Ekkodalen (Entrance), Echo Valley, Bornholm
Step through Bornholm’s forest edge into a dramatic green corridor of cliffs, meadows and echoing rock walls at the main entrance to Ekkodalen.
Ekkodalen, or Echo Valley, is Bornholm’s most famous rift valley and a classic stop near Aakirkeby. From this main entrance you step straight into a dramatic green corridor where steep rock walls, open meadows and grazing cattle shape a sheltered landscape. The valley is known for its echoing cliff face, gentle walking paths and access to Almindingen forest, one of Denmark’s largest woodland areas. It is an easy, family-friendly nature experience with big geological stories hidden in the bedrock.
A brief summary to Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
- Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 with good grip; valley-floor paths are easy, but short detours up to viewpoints and cliff edges can be rocky and uneven.
- Plan 1–2 hours if you want both the echo experience and a short loop into Almindingen forest from the entrance.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the rock walls and a quieter atmosphere in the valley.
- If you explore meadows with grazing cattle, keep a respectful distance, especially from calves, and follow any posted guidance.
- Bring drinking water and weather-appropriate layers; the valley can feel cooler and more humid than the surrounding countryside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
From Rønne, allow about 20–25 minutes by car to reach the Ekkodalen entrance near Aakirkeby via the main inland road network. The route uses paved roads throughout and is straightforward to follow. There is a public parking area close to the valley entrance, usually free of charge, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and during school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day improves your chances of finding a spot.
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Local bus from Aakirkeby or Rønne
Regional buses connect Rønne with Aakirkeby and Almindingen several times a day, with journey times from Rønne typically around 25–35 minutes depending on the line and stops. A single adult ticket on Bornholm’s regional buses generally costs in the range of 25–40 DKK, with discounts for children and multi-ride options. From the nearest bus stop, expect a short walk on forest paths to reach the marked Ekkodalen entrance; surfaces are mostly firm but can be muddy after rain.
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Cycling from Aakirkeby
From central Aakirkeby, the ride to the Ekkodalen entrance usually takes around 20–30 minutes along quiet roads and signposted cycling routes that lead towards Almindingen forest. The route includes gentle hills but no major climbs, and standard touring or city bikes are sufficient. There is informal space to leave and lock bicycles near the entrance, though racks may be limited in peak season.
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Walking from nearby forest routes
If you are already exploring Almindingen on foot, Ekkodalen’s entrance can be incorporated into a longer hike of several kilometres. Walking times from nearby forest car parks and picnic spots typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your chosen trail. Paths vary from wide gravel tracks to narrow forest trails with roots, rocks and occasional muddy sections, so this option suits visitors comfortable with moderate, uneven terrain.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance) 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 (Indgang/Entrance)
A doorway into Bornholm’s Echo Valley
Ekkodalen’s main entrance near Aakirkeby drops you almost immediately into a long, straight rift cut into Bornholm’s bedrock. On one side, vertical cliffs and steep slopes rise up to 20 metres, while the floor of the valley stays surprisingly level and open, with meadows and a small stream winding through. The contrast between rocky walls and soft grassland makes this a rare landscape in otherwise gentle Denmark and explains why it has become one of the island’s classic nature stops. The entrance area feels welcoming rather than wild. Wide paths begin here, wayfinding is straightforward, and there is often the low sound of cowbells or birdsong rather than traffic. This combination of accessibility and drama makes Ekkodalen a natural base for short strolls, longer hikes or simply lingering in the quiet of Almindingen forest.Bornholm’s longest rift and its hidden geology
Ekkodalen forms part of Bornholm’s longest rift valley, created when ancient tectonic forces cracked the bedrock and allowed erosion to carve deep, straight-sided clefts across the island. From here, the rift runs for many kilometres, a subtle but powerful reminder that this peaceful island sits on a fractured crust. The almost ruler-straight valley and sheer rock faces make it easy to visualise those forces at work. Sheltered by rock walls and forest, the valley floor enjoys mild winters and relatively cool summers, a microclimate that favours lush grasses, flowers and pockets of damp-loving plants. As you follow the path from the entrance, the geology becomes a backdrop to a living landscape: boulders draped in moss, tree roots probing cracks in the rock and the stream of Læsåen glinting through the meadow.The echo that gave the valley its name
Ekkodalen is best known for its echo, created when sound bounces off the steep cliff faces lining the valley. A short walk from the entrance leads to spots where a clear call will be thrown back at you, sometimes more than once, depending on where you stand and how densely the trees are growing. The echo has been a local curiosity for generations and has inspired rhymes, jokes and shouted phrases that many visitors still try out today. The effect is strongest where the rock wall is most vertical and close to the open valley floor. Subtle shifts in vegetation and weather mean the echo can feel different from season to season, but the basic experience of speaking into a vast natural amplifier remains one of the valley’s simple pleasures, especially for children.Forests, grazing meadows and quiet wildlife
From the entrance, paths lead you through open pasture, where cattle graze to keep the meadows open, and into older forest with stands of oak and mixed woodland. This combination of managed grazing and semi-natural forest creates a patchwork of habitats. In spring, the valley can be carpeted with flowers; in summer, the foliage closes in to form leafy tunnels; in autumn, the cliffs provide a stark backdrop to golden leaves. Birdlife benefits from the sheltered conditions, and it is common to hear songbirds layered over the soft rush of wind in the trees. The meadows, stream and rocky edges also support insects and small mammals, most often glimpsed at quieter times near the beginning or end of the day.Walking, viewpoints and nearby stories
The main entrance serves as a hub for several marked trails ranging from short, flat walks along the valley floor to steeper routes that climb to vantage points on the surrounding plateau. From higher ground, the view back into Ekkodalen reveals its straight, trench-like form cutting across Almindingen. The terrain can change quickly from grassy track to rocky steps, so footwear with some grip is helpful. Although the entrance focuses on the valley itself, it also connects to a wider network of forest paths that lead to viewpoints, historical forest buildings and other natural curiosities. This makes Ekkodalen an easy place to combine a brief echo stop with a longer exploration of Bornholm’s inland landscapes.A calm, accessible escape in the island’s interior
Despite its dramatic geology, Ekkodalen retains a calm, almost pastoral atmosphere. The entrance area is close to facilities yet feels removed from coastal bustle, offering a convenient nature break in the middle of Bornholm. It works equally well as a quick detour to stretch your legs or as the starting point for a half-day of walking and picnicking among rocks, forest and meadow. The valley is free to access and open year-round, with each season reshaping its character: mist pooling along the floor on cold mornings, vivid green in high summer and long shadows on winter afternoons. From this entrance, Bornholm’s Echo Valley is not just a geological feature but a gentle, immersive landscape that invites you to slow down and listen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
5.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
10.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
11.5 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Melsted Havn
11.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Midterpilt
11.9 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.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
12.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
13.0 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
13.2 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
13.4 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
13.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Geografisk knudepunkt
13.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
16.6 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
20.2 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
21.2 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
Gamleborg
0.3 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Ekkodalen
0.8 km
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.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
0.8 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Jægergrotten
0.8 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.
Kongemindet
1.0 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.
Lilleborg
1.0 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.
Dronningestenen
1.0 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.
Rytterknægten
1.1 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.
Bornholms Sommerrevy
1.2 km
Denmark's most local summer revue—where island wit meets musical artistry beneath Bornholm's summer sky.
Rokkestenen i Almindingen
1.8 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
2.0 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
2.6 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
2.7 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
NaturBornholm
5.2 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.
Rø Transmitter
5.6 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
0.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
1.2 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
3.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
11.7 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
12.0 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
12.1 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Kadeau Bornholm
12.5 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.
Hovedvagten
13.0 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Râzapâz
13.1 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
13.1 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
13.1 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
13.1 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
13.2 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
13.3 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Bakkarøgeriet
13.4 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
4.4 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
4.5 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
4.9 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
5.0 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
7.6 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
8.4 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
10.3 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
10.5 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
11.8 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
11.8 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.
Førder Bornholm
12.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Dansk
12.4 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
12.7 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
12.8 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
13.0 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Buddha Bar
4.6 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
4.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
12.0 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
12.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
13.0 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
13.1 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
13.1 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.
Krystal Bodega
13.2 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
13.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Ølhuzed ApS
15.1 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
15.2 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.
Madvig
15.3 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
15.3 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
The Golden Rooster
15.4 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
15.6 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
12.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
13.1 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
13.2 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
13.4 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
