close to the cliff-top trailheads and is usually free or low-cost, but spaces can fill up in high summer and during weekends. From the parking area you continue on foot along established paths and stairways down towards the cliffs.
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Bus from Gudhjem and nearby villages
Regional buses serving the coastal route between Gudhjem, Tejn and other Bornholm villages stop near the Helligdomsklipperne area, with journeys from Gudhjem usually taking about 10–15 minutes. A single ticket on the island’s buses generally costs in the range of 25–40 DKK depending on distance. Services run more frequently in summer than in winter, so it is important to check current timetables in advance. From the nearest stop, expect a short walk along signed paths to reach the clifftop and the start of the descent towards the cave.
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Bicycle along the northeast coast
Cycling from Gudhjem to the Helligdomsklipperne section of the coast takes roughly 15–30 minutes along local roads and signposted cycling routes, with some rolling hills but no extreme gradients. The ride is free aside from any bike rental costs, which on Bornholm typically range from about 100–200 DKK per day depending on bicycle type and season. Bikes must be left at the top of the cliffs in designated or sensible spots; the descent to Dry Oven Cave continues on foot over steps and uneven coastal terrain that is not suitable for cycling.
Dry Oven CAVE location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Dry Oven CAVE
Bornholm’s rugged sanctuary of stone and sea
Dry Oven Cave lies tucked into the Helligdomsklipperne, a striking run of granite cliffs between Gudhjem and Tejn on Bornholm’s northeast coast. Here the island’s hard crystalline bedrock drops sharply into the Baltic, forming a jagged amphitheatre of pillars, clefts and narrow inlets. The cave itself is one of several hollows worn into the rock, its entrance partly concealed by broken boulders and the steady rise and fall of the sea. Standing above the site, you have a sweeping view of the coastline: vertical walls, tilted slabs, and isolated stacks battered by surf. The cave is part of this larger rockscape, more a dark corridor within the cliffs than a standalone attraction, and it offers a close-up look at the forces that have shaped Bornholm for millions of years.Granite, waves and the making of a sea cave
Unlike most of Denmark, Bornholm is built on ancient granite and gneiss, rocks that fracture rather than crumble. Along this stretch of coast, cracks in the stone allowed the sea to gain a foothold. Over time, waves exploited these weaknesses, widening them into vertical clefts and horizontal passages such as Dry Oven Cave and its neighbours. At low water you can see how the walls bear the polish and pitting of impact, each groove and pocket a mark of long, repetitive motion. Inside, the cave is typically high and narrow rather than a broad cavern, with angular corners and rough, jointed surfaces. In places, the rock is slick with spray; in others it is dry, matt and almost dusty, giving the cave its name. Tiny ledges catch seaweed and driftwood, while darker streaks trace old waterlines, showing how the Baltic’s moods fluctuate from season to season.Legends, holy springs and an old pilgrimage landscape
The surrounding cliffs are steeped in stories. Helligdomsklipperne – the Sanctuary Cliffs – take their name from a holy spring that once rose at the base of the rocks, where people came in search of healing water. Above stood a small Trinity Chapel, long vanished but still part of local memory, from which the spring’s water was drawn and offered to pilgrims during midsummer gatherings and church festivals. Cliff names recall this blend of everyday life and folklore: Light Rock catching the first rays of dawn, Seagull Tower alive with birds, Moonshine Cliffs glowing silver at night, and Love Bench where couples sat looking out to sea. Dry Oven Cave and other hollows fit naturally into this landscape of named stones, each formation another feature in a coastline that people have been reading like a story for centuries.Exploring the cave up close
Visiting Dry Oven Cave is an elemental experience. Reaching it involves descending paths and stairways from the clifftop, then following uneven, often wet rock close to the waterline. Good footwear is essential, and the final approach may be slippery, especially after rain or in strong onshore winds. Inside, the light drops quickly: a torch turns the blackness into textured walls, revealing crystals in the granite, faint bands of colour, and the glossy sheen of sea-splashed stone. The soundtrack is constant. Even on calmer days, the echo of waves funnels into the passage, amplifying each crash and hiss. At times the cave feels like a resonant instrument, translating the Baltic’s rhythm into an enveloping roar. On brighter days, a shaft of light at the entrance frames the seascape outside, contrasting deep shadow with glittering water.Clifftop perspectives and changing moods
Back above, footpaths thread along the cliff rim, linking viewpoints that look down over the cave, stacks and arches. From here the coast shows different personalities with the weather: blue and inviting under clear skies, brooding and steel-grey when low clouds drag across the horizon. Sunrise can set the cliffs alight in warm tones, while later in the day the angled light picks out fissures and ledges in sharp relief. However you experience it – from within the dark passage or from the safety of the clifftop – Dry Oven Cave encapsulates what makes this part of Bornholm special: hard rock, restless sea, and a sense that nature and old stories are interwoven in every crag and hollow.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
5.6 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
9.2 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
11.1 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
14.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.4 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
18.3 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.4 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Midterpilt
18.9 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.
Ronne Lighthouse
19.0 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
19.0 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
19.2 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Udforsk Bornholm
23.2 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
26.1 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
0.2 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.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
0.4 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Helligdomsklipperne
0.5 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Døndalen
1.1 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
1.2 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.
Spellinge Mose
3.4 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
3.4 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.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
3.5 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.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
3.5 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
3.8 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
3.9 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.
Oluf Høst Museum
4.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
2.8 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
4.3 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
4.7 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
4.8 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
8.4 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
8.5 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
8.6 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
8.6 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.
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.
The Ranch
9.8 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
10.6 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.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
10.7 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
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
13.4 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
4.7 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
4.7 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
4.7 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
5.9 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
7.1 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
7.3 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
9.5 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
17.8 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.
Art Box Bornholm
18.2 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
18.2 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
4.7 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
5.1 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
6.8 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
8.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
8.8 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
10.0 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
13.1 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.
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
17.6 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Søllings Bodega
18.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
18.1 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
O'Malley
18.5 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
18.6 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
18.7 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
18.3 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.4 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
18.6 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
18.8 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
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly