Helligdomsklipperne – Gudhjem Trail Start (Nørresand)
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
At Nørresand in Gudhjem, the coastal path to Helligdomsklipperne sets off along one of Bornholm’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. From this informal trailhead you follow a rugged granite coast past sheltered coves, boulders and sea views that constantly shift with the light. The route links the red‑roofed harbour town with the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs and Bornholm Art Museum, making this starting point ideal for a half‑day walk that blends nature, geology and culture.
A brief summary to Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
- Nørresand 16, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 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 with good grip; the coastal path soon leaves paved surfaces for uneven granite slabs and short rocky steps.
- Carry water and snacks from Gudhjem, as there are no facilities directly on the shoreline between Nørresand and Helligdomsklipperne.
- Check wind and sea conditions on exposed days; waves and spray can make some rock sections slippery and less comfortable to linger on.
- Consider walking one way and returning by seasonal boat or bus from near Helligdomsklipperne to vary the experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Gudhjem
From Gudhjem’s main harbour area, reaching Nørresand on foot typically takes 10–15 minutes along village streets and the waterfront, with only gentle inclines. The short walk is suitable for most visitors, though surfaces can be uneven near the shoreline. There is no cost, and this is the most flexible way to begin the coastal trail, allowing you to time your start around weather and daylight.
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Local bus to Gudhjem and short walk
Regional buses connect Gudhjem with other Bornholm towns such as Rønne and Allinge, with typical journey times of 30–50 minutes depending on route and season. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 30–50 DKK, with reduced services in the evening and outside summer. From Gudhjem’s bus stop it is around 10–15 minutes on foot through the compact town to Nørresand and the trail start.
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Car or bicycle from elsewhere on Bornholm
Driving to Gudhjem from Rønne generally takes about 35–40 minutes, while cycling can take 1.5–2 hours using the island’s signposted routes. There is no fee to access Nørresand itself, but parking spaces in Gudhjem are limited in high season and may be time‑restricted. Cyclists can leave bikes in town and continue the final few minutes on foot to the rocky shoreline where the path to Helligdomsklipperne begins.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start location weather suitability
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Discover more about Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
Where Gudhjem Meets the Granite Coast
At the northern edge of Gudhjem, Nørresand slips quietly from village lane into raw Baltic shoreline. Here, on the rocks behind the low fishermen’s houses, the signed coastal path begins its journey towards Helligdomsklipperne. The air smells faintly of salt and seaweed, gulls wheel overhead and the red roofs of Gudhjem fall away behind you as the view opens onto Salene Bay. Although there is no grand gateway or visitor centre, this modest corner of the harbour functions as the natural trailhead for one of Bornholm’s classic walks. A mix of rock slabs, narrow trods and short stairways quickly announces that you have left town and entered a wilder zone where waves and weather set the rhythm.Following the Shore to Sanctuary Cliffs
From Nørresand the path threads north along the granite coast, skirting low cliffs and pocket beaches carved by the Baltic over millennia. Out to sea you pass the line of skerries and rocks that once guided sailors; on land, the route rises and dips through heather, grasses and pockets of wind‑clipped scrub. The walking is never extreme, but the constant undulation keeps it engaging. This is the approach many walkers favour to reach Helligdomsklipperne and the Bornholm Art Museum above the cliffs. As you progress, the coastline grows steadily more dramatic, culminating in the sheer pillars, caves and "ovns" of the Sanctuary Cliffs, where steps drop down to echoing sea grottoes and viewpoints reveal the coast in long sweeping curves.Landscapes Shaped by Ice and Pilgrims
The trail from Gudhjem is more than a simple seaside stroll; it is a cross‑section through Bornholm’s geological story. The same ancient granite that underpins the island surfaces at your feet as smooth pavements, cracked blocks and weathered pillars. During the last Ice Age, this shoreline lay beneath the sea. As the ice retreated and the land slowly rose, today’s cliff line emerged some 20 metres above the water, leaving stranded caves and notches that the modern path now overlooks. Along the way you are walking towards a landscape that once drew medieval pilgrims to a holy spring and chapel on the heights above Helligdomsklipperne. Though little of that sanctuary survives, the sense of a special coastal place lingers, especially on still evenings when the rocks trap warmth and the sea glows in soft colour.Seasonal Moods and Wildlife Encounters
The character of the route from Nørresand changes markedly with the seasons. In spring, fresh green and early flowers push through cracks in the rock, and birdlife is at its most active as seabirds patrol the cliffs. Summer brings long, bright evenings, with the Baltic often glassy and blue, ideal for pairing the walk with a boat trip or a museum visit. Autumn can be wonderfully atmospheric, with stronger swells sending spray against the rocks and colours deepening in the coastal vegetation. Even on crisp winter days, when the wind cuts more sharply, the trailhead at Nørresand remains accessible, offering a short, invigorating out‑and‑back along the first section of path for those not wishing to tackle the full distance.Planning Your Coastal Walk
Most visitors treat Nørresand as either the starting or finishing point of a one‑way hike between Gudhjem and Helligdomsklipperne, often combining it with a bus ride, a seasonal boat connection or a visit to nearby cafés. The full coastal stretch typically takes a couple of hours at an easy pace, with plenty of time for photo stops on the rocks and pauses to watch waves surge into narrow inlets. Footwear with good grip is advised, as slabs can be slick after rain or sea spray, and sections of the trail involve short, uneven climbs. There are no facilities directly on the rocks at Nørresand itself, but Gudhjem’s amenities are only a short stroll away, making this an easy and flexible base for exploring one of Bornholm’s signature pieces of coastline.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
1.6 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
10.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Domen
13.0 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
15.2 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Midterpilt
15.6 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.
Klintebakken
17.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
18.7 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
20.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
20.7 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
St Nicholas Church
21.2 km
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.2 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
21.3 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
21.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
23.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
23.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Unmissable attractions to see
Oluf Høst Museum
0.2 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.
Røverborgen
0.2 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.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
0.4 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Hestestenene
0.4 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.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
0.9 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
1.6 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Kobbeådalen
2.7 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Helligdomsklipperne
3.7 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
3.7 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter
4.2 km
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Dry Oven CAVE
4.2 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
4.3 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
4.3 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
4.4 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
4.5 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Essential places to dine
Norresan
0.2 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
0.5 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
0.7 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.
Stammershalle Badehotel
6.8 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.7 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
10.9 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
12.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
12.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
12.4 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
12.4 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
12.4 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.
The Ranch
13.7 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Svaneke Røgeri
14.1 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
14.2 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
14.2 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
0.5 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
3.4 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
4.7 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
5.7 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
8.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
13.6 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Art Box Bornholm
14.2 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
14.3 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
14.3 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.8 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.1 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
16.6 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.9 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
0.5 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
9.1 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
10.9 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
12.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.6 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
13.8 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.
Søllings Bodega
14.2 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
14.2 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Buddha Bar
16.1 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
16.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.5 km
Seasonal seaside craft beer bar and burger spot in a former smokehouse on Bornholm’s Aarsdale harbour, pairing inventive taps with relaxed Baltic Sea views.
Ølhuzed ApS
16.7 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
19.8 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
The Golden Rooster
19.9 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
20.1 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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