Hammershus Castle Ruins
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.
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Baltic Sea at the northern tip of Bornholm, Hammershus Castle Ruins is the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe and one of Denmark’s most evocative historic sites. This sprawling medieval fortress, once the island’s power centre and a key stronghold in Baltic politics, now offers atmospheric stone walls, winding paths and sweeping sea views. Free to visit year-round, it combines layered history with rugged coastal scenery and an excellent modern visitor centre.
A brief summary to Hammershus Castle Ruins
- Langebjergvej 26, Allinge, 3770, DK
- +4556481140
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes: paths within the ruins are uneven, sometimes steep, and can be slippery after rain or frost, especially near the cliff edges.
- Plan extra time for the visitor centre terrace, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the castle and coastline, ideal for photos in changing light.
- Bring layers and a windproof jacket even in summer; the exposed clifftop location can feel significantly cooler and breezier than inland areas of Bornholm.
- If visiting in peak summer, consider early morning or late afternoon for softer light and a calmer atmosphere around the main courtyards and viewpoints.
- Respect safety barriers and avoid climbing on the walls; the ruin is protected, and loose stones and sheer drops make off-limit areas genuinely hazardous.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Bus from Rønne
From Rønne, regional buses on routes serving Allinge and the northwest coast run to the Hammershus stop near the visitor centre in about 40–55 minutes, depending on the timetable. Services are fairly frequent in summer and reduced in winter, so checking schedules in advance is important. A one-way adult ticket typically costs around 30–45 DKK, with discounts for children and multi-trip cards. Buses have low-floor access, but the final walk to the ruins involves some slopes and uneven ground.
-
Car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne to Hammershus takes roughly 30–40 minutes along Bornholm’s main coastal roads. The route is straightforward and well signposted. A large pay-and-display car park is located near the visitor centre; from Easter to the autumn school holidays, expect parking fees of about 30 DKK for up to six hours, with proceeds supporting site maintenance. Spaces for coaches and disabled parking bays are available, but in peak July and August the car park can fill by late morning.
-
Cycling on Bornholm
Bornholm is known for its cycling routes, and Hammershus lies close to established bike paths linking Rønne and Allinge. From Sandvig or Allinge, cycling time is about 15–25 minutes, while from Rønne it is closer to 60–90 minutes depending on fitness and wind. The approach includes some hills but is on paved roads or marked cycle routes. There is no fee for bike access, and simple bike stands are available near the visitor centre, though they offer limited weather protection.
Hammershus Castle Ruins location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Windy Conditions
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about Hammershus Castle Ruins
Clifftop Stronghold Above the Baltic
Hammershus rises from a rocky headland on Bornholm’s northwestern coast, its crumbling walls and towers silhouetted against the Baltic Sea. From the moment you approach, the scale of the fortress becomes clear: this is Northern Europe’s largest castle ruin, spread across a high plateau of heather, grass and exposed rock. The wind often whips across the ramparts, carrying the smell of salt and seaweed from the cliffs below. From the ruins, you look down on the coastline and the small harbour of Hammerhavn, once a lifeline for supplies and troops. The elevated position was no accident. Hammershus was designed as a defensive lynchpin, controlling movement through the Baltic and asserting power over Bornholm. Today, the same position offers wide, cinematic views that change with the light, from bright summer evenings to brooding winter skies.Centuries of Power, Conflict and Intrigue
The story of Hammershus reaches back to the late Middle Ages, when the Archbishop of Lund and the Danish crown wrestled for control of Bornholm. Built in the 13th century and expanded repeatedly over the next 500 years, the castle served as fortress, administrative centre and prison. Layers of walls, gate towers and bastions trace how its defences evolved as weaponry and threats changed. One of the most famous episodes unfolded in the 1660s, when Leonora Christina, daughter of King Christian IV, and her husband Corfitz Ulfeldt were held here on charges of treason. Their attempted escape down the steep cliffs has become part of the island’s lore, adding human drama to the austere stonework. Later, shifting alliances in the Baltic saw Hammershus and Bornholm pass, briefly, under Lübeck and Swedish control before returning firmly to Denmark.From Abandoned Fortress to National Monument
By the 18th century, Hammershus had lost its military value. In 1743 it was finally abandoned, and for decades the castle served as an unofficial quarry as locals removed bricks and stones for new buildings. This slow dismantling might have erased the fortress entirely, but rising interest in national history in the early 1800s led to state protection. Hammershus was placed on the national historic register in 1822, securing its future as a preserved ruin. Conservation work over the last two centuries has stabilised walls and towers while keeping the rough, timeworn character intact. Walking through the site today, you pass through gateways, courtyards and remnants of residential wings where arches, doorways and window openings still hint at former grandeur. Discreet paths help manage erosion without turning the ruin into a polished showpiece.Exploring the Ruins on Foot
Visiting Hammershus is as much about atmosphere as it is about individual sights. You can roam freely among outer ramparts, inner bailey and the remains of towers, choosing your own sequence of narrow passages, open terraces and sheltered nooks in the old curtain walls. Interpretation panels in key spots outline construction phases and everyday life, but it is the combination of wind, stone and sea that makes the strongest impression. Families often linger on the broad paths and grassy areas inside the walls, while more intrepid visitors follow trails down towards the cliff edges for alternative viewpoints. The elevation and uneven surfaces mean sturdy footwear is sensible, especially in wet or icy conditions. In summer, larks rise above the fortress, and in winter a dusting of snow turns the ruin into a stark, monochrome silhouette.The Visitor Centre and Surrounding Landscape
A short distance across a gorge, the modern Hammershus Visitor Center has been carefully embedded into the landscape, its low profile and dark materials echoing the rocky terrain. Large panoramic windows frame the castle against the sea, allowing you to absorb the setting in comfort when the weather turns. Inside, an exhibition uses models, artefacts and visual storytelling to explain the castle’s construction, political role and later decline. The building also houses a café and shop, with a long exterior terrace that doubles as a viewpoint in its own right. From here, a bridge leads towards the ruins, underlining the connection between old and new. Beyond the immediate site, trails continue onto the broader Hammerknuden headland, where quarries, lighthouses and dramatic rock formations extend the sense of Bornholm’s rugged, maritime character.Practical Visiting Notes
Hammershus Castle Ruins are open around the clock throughout the year, and admission to both the ruins and the visitor centre exhibition is free. Parking at the main car park is paid in the busier months, with fees helping fund conservation of the site. The open, exposed location means weather shapes the experience: summer offers long days and gentler conditions, while autumn and spring bring changeable skies and strong winds that heighten the drama of the cliffs. Allow at least two to three hours to wander the fortress, enjoy the viewpoints and spend time in the visitor centre. Longer stays are easy if you add a meal or snack in the café or link your visit with nearby coastal walks. The combination of monumental ruins and Bornholm’s crystalline light makes Hammershus as compelling for photographers and history enthusiasts as it is for casual sightseers.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
2.8 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
3.3 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
16.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
17.5 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
18.9 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
19.1 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
19.3 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
19.5 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
20.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
24.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
25.2 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
29.0 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
33.4 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
33.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
35.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Løvehovederne
0.2 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Den Våde Ovn
0.4 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.
Opal Lake
1.3 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.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.4 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Ravnedalen
1.4 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.
Hammeren
1.5 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Slotslyngen
1.7 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.
Hammeren Lighthouse
1.8 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Pissebækken
2.2 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.
Madsebakke
2.4 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.
Bornholm Technical Collection
2.4 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.
Salomons kapel
2.5 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.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
3.2 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Æggehønen
3.7 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
4.5 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
2.3 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.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
2.8 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Restaurant Margeritten
3.0 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
3.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
The Ranch
6.6 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Stammershalle Badehotel
7.9 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
10.7 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
14.8 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
15.2 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
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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
17.3 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Râzapâz
18.9 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
19.0 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
11.9 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
15.2 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
15.3 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
15.3 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
17.2 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
17.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Baltic Sea Glass
17.9 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Torvehal Bornholm
18.0 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
18.2 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
18.9 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
18.9 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
19.1 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
19.2 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
19.2 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
19.3 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Underbar
2.7 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
2.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
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.
Cabaret Bornholm
4.4 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
5.6 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
10.2 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
15.2 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
18.5 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
19.1 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
19.2 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
19.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
19.2 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.
Café Lille Per
19.3 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
24.7 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
24.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
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
