Background

Kanonstilling G3: Bornholm’s Coastal WWII Artillery Relic

Explore the evocative WWII coastal battery at Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø—where stark history and sweeping Baltic Sea views create a unique Bornholm experience.

5

Kanonstilling G3, perched on Bornholm’s southeastern coast near the harbor town of Nexø, is an evocative World War II gun emplacement. This partially restored fortress once guarded the Baltic Sea, and today visitors can explore its concrete bunkers, original cannon installations, and interpretive displays. The site offers a vivid glimpse into Bornholm’s strategic wartime role, blending dramatic coastal scenery with palpable historical atmosphere.

A brief summary to Hallebrøndshøj

  • Svaneke, 3740, DK

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear; uneven ground and weathered steps are common around the bunkers.
  • The site is open-air and unsupervised—bring sun protection or rain gear depending on the season.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Nexø’s fish smokehouses and harborfront for a fuller local experience.
  • Photographers will appreciate the juxtaposition of historic concrete against dramatic sea and sky backdrops.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rønne, board a regional bus toward Nexø, Bornholm’s bustling southeastern hub. The stop near Nexø’s harbor places you within walking distance of the coast, where the historical battery emerges among pines and dunes. Bus fare for adults is typically 40–60 DKK one-way depending on route. Services are reliable year-round, though intervals may be wider outside summer.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Rønne’s town center to the Nexø area is a convenient option for small groups, usually taking 35–45 minutes and costing 350–500 DKK. Taxis can drop you directly at the access lane leading to the bunker site. Note that pre-booking is advisable in peak season.

  • Cycling

    Bornholm’s extensive cycling network connects Rønne and Nexø, with well-marked seaside paths leading through scenic farmland and forest. The ride takes 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route and pace. Bicycle rentals on Bornholm usually run 90–150 DKK per day.

  • Driving

    Drivers will find plenty of public parking in Nexø near the harbor, from which the site is a short walk toward the coastline. Parking is generally free, but spaces fill up quickly during summer and weekends. No local tolls apply.

Unlock the Best of Hallebrøndshøj

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hallebrøndshøj

Emerging from the pine-edged coastal landscape near Nexø, Kanonstilling G3 is one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric remnants from World War II. Built during the German occupation, this fortified artillery position was part of a network designed to defend the island’s vulnerable coastline and control crucial maritime routes in the Baltic Sea. Today, Kanonstilling G3 survives as both a fascinating historical site and a poignant reminder of an anxious era. The centerpiece is an imposing concrete gun platform, constructed to mount a heavy coastal artillery piece—one of the last of its kind on Bornholm. Visitors can wander the echoing interior chambers, passing original fittings, machine gun emplacements, and period details (from rusted hardware to faded stenciling) that conjure the tense daily routines of its wartime garrison. The position’s open design allows for sweeping views over the Baltic waters, with interpretive panels helping curious travelers decode the strategic logic behind its construction. The site is partially preserved and open-air, with the main encampment and gun mounting exposed to Bornholm’s brisk sea breezes. Seasonal exhibitions or guided tours sometimes shed further light on the weapons technology and real-life stories of the soldiers who manned these lonely posts. Even when silent and deserted, the site’s quiet isolation and concrete geometry make it a compelling place to reflect on the intersection of history and landscape. Kanonstilling G3 is popular both with military history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an offbeat, photogenic spot away from Bornholm’s main tourist centers. Its direct coastal location invites longer walks or picnics nearby, while Nexø’s bustling port and lively town square offer refreshment just a short distance away. As dusk falls and the Baltic wind rattles the bunker's steel doors, it’s easy to imagine the anxieties and vigilance that once permeated this wild and windswept corner of Denmark.

Popular Experiences near Hallebrøndshøj

Popular Hotels near Hallebrøndshøj

Select Currency