Hammeren Nature Reserve, Bornholm
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Hammeren crowns the northern tip of Bornholm with a dramatic granite headland of cliffs, heather‑clad hills and open sea views. This protected nature reserve near Allinge-Sandvig is criss-crossed by walking trails that weave between rocky coastline, grazing livestock, tranquil Hammersø lake and the historic Hammeren lighthouse. It is a compact but wonderfully varied landscape, ideal for half-day hikes, coastal photography and quiet encounters with Bornholm’s wild, wind-shaped scenery.
A brief summary to Hammeren
- Allinge, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 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: many paths cross uneven granite, short steep sections and cliffside tracks that can be slippery when wet.
- Bring windproof layers even in summer; the exposed headland often feels significantly cooler than nearby villages.
- Pack water and snacks, as there are no shops inside the reserve and facilities are concentrated back in Sandvig and Allinge.
- If you want quieter trails, start early in the day and explore the inland routes around Hammersø and Opalsø before circling to the coast.
- Respect grazing animals by walking calmly around them, keeping dogs leashed and closing any gates you pass through.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Local bus from Rønne
From Rønne, take a regional bus towards Allinge-Sandvig; services typically run at least hourly in high season and less frequently in winter. The ride to Sandvig takes around 45–60 minutes and costs roughly 40–60 DKK one way, depending on ticket type. From the bus stop in Sandvig it is about 20–30 minutes on foot along signed paths and local roads to reach the main trailheads at Hammeren. Buses are standard city-style vehicles with low-floor access, but the final approach through the reserve involves uneven ground.
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Bicycle from Allinge-Sandvig
Hammeren is easily combined with a coastal cycling route starting in Allinge or Sandvig. From the harbour area, allow 15–25 minutes of relaxed cycling to reach the edge of the nature reserve, using shared roads and signposted cycle paths. Standard rental bikes on Bornholm typically cost about 100–150 DKK per day. Once at Hammeren you must leave the bike at designated areas or roadside spots and continue on foot, as most trails across the headland are not suitable for cycling.
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Car or taxi from elsewhere on Bornholm
By car, Hammeren lies roughly 30–40 minutes from Rønne via the island’s main roads, depending on traffic and starting point. Expect to pay around 500–700 DKK for a one-way taxi from Rønne to Allinge-Sandvig. Public parking areas near the headland can fill up in peak summer and may have time limits, so avoid arriving late in the day if you plan a longer hike. From parking spots you should be prepared to walk on undulating, occasionally steep paths to explore the reserve.
Hammeren location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Hammeren
Granite Headland at the Edge of Bornholm
Hammeren forms the hammer-shaped northern tip of Bornholm, a self-contained granite peninsula rising dramatically above the Baltic Sea. The plateau climbs to around 80 metres near Hammeren lighthouse, giving you a sense of elevation that is unusual in Denmark and creating sweeping views along the wild coastline. Walking paths fan out across the headland, some threading inland through gently rolling rock and heath, others hugging the outer rim where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea. The landscape is defined by exposed bedrock sculpted by ice and waves, creating ledges, fissures and rounded granite domes. Low, wind-bent shrubs cling to the rock, while pockets of grassland soften the terrain. From many points you can gaze south towards the ruins of Hammershus Castle and, on clear days, all the way across the water to Sweden.Trails, Lakes and a Former Quarry
A network of waymarked routes lets you shape your own experience, from short strolls to more demanding circuits linking Hammeren with Sandvig and Hammershus. Inland paths pass Hammersø, the island’s largest lake, lying in a rift-like valley that separates the headland from the rest of Bornholm. The still water, framed by rock walls and greenery, provides a serene counterpoint to the restless sea just over the ridge. On the eastern side, an old granite quarry has filled with clear water to form Opalsø, a striking turquoise basin ringed by sheer rock faces. In summer, the area has a playful side with seasonal activities such as a zip line across the water, while the quarry walls showcase the area’s industrial past. The combination of former working landscapes and now-protected nature gives Hammeren a layered character that rewards slow exploration.Hammeren Lighthouse and Sea Views
Perched close to the highest point of the headland, Hammeren lighthouse is one of the peninsula’s most recognisable features. Built in the 19th century from the very granite beneath your feet, it stands as a solid landmark against the sky. When open, you can climb the tower and look out over all of North Bornholm, tracing the curve of the coastline and the jagged sequence of cliffs and bays. Even without going inside, the area around the lighthouse offers expansive viewpoints. Paths loop past the building to reach cliff edges and rocky outcrops where you can watch ships on the Baltic and feel the often-brisk coastal wind. Sunsets here can be particularly atmospheric, with the light catching the rough stone and heather in shifting colours.Wildlife, Grazing Animals and Plant Life
Despite its relatively small size, Hammeren shelters a variety of habitats, from dry heath and rocky slopes to wetland edges around the lakes. Areas of the reserve are grazed by livestock, which help keep the vegetation open and preserve the traditional, semi-natural landscape. Encountering sheep or cattle on narrow paths is part of the experience, reinforcing the feeling of being in a living cultural landscape rather than a manicured park. The cliffs and offshore rocks attract seabirds, and the peninsula is an appealing spot for casual birdwatching. In late summer, carpets of purple heather colour the hillsides, while lichens and hardy grasses cling to cracks in the granite. The mix of raw rock and delicate plant life gives the reserve a distinctive texture at close range.Hiking Atmosphere and Practical Impressions
Underfoot, many trails follow uneven stone, earth and occasionally steep sections, so sturdy footwear is advisable even for shorter walks. Wayfinding is generally straightforward, with clear paths linking the lighthouse, lakes, quarry and coastal viewpoints, yet it is easy to find quieter corners away from the main junctions. Benches and informal resting spots appear at some viewpoints, but the area otherwise feels pleasingly untamed. The coastal climate can shift quickly, from bright sun and clear visibility to low cloud or sea mist, making flexible layers and windproof clothing useful for most of the year. Whether you come for a focused hike between Sandvig and Hammershus or simply wander out onto the headland for an hour, Hammeren delivers a strong sense of Bornholm’s geology, light and sea in a compact, memorable setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
2.6 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
4.7 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
17.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
19.0 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Den russiske bjørn
20.4 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
20.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
20.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.0 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
21.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
25.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
26.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
30.1 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
34.5 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
35.3 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
37.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammeren Lighthouse
0.3 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Opal Lake
0.4 km
A flooded granite quarry turned emerald lake, Opal Lake on Bornholm blends raw cliffs, deep clear water and coastal views with swimming, cliff jumps and rugged trails.
Salomons kapel
1.1 km
Remote medieval chapel ruins beneath Hammerknuden’s granite cliffs, where Baltic herring history, stone walls and sweeping sea views meet on Bornholm’s wild north coast.
Den Våde Ovn
1.1 km
A dramatic 70 m sea cave hidden in Bornholm’s granite cliffs beneath Hammershus, Den Våde Ovn is reached only by boat and reveals the island’s wild Baltic coastline up close.
Løvehovederne
1.4 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
1.5 km
Bornholm’s great clifftop fortress, where vast medieval ruins, Baltic Sea panoramas and a striking modern visitor centre bring 800 years of history to life.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.8 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
1.9 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Madsebakke
2.2 km
Denmark’s largest Bronze Age rock carving field, where ships, sun symbols and ancient footprints emerge from a quiet Bornholm hillside of weathered granite.
Ravnedalen
2.8 km
A rugged rift valley of granite, heath and quiet history on northern Bornholm, where narrow rocky paths, shelters and rare wildlife create an intimate wild escape.
Slotslyngen
3.2 km
A rugged sweep of heather, forest and granite cliffs on Bornholm’s northwest coast, where cliff-edge paths reveal wide sea views and the distant silhouette of Hammershus.
Pissebækken
3.7 km
A steep ravine, a playful name and one of Denmark’s highest waterfalls tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic west coast between Vang and the Baltic Sea.
Bornholm Technical Collection
3.9 km
A sprawling farmyard museum where Bornholm’s tractors, radios, toys and even a combat aircraft tell the island’s 20th‑century story through everyday technology.
Æggehønen
4.2 km
A smooth, egg-shaped granite boulder on Bornholm’s north coast, Æggehønen is a tiny but memorable landmark for coastal walkers, photographers and boulderers.
Blåskinsdalen
5.9 km
A narrow, fern‑lined rift valley near Hasle where blue anemones, twisted roots and ancient rock create one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric short forest walks.
Essential places to dine
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
1.4 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.
Terrassen
3.1 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 Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
3.1 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
3.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
3.3 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
4.2 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
The Ranch
8.1 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.7 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.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.1 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.
Norresan
15.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
15.9 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
16.1 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
18.6 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Râzapâz
20.4 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.
Snurra
20.4 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
13.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Førder Bornholm
15.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
16.0 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
16.0 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
18.2 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
18.7 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
19.0 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.5 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
19.7 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
20.4 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.
People-Fashion.dk
20.4 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
20.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
20.7 km
One of Denmark’s oldest family-run bookshops, blending 19th‑century heritage, live culture and 20,000+ books in the heart of Rønne’s main square.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
20.7 km
A small, colorful universe of Scandinavian-designed gifts, gadgets and creative essentials in the heart of Rønne, perfect for playful souvenirs and practical finds.
Snellemark Centret
20.8 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Underbar
2.1 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.
Ølstauan
3.0 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
3.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Cabaret Bornholm
5.7 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.
Penyllan Brewery
6.4 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Ølhuzed ApS
11.7 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.
Provianten
15.9 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
19.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
20.5 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
20.6 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
20.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
20.7 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
20.8 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Buddha Bar
26.1 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
26.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
20.4 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
20.6 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
20.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
After Dark
20.7 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 design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly