Gamleborg in Paradisbakkerne
Iron Age refuge hidden in Bornholm’s rocky Paradisbakkerne, where low ramparts, steep slopes and heather‑clad forest reveal a quiet but powerful story of defence.
Hidden deep in the wild, rocky landscape of Paradisbakkerne near Nexø, Gamleborg is one of Bornholm’s most evocative ancient fortifications. This Iron Age hilltop refuge, encircled by low ramparts and steep cliffs, once sheltered local farmers and their livestock during troubled times. Today you wander through heather, boulders and gnarled forest to explore grass-grown walls, traces of gateways and sweeping views that hint at the strategic thinking of Bornholm’s early inhabitants.
A brief summary to Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
- Nexø, 3730, DK
- +4556959500
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy walking shoes; paths and the fort plateau have roots, loose stones and exposed rock that can be slippery after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities at the fort itself and only limited amenities at nearby trailheads.
- Allow time to walk all the way around the ramparts; the changing terrain makes the defensive design easier to understand.
- Combine your visit with a longer hike in Paradisbakkerne to experience both the archaeological site and the dramatic rocky landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Nexø
From central Nexø, driving to the main Paradisbakkerne access parking near Gamleborg typically takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows paved local roads through rural countryside and is well signposted to Paradisbakkerne. Parking at the main trailhead is usually free, but spaces can be limited in peak summer and on sunny weekends, so arriving earlier in the day helps. From the parking area, expect a forest walk of roughly 30–45 minutes on waymarked paths with some uneven and hilly terrain to reach the fort.
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Public bus and walk from Nexø
Regional buses connect Nexø with stops in the Paradisbakkerne area several times per day, with journey times typically around 10–20 minutes depending on the specific route and stop. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 25–40 DKK, and services run less frequently in the evening and on weekends, so checking current timetables in advance is important. From the nearest bus stop, plan for a 30–60 minute walk on forest tracks and marked trails to reach Gamleborg, including some inclines and rocky sections unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams.
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Cycling from Nexø
Cycling from Nexø to the Paradisbakkerne trailheads generally takes about 25–40 minutes each way for an average rider, using a mix of smaller roads and designated cycling routes common on Bornholm. The ride includes gentle hills, so basic fitness and lights in low‑light conditions are recommended. There is no fee for bringing your own bicycle, though bike rental in Nexø or nearby towns typically costs around 100–150 DKK per day. From the point where you leave your bike near an access parking area, allow another 30–45 minutes on foot along signed forest paths to reach Gamleborg.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
Ancient stronghold in a wild Bornholm landscape
Gamleborg lies tucked into the south‑western corner of Paradisbakkerne, a rugged mosaic of rocky ridges, forest and heathland east of Nexø. Here a natural plateau of bedrock has been enclosed by earthworks to form a defended refuge: a so‑called hillfort or village fortification. Archaeological research suggests that the first fortifications were raised around the 2nd or 3rd century CE, placing Gamleborg firmly in the Iron Age, with use continuing in various phases towards around the year 1000. Standing on the uneven plateau, it is easy to see why the site was chosen. Steep slopes and rock faces form natural barriers on several sides, while low ramparts and ditches complete the enclosure where the terrain is gentler. Rather than a castle with towers, Gamleborg was a practical refuge where local communities could retreat briefly with animals, tools and valuables when danger threatened.Everyday life behind the protective earthworks
Within the roughly oval enclosure there would once have been simple timber buildings, pens and storage areas, though these now survive only as faint traces and subtle changes in the ground. When unrest loomed in the Baltic, families would have hurried uphill, driving cattle and sheep ahead of them and bringing grain, textiles and metalwork into the safety of the fort. For a short time Gamleborg became a compact, crowded village, protected by its ramparts and a carefully controlled entrance. The fort’s defensive strategy was as much about psychology as brute strength. Attackers faced awkward slopes of fractured granite, funnelling approaches and defenders who knew every rock and hollow. Archaeological finds of hand‑sized beach stones just inside the ramparts show how simply armed defenders could rain down missiles on anyone trying to force their way in, turning the plateau into a formidable stronghold despite its modest walls.Stories of refuge and resistance
Written references from the 17th century describe Gamleborg as a place where the island’s inhabitants once sought shelter in times of enemy incursions, pelting attackers with stones before firearms were in use. While the text was recorded long after the fort’s main period, excavations have confirmed stockpiles of rounded stones ready to be used as projectiles, tying together legend and physical evidence. Bornholm’s nickname as the “island of castles” reflects centuries of raiders and shifting power in the Baltic. Gamleborg is one link in a chain of defensive sites that includes other hillforts and later strongholds. Here, on a smaller and more intimate scale than at medieval Hammershus, you sense how defence began at the level of local farming communities organising to protect themselves long before stone castles dominated the skyline.Walking through nature and deep time
Today the fort is partly cloaked in birch and conifer, with patches of heather and moss covering the old ramparts. Approaching on foot, you pass glacial boulders, small marshy hollows and stretches of exposed rock that make the Paradisbakkerne area such a rewarding hiking country. The transition from ordinary forest path to the subtly raised edge of the fort is easy to miss until you realise you are walking along the top of a man‑made defence line blending seamlessly into the natural terrain. The atmosphere is surprisingly tranquil. Birds call from the trees, the wind brushes through the canopy, and in clearings you catch glimpses of the surrounding rocky hills. It is worth circling the enclosure slowly, noticing how the walls are higher in some sections, how the slopes drop away on others, and imagining where watchful eyes once scanned the horizons for sails or smoke.Practical visit among heather and granite
Gamleborg is an unfenced archaeological site embedded in a broader nature area rather than a stand‑alone monument with facilities. There is no built visitor centre at the fort itself and interpretation is usually limited to simple information boards, so you experience the place largely through your own observation. The uneven ground, roots and rocks require sturdy footwear and moderate mobility, especially in wet weather when slopes can be slippery. There is no entrance fee to visit the hillfort, and access is by forest paths that also serve hikers exploring the wider Paradisbakkerne system. Basic amenities such as marked trails, occasional seating spots and wayfinding signs are typically found at selected trailheads and along main routes rather than right inside the fort. A visit combines naturally with longer walks through the area’s ravines, rocking stones and viewpoints, making Gamleborg both a cultural highlight and a rewarding pause amid Bornholm’s distinctive nature.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Midterpilt
1.1 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.
Louisenlund
5.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Snogebæk Havn
7.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
10.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Klintebakken
11.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Melsted Havn
14.6 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
22.8 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
23.8 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
24.2 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
24.2 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
24.5 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
24.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Domen
28.3 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
28.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Madsebakke
28.6 km
Northern Europe's most significant Bronze Age rock carving site, revealing 3,000 years of sacred ritual and symbolic expression.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rokkestenen
1.3 km
Bornholm’s most famous rocking stone: a 35‑ton Ice Age boulder you can set in motion, hidden in the rugged forested hills of Paradisbakkerne near Svaneke.
Paradisbakkerne
2.1 km
Rocky Ice Age hills, deep forest ravines and ancient fort ruins create a near‑wilderness escape in eastern Bornholm, laced with waymarked trails and quiet forest lakes.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
3.4 km
A steamy tropical hothouse on the edge of Nexø, where hundreds of exotic butterflies, koi ponds and lush gardens create a vivid island-of-summer on Bornholm.
Almindingen
3.5 km
Vast reforested heart of Bornholm, where granite cliffs, echoing valleys, castle ruins and European bison meet a web of trails under a deep green canopy.
Udforsk Bornholm
4.3 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Nexø Museum
4.3 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Nexø Sandskulptur
4.3 km
Ephemeral masterpieces in sand rise between old harbor silos and Baltic light, turning Nexø’s working waterfront into Bornholm’s most unexpected open-air art park.
Aarsdale Mølle
4.6 km
A brick‑built windmill queen above Aarsdale, where working machinery, Baltic views and Bornholm’s milling heritage come together in a single evocative hilltop landmark.
Brændesgårdshaven
5.1 km
Low‑key family amusement park in the Bornholm countryside, blending rides, water fun, animals and gardens into a relaxed full‑day outing near Svaneke.
Hallebrøndshøj
5.2 km
Explore the evocative WWII coastal battery at Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø—where stark history and sweeping Baltic Sea views create a unique Bornholm experience.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
7.0 km
A modest 19th‑century lighthouse on Bornholm’s rocky shore, offering open Baltic horizons, weather‑worn masonry and a quietly atmospheric coastal vantage point.
Svaneke Havn
7.0 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
The Swan / Svanen
7.1 km
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Snogebæk Strand
7.6 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
7.7 km
Bornholm’s largest Iron Age ring fort layered over a Neolithic sun temple, where soft ramparts, woodhenge traces and wide valley views bring 5,000 years of ritual and refuge to life.
Essential places to dine
Culinarium
4.3 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
6.9 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
6.9 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Restaurant Pakhuset
6.9 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
7.0 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Snogebæk Røgeri
7.0 km
Traditional Bornholm smokehouse and seafood buffet in the seaside village of Snogebæk, combining casual dining with a well‑stocked shop of freshly smoked fish.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
7.0 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
7.2 km
Cosy seaside dining in Snogebæk, where hearty Danish dishes, Baltic seafood and a leafy summer courtyard capture the laid-back charm of Bornholm’s south coast.
Svaneke Røgeri
7.3 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Bakkarøgeriet
11.0 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
11.4 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Kadeau Bornholm
11.4 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.
Christianshøjkroen
11.7 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
13.3 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
15.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Reflax
6.9 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
7.0 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
7.1 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Mollys Verden
7.1 km
A cosy Bornholm interiors haven in Snogebæk, where playful Nordic design, colourful homewares and quirky gifts turn casual browsing into a gentle little adventure.
My Home Furniture Ronne
9.9 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
10.2 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.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
10.6 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
10.7 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.1 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
12.7 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
15.5 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
15.5 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.
Førder Bornholm
15.7 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
16.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
17.9 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Golden Rooster
4.2 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
4.4 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
4.8 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
6.9 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
6.9 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Sørens Værtshus
7.1 km
Casual seaside pub in Snogebæk serving deep-pan stone-oven pizza, cold drinks and live summer music a short stroll from Bornholm’s sandy beaches.
Buddha Bar
10.2 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
10.2 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
15.7 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
23.4 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Penyllan Brewery
24.0 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Café Lille Per
24.1 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
24.2 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.
O'Malley
24.3 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
24.3 km
No‑frills local pub in central Rønne, serving cold beers, bar games and late‑night Bornholm atmosphere in classic Danish bodega style.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
23.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
24.2 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
24.3 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
24.5 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
