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Ekkodalen: Bornholm’s Legendary Echo Valley

Discover Bornholm’s iconic rift valley, where echoing cliffs, ancient springs, and lush forest combine for a uniquely magical Nordic landscape.

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Ekkodalen, or Echo Valley, is Bornholm’s longest and most famous rift valley, carved into the heart of the island’s forested hills near Aakirkeby. Visitors encounter dramatic cliffs, lush woodlands, and the legendary echo that has inspired centuries of tales and local folklore. This scenic ravine is a magnet for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking Bornholm’s wild spirit.

A brief summary to Hasle Strand

  • Klympen, Hasle, 3790, DK
  • 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

  • Arrive early in summer for quieter trails and better chances of finding parking near the main entrance.
  • Stand on the marked “Ekkopunktet” for the valley’s best echo—children love calling across the chasm.
  • Combine your visit with a forest hike to the Rytterknægten lookout tower for sweeping views of Bornholm.
  • Pack a picnic; benches and meadows near the ravine are perfect for a relaxed lunch surrounded by nature.
  • Winter brings a special tranquility; plan a visit for crisp air and a chance to experience the echo in near-silence.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rønne’s central hub, buses regularly traverse the island to Almindingen, where Ekkodalen is located. The journey typically takes 30–40 minutes. Expect a fare of DKK 30–35 per adult for a single trip. On arrival, it’s a brief walk from the Almindingen bus stop, following signposts into the forest until the dramatic ravine opens ahead.

  • Car

    Driving from Rønne or any major Bornholm town, follow general signs for Almindingen Forest. Ekkodalen offers a dedicated parking area close to the main entrance, but it fills quickly on busy days. Parking is generally free. From there, gravel pathways lead straight into the heart of the valley, with picnic areas and forest trails starting by the parking lawn.

  • Bicycle

    Bornholm’s well-maintained cycle routes wind through Almindingen Forest. Ekkodalen is easy to spot thanks to clear, large signposts marking its approach. The ride from Rønne’s center takes 45–60 minutes at a leisurely pace. Bicycles can be parked at racks near the main visitor area, and the final approach is along shaded forest trails.

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Discover more about Hasle Strand

Stretching over 12 kilometers, Ekkodalen is not only the longest rift valley on Bornholm, but also its most storied. The ancient chasm snakes through Almindingen, Denmark’s third-largest forest, its stone walls flanked by tall beech trees and mossy boulders. It is renowned for its remarkable echo—stand in the right spot and your shout will return crisp and clear. Long a source of legend, Ekkodalen has attracted everyone from poets to royalty. The valley’s name, which translates to “Echo Valley,” is as much about the acoustic phenomenon as the local tradition of testing it; generations have been enthralled by the valley’s natural amphitheatre and enduring mystery. The soundscape here feels pure and primal, from birdsong to the calls that bounce along the cliffs. Several well-marked trails start at Ekkodalen, leading through lush ferns and towering trees. The famous Rytterknægten lookout and the old Kongemindet tower are nearby, offering panoramic views after a walk through the woods. Ancient springs including the H.C. Ørsted spring, named for the famed Danish scientist, once drew pilgrims who believed in their healing waters. Ekkodalen’s unique geology, with cliffs rising almost vertically in places, creates a microclimate beloved by rare plants and animals. In summer the ravine is scented with wildflowers and the hum of insects; in autumn, the forest bursts with colour. Picnic spots and benches invite contemplation of the landscape. In winter, hoarfrost lends a fairytale hush and the echo seems sharper than ever. There is no entrance fee, and parking is available near the main access point, but spaces can fill quickly in high season. The ravine remains accessible year-round, and is especially magical at dawn when mists linger and only footsteps and laughter disturb the ancient silence. Whether you’re there for the echo or the sheer Nordic beauty, Ekkodalen is unforgettable—an essential Bornholm experience.

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