Ekkodalen (Echo Valley), Bornholm
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.
Ekkodalen, the Echo Valley, is Bornholm’s largest and longest rift valley, slicing dramatically through the Almindingen forest near Aakirkeby. Steep 20 m rock walls, open meadows and a 200‑year‑old protected oak forest create a striking natural corridor that is both scenic and accessible. Famous for its echo at the H.C. Ørsted spring, the valley offers gentle walks along the valley floor, steeper paths up to viewpoints on the cliffs, and chances to spot grazing cattle and rich plant life in a uniquely Bornholm landscape.
A brief summary to Ekkodalen
- Aakirkeby, DK
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- For the clearest echo, go to H.C. Ørsted’s spring near the main entrance and call out on a calm, dry day when wind and background noise are low.
- Wear sturdy shoes: valley‑floor paths are easy, but routes up the escarpment like Fuglsangsrenden can be steep, uneven and slippery after rain.
- In late spring, look for carpets of lily‑of‑the‑valley along the forested slopes, but keep to paths to protect the protected plant life.
- Combine a short walk with a longer Almindingen loop to viewpoints such as Loklippen for an overhead perspective on the rift valley.
- Bring layers: the valley floor can feel cooler and damper than the surrounding countryside, especially in the morning or outside summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
From Rønne town, driving to Ekkodalen via the central roads through Bornholm typically takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route crosses gentle countryside with no tolls, and standard car hire on Bornholm starts at roughly 450–700 DKK per day including basic insurance. Near the main entrance by Ekkodalshuset there is a public parking area; it can be busy in peak summer and around midday, so early morning and late afternoon usually offer easier parking and a quieter valley.
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Bus from Aakirkeby
Local buses connect Aakirkeby with Almindingen and the Ekkodalen area, typically in 20–35 minutes depending on the specific line and stop. Services run more frequently on weekdays and in summer, with reduced schedules in the evening and outside the main season. A single adult ticket on Bornholm’s buses usually costs in the range of 25–40 DKK, and tickets are purchased directly on board or via regional ticket apps. Expect a short, gently sloping walk on forest paths from the nearest bus stop to reach the valley floor.
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Cycling from Aakirkeby
Cycling from Aakirkeby to Ekkodalen is a popular option, taking about 25–40 minutes each way along minor roads and forest routes with rolling but moderate hills. Standard city or touring bikes can be rented in the area for approximately 100–150 DKK per day. Surfaces are a mix of asphalt and compact gravel; they are suitable for most cyclists, though child trailers and very narrow‑tyre road bikes may find some forest stretches less comfortable, especially after heavy rain.
Ekkodalen 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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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Ekkodalen
A valley carved deep into Bornholm’s bedrock
Ekkodalen, or Echo Valley, is the most impressive section of Bornholm’s longest rift valley, a geological fracture that runs roughly 12 kilometres across the island. Here, the bedrock has split and sunk to form a straight, green corridor framed by vertical rock faces up to 20 metres high. The valley is typically around 70 metres wide, so you feel enclosed yet never hemmed in, with the sky always visible above the cliff rims. The slopes on the northwest side carry a more than 200‑year‑old durmast oak forest, one of the reasons the area is protected. Below, the floor of the valley is a mosaic of meadow and wet ground, kept open by grazing cattle so that the rock walls remain clearly visible. Running through it all is the brook Læsåen, meandering quietly past sedges and wildflowers.The famous echo and a historic spring
Ekkodalen is named for its echo, created as sound rebounds off the vertical rock faces. The most celebrated spot to test it is H.C. Ørsted’s spring, a clear source tucked just off the main valley path. For centuries, the spring was considered a sacred and curative well; in the early 20th century it was even nicknamed the Radium Spring because of the water’s reputation for purity. Standing by the spring, voices bounce back distinctly on still days, and local tradition has grown up around calling out playful phrases and waiting for the valley’s answer. Even when the surrounding vegetation softens the effect in some seasons, the combination of water, rock and forest gives a strong sense of place and local folklore.Forest paths, viewpoints and gentle exploration
Visiting Ekkodalen is mostly about unhurried exploration. Easy, almost level trails follow the valley floor, suitable for leisurely strolls and families with children. More adventurous routes, such as the path up Fuglsangsrenden, climb the escarpment where water and ice have carved natural passages into the rock, in some places helped by simple steps. Above the cliffs, viewpoints like Loklippen and Queen’s View look out across the valley, the surrounding Almindingen forest and the gentle contours of Bornholm. From the upper paths, you see the sharp line of the rift, the stone walls that once marked forest boundaries, and the patchwork of open pasture and dense woodland below.Traces of foresters, farmers and past travel
Human history is woven through the landscape. The historic forester’s residence Rømersdal stands within the valley, built in the early 1800s by Hans Rømer, the man who organised Almindingen into a managed forest. He enclosed the woods with an impressive stone wall that still runs along parts of the valley, a reminder of the conflict between common grazing rights and emerging forest management. In the early 20th century, a small excursion railway once linked Åkirkeby with Ekkodalen, bringing day‑trippers into the forest. Today that line has vanished, but the sense of the valley as a traditional outing spot remains, reinforced by the presence of a classic forest restaurant at the entrance and picnic‑friendly clearings along the meadow.Seasonal moods and natural detail
Ekkodalen changes character with the seasons. In spring, lily‑of‑the‑valley carpets the forest floor and fresh leaves brighten the oak canopy, while the brook runs high with meltwater. Summer brings deep shade under the trees and cooler air on the valley floor, a welcome contrast to the island’s sunny coasts. Autumn paints the oaks in rust and gold, with mist often clinging to the cliffs in the morning. In winter, when snow or frost outlines the vertical rock faces, the underlying structure of the rift valley becomes especially clear. Throughout the year, birdsong, the lowing of cattle and the murmuring stream provide a soft soundtrack to walks, underlining how this is both a dramatic geological feature and a quietly lived‑in piece of Bornholm’s interior.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
4.9 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
10.9 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Louisenlund
11.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
12.0 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Melsted Havn
12.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Den russiske bjørn
12.4 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Midterpilt
12.4 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
12.6 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
12.8 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
13.1 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Geografisk knudepunkt
13.5 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
16.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Vang Pier
18.7 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
20.5 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
21.5 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
Jægergrotten
0.1 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
0.3 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.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
0.8 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.
Kongemindet
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Gamleborg
1.0 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
1.4 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.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
1.5 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Bornholms Sommerrevy
1.9 km
Denmark's most local summer revue—where island wit meets musical artistry beneath Bornholm's summer sky.
Rokkestenen i Almindingen
2.2 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.
Bornholms Brand Park
2.7 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
3.2 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.
Bison På Bornholm
3.4 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
NaturBornholm
4.9 km
Interactive gateway to Bornholm’s dinosaurs, geology and Baltic nature, set right on a dramatic fault line in a striking Henning Larsen–designed centre.
Bornholm Automobilmuseum Aakirkeby
5.8 km
Bornholm's award-winning automobile museum preserving over 80 classic vehicles and automotive heritage.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
0.7 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
1.8 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
3.4 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Kadeau Bornholm
12.2 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.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
12.4 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.
Hovedvagten
12.4 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Râzapâz
12.5 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.
Texas Bornholm
12.5 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Snurra
12.5 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Café-Munter
12.5 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
12.6 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Spektakel-bar
12.6 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
12.7 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Norresan
12.8 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Bakkarøgeriet
13.1 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Home Furniture Ronne
4.2 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
4.2 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
4.5 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
4.6 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
8.3 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
8.6 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
11.1 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
11.3 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Dansk
11.7 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
12.1 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
12.2 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
12.4 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.
Janne K
12.4 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
12.5 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.
People-Fashion.dk
12.5 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
Buddha Bar
4.3 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
4.3 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
11.6 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
12.4 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
12.5 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
12.5 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.
Krystal Bodega
12.6 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
12.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Provianten
12.7 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Ølhuzed ApS
14.9 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.
The Golden Rooster
15.7 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
15.8 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.
Madvig
15.9 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
15.9 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Slævasted
16.0 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
12.0 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
12.5 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
12.6 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
12.8 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
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
- LGBT Friendly
