Helligdomsklipperne (Sanctuary Cliffs), Bornholm
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Helligdomsklipperne, the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs on Bornholm’s northeast coast, are sheer granite walls dropping up to 22 metres to the Baltic Sea. Sculpted by ice and waves into caves, pillars and clefts with evocative names, these protected coastal rocks blend wild scenery, medieval pilgrimage history and art, with cliff paths linking caves, viewpoints and the nearby Bornholm Art Museum.
A brief summary to Helligdomsklipperne
- DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; paths and steps near the cliff edge and caves can be uneven, steep and slippery after rain or sea spray.
- Bring a windproof layer even in summer, as the exposed headland can feel much cooler and breezier than inland parts of Bornholm.
- If you plan to explore the caves from sea level, aim for calm-weather days and check local advice on safe access and changing conditions.
- Combine your visit with time at Bornholm Art Museum above the cliffs for a rewarding blend of coastal scenery and local art.
- Photographers may find the most atmospheric light in early morning or late afternoon, when shadows and colours add depth to the rock formations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Gudhjem and nearby towns
Regional bus services connect Gudhjem and other north Bornholm settlements with the stop near Helligdomsklipperne on the main coastal road. From Gudhjem, the ride typically takes around 10–15 minutes, and from larger hubs like Rønne about 35–45 minutes with intermediate stops. Standard single fares on Bornholm’s buses are usually in the range of 25–40 DKK per adult depending on distance. Services run regularly in the daytime but can be less frequent in the evening and outside the main summer season, so checking the current timetable before setting out is advisable.
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Bicycle along the north coast
Bornholm is well known for its cycle routes, and marked bike paths follow the coast between Rønne, Gudhjem and Helligdomsklipperne. From Gudhjem the ride is roughly 6 km and often takes 25–40 minutes each way at an easy pace, with some short hills and exposed stretches where wind can be strong. There is no specific fee to use the routes, though you may want to hire a bicycle in town, which typically costs about 100–150 DKK for a day’s rental depending on the model. Surfaces are mostly paved or good-quality gravel, suitable for standard touring and city bikes.
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Seasonal boat from Gudhjem
In the warmer months, sightseeing boats operate between Gudhjem harbour and the base of the Sanctuary Cliffs, offering a roughly 45–60 minute round trip or the option to disembark near the rocks and return on foot along the coast path. Tickets for these scenic cruises are generally in the region of 120–180 DKK per adult, with discounts for children. Departures are weather-dependent and may be reduced in shoulder seasons, so it is wise to confirm sailing times and sea conditions on the day, especially if you plan to combine the trip with walking sections on the clifftop.
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Car or taxi from Rønne and island resorts
Reaching Helligdomsklipperne by car from Rønne or other parts of Bornholm is straightforward via the island’s main roads, with typical driving times of 30–40 minutes from Rønne and shorter from north-coast resorts like Allinge or Sandvig. There is a parking area close to the cliffs and the art museum, and parking is often free or low-cost, though spaces can fill on busy summer days. Metered taxis also operate from towns and the airport; a one-way ride from Rønne to the Sanctuary Cliffs commonly falls somewhere around 300–450 DKK depending on time of day and exact starting point.
Helligdomsklipperne 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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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Helligdomsklipperne
Granite Cliffs Above the Baltic
Helligdomsklipperne, the Sanctuary Cliffs, form one of Bornholm’s most striking stretches of coastline, a ragged line of dark granite rising up to around 22 metres above the Baltic Sea. Here the shore turns vertical, with near-sheer walls cut by clefts and chimneys, the rock face glittering where mica catches the light and sea spray drifts up from below. Over thousands of years, waves, wind and winter ice have carved deep recesses and narrow ledges into the hard bedrock, creating a compact but dramatic cliffscape that feels far wilder than its modest height suggests. The coastal path threads along the top, dipping to viewpoints where you can look straight down to boulders and boiling surf, or out across open water towards the hazy line of the horizon. In places stairways cut into the slope connect the clifftop with the foreshore, allowing you to experience the formations both from above and at water level. On calm days the sea can appear glassy and inviting; in rougher weather it slams against the base of the cliffs, underlining just how powerfully this coast has been sculpted.Caves, Crevices and Named Rocks
This short section of coast is packed with features that have earned names over the centuries. Libertsklippen, a towering promontory, commemorates landscape painter Georg Emil Libert, who was captivated by its forms. Nearby, slender pillars and jagged fins of rock line up along the sea, while ledges and recesses create natural balconies overlooking the waves. Offshore stacks and detached blocks show where the cliffs have retreated, leaving isolated remnants standing against the sea. The most famous elements lie at sea level, where caves such as Sorte Gryde, the Black Pot, and Våde Ovn and Tørre Ovn, the Wet and Dry Ovens, bite deeply into the rock. Some of these caverns extend tens of metres into the cliff, low entrances widening into shadowy interiors where drips echo and you can hear the sea booming further inside. In summer, small tour boats ease in close, and on foot you can approach several caves along rock shelves when conditions are safe, adding a touch of adventure to an otherwise gentle walk.From Holy Spring to Protected Coastline
Long before walkers came here for the views, Helligdomsklipperne was a place of pilgrimage. In the Middle Ages a chapel, Trefoldighedskapellet, stood on the land above the rocks, served by a spring at the foot of the cliffs whose water was thought to have healing powers. On Midsummer’s Night, people travelled from across Bornholm to collect this water, climbing between shore and chapel in the hope of cures. The holy spring has long since dwindled, and only traces of the chapel remain in the landscape, but the name Sanctuary Cliffs preserves this older spiritual layer. Geology adds another story beneath the legends. During the last Ice Age, this coast lay below sea level. As the ice retreated and the land slowly rebounded, Bornholm rose from the sea, leaving this band of granite high and dry. Today the entire shoreline forms part of a protected area, safeguarding both the dramatic rock formations and their plant and animal life. Lichens paint the stone in patches of orange and grey, sea birds circle the updrafts from the cliffs, and in the caves specialists look for spiders that thrive in the cool, dark conditions.Walking Paths, Sea Tours and Art
For visitors, Helligdomsklipperne offers an unusually rich mix of activities in a compact radius. Well-marked trails follow the coast in both directions, linking the cliffs with wooded Døndalen to the west and the fishing towns farther along the shore. Short loop walks link viewpoints, cave access points and quiet pockets of heath and scrub, giving you the freedom to tailor your route from a brief stroll to a half-day exploration. On the water, seasonal boat trips from Gudhjem trace the base of the cliffs, gliding past formations that are hard to appreciate from above alone. From this angle the height and steepness of the rock walls feel more imposing, and captains point out individual features and caves as you pass. Many visitors combine a boat landing at Libertsklippen with a walk along the coastal path, experiencing both perspectives in a single outing.Bornholm Art and Coastal Atmosphere
Set just above the cliffs, Bornholm Art Museum adds a cultural dimension to the visit. Its bright, modern architecture takes full advantage of the coastal light, and inside, changing exhibitions focus on artists linked to the island, many of whom have painted or photographed Helligdomsklipperne itself. The museum’s location makes it easy to alternate time indoors with returns to the cliff edge, viewing the same landscape through both artistic interpretation and direct experience. Throughout the day the mood of the Sanctuary Cliffs shifts with the light. In the morning, low sun can throw long shadows across the water; on clear evenings the granite warms to soft gold and the sea reflects the sky. Whether you come for a focused hike, a leisurely combination of art and nature, or simply to stand quietly above the waves, this compact headland encapsulates much of Bornholm’s distinctive coastal character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
5.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
9.5 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
11.6 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
14.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Klintebakken
17.9 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
18.6 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.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
18.7 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.8 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
19.4 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
19.4 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
19.6 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Udforsk Bornholm
22.9 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
25.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dry Oven CAVE
0.5 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
The Sanctuary Rocks
0.7 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
0.7 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Black Pot
0.7 km
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
0.9 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Døndalen
1.6 km
Wild rift valley, towering trees and Denmark’s highest waterfall come together in this quietly dramatic forest walk on Bornholm’s rugged north coast.
Døndalen Vandfald
1.7 km
Lush rift valley, changing 20 m waterfall and sweeping Baltic views combine in one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric forest walks just west of Gudhjem.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
3.1 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
3.3 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Røverborgen
3.5 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
3.7 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Spellinge Mose
3.8 km
Quiet Bornholm wetland in a rocky rift valley, where Iron Age ruins, an old railway trail and protected bog habitats meet in a serene pocket of wild nature.
Storeborg
3.8 km
Explore the dramatic rift valley of Ekkodalen on Bornholm—where echoing cliffs, lush trails, and legendary stories meet in a uniquely Danish natural setting.
Oluf Høst Museum
3.9 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
4.0 km
A 20‑ton rocking boulder hidden in Rutsker Højlyng’s heathland, where Ice Age geology, quiet woodland and Bornholm folklore come together in a simple, wild setting.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
3.2 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.
Norresan
3.8 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
4.2 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
4.3 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
8.7 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
8.9 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
8.9 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.
Terrassen
9.0 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 Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
The Ranch
10.3 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
11.0 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
11.1 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Christianshøjkroen
11.4 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 Ekkodalshuset
12.7 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Hasle Smokehouse
13.9 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
4.2 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
4.2 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
4.3 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
6.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
6.8 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
6.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
9.1 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
16.9 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
17.1 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
17.5 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Art Box Bornholm
17.8 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
17.8 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
17.9 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Torvehal Bornholm
17.9 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
4.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
5.5 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
7.2 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
8.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
9.1 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
10.3 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
13.6 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.
Buddha Bar
17.1 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
17.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Søllings Bodega
17.7 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
17.7 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
18.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
18.9 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
19.0 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
19.0 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
18.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.8 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
19.0 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
19.2 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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
