Hestestenene Standing Stones
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.
Perched high above the Baltic Sea on Bornholm’s dramatic north coast, Hestestenene is a small but atmospheric cluster of four runic-age standing stones on the cliff-top path just outside Gudhjem. Here raw granite, wind and waves frame a place where archaeology and folklore blend: tales of doomed horse-drawn carriages in coastal fog and ancient sacrificial rites cling to these weathered stones. It is a compact, evocative stop on the coastal trail between Gudhjem and Helligdomsklipperne, ideal for walkers seeking history-laced sea views.
A brief summary to Hestestenene
- Helligdomsvej 2, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 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: the coastal path is narrow, uneven and can be slippery after rain, especially near the cliff edge around the stones.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light that highlights both the stones and the dramatic coastline in photographs.
- Bring water and a windproof layer; there are no facilities on site and the exposed clifftop can feel cool even on sunny days.
- If visiting with children, set clear boundaries around how close to the cliff edge they may go, as there are no railings or barriers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Gudhjem
From Gudhjem’s harbour area, allow around 20–30 minutes to reach Hestestenene along the signed coastal walking path towards Helligdomsklipperne. The route follows a narrow, sometimes rocky trail with short climbs and uneven surfaces. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams, and can be slippery after rain or in winter, so good footwear is important.
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Local bus plus short walk
Regional buses serving the stretch between Gudhjem and Tejn typically run several times a day in high season and less frequently outside summer, with single adult fares usually in the range of 25–40 DKK depending on distance. Travel 5–10 minutes to a stop on Helligdomsvej near the coastal section closest to Hestestenene, then walk 10–20 minutes on footpaths and the coastal trail to the stones. Check current timetables and be prepared for limited evening and off-season services.
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Bicycle along the north-coast roads
Cyclists can follow local roads such as Helligdomsvej between Gudhjem and the cliff areas in about 10–20 minutes, depending on fitness and wind. From the closest stretch of road, you will need to leave your bike in a safe spot and continue 5–10 minutes on foot along the coastal path, which is not bike-friendly. There is no dedicated bike parking, so bring a lock and avoid blocking gateways or private access.
Hestestenene 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
Discover more about Hestestenene
Clifftop Stones Above the Baltic
Hestestenene occupies a spectacular position on Bornholm’s rugged northern shore, a short walk along the coastal trail from the harbour town of Gudhjem. Four slender standing stones rise from the cliff-top, set just back from the edge where rock falls away steeply to the Baltic Sea. From here, the view stretches along jagged headlands and inlets, with the constant rush of surf against the rocks far below. The stones themselves are hewn from local granite, their weathered surfaces echoing the fractured cliffs around them. They stand in a small open patch amid low vegetation, exposed to wind and salt air. The setting is intimate rather than monumental: there is no grand enclosure or visitor infrastructure, just a simple meeting of stone, sky and sea that feels timeless.Silent Traces of the Iron Age
Hestestenene belong to the wider tradition of bautasten, upright stones erected on Bornholm during the late Bronze and Iron Ages. Across the island, such stones often marked burial grounds, assembly places or ritual landscapes, and Hestestenene appears to share that ceremonial character. Their placement on the high edge of the coastal slope suggests a deliberate choice, making them visible from land and perhaps once from the sea. No runic inscriptions remain on these stones, and written sources about their original purpose are scarce. Archaeologists interpret them primarily through comparison with other local sites, seeing them as part of a network of markers that structured movement and memory in the ancient landscape. Standing here, you sense how the site connects inland paths with the maritime horizon, bridging daily routes and spiritual ideas of passage.Legends of Horses and Sacrifice
Over centuries, local folklore has wrapped Hestestenene in vivid stories. One enduring tale speaks of a young bridal couple travelling by horse-drawn carriage along the cliffs in dense fog. Losing their way, they plunged over the edge and disappeared into the sea, while the terrified horses, frozen at the brink, were turned to stone. In this version, each upright block becomes a petrified animal caught in its final moment. Another story is older and darker: that the cliff above Salene Bay once served as a sacrificial place where horses were driven over the precipice as offerings. The standing stones then mark a sacred site of exchange with the gods, joined to the deep waters below. Whether or not such rites occurred, the legends reveal how islanders have long sensed something uncanny in the combination of stones, height and sea.A Coastal Stop on the Gudhjem Trail
For today’s visitors, Hestestenene is both a historical curiosity and a welcome pause along one of Bornholm’s most scenic walking routes. The narrow path threads between rock outcrops, low shrubs and glimpses of the water, before suddenly opening onto the small plateau where the stones stand. It is a natural place to rest, look back towards Gudhjem’s red roofs or onward to the dramatic Helligdomsklipperne, and imagine earlier travellers passing this same point. There is no formal ticketing or facilities; the experience is deliberately low-key. The simplicity invites unhurried exploration: circling the stones, noticing how their silhouettes shift against the horizon, or sitting nearby with a thermos while clouds move over the sea. In calm weather the atmosphere is meditative, while on windy days the site feels raw and elemental.Atmosphere, Seasons and Safety
Hestestenene changes character with light and season. On bright summer days, the grey granite contrasts sharply with blue water and the greens of coastal vegetation, making it a photogenic spot. In autumn and winter, muted tones and heavier seas give the site a more brooding quality that suits its legends. Sunrise and late afternoon often bring especially evocative light along the cliffs. Because the stones stand close to a steep slope, caution is essential, especially in wet or icy conditions and when visiting with children. There are no barriers, and the ground can be uneven. Yet this lack of development also preserves the site’s authenticity: Hestestenene remains a small, unsupervised remnant of Bornholm’s prehistoric landscape, encountered much as it has been for generations of walkers and storytellers.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
1.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
11.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Domen
12.7 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
14.9 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Midterpilt
15.7 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
17.0 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
18.3 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
20.1 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
20.3 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
20.8 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
20.8 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
20.9 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
21.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
23.2 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
23.8 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
0.4 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
0.5 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Oluf Høst Museum
0.6 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.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
0.8 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.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
1.8 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Kobbeådalen
2.9 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Helligdomsklipperne
3.3 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
3.8 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.
Dry Oven CAVE
3.8 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
3.9 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
3.9 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
4.0 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 Middelaldercenter
4.1 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.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
4.2 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
0.6 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
0.9 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
1.0 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
6.5 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
9.5 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
10.7 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
11.9 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
11.9 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
12.1 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
12.1 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.
Terrassen
12.2 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
13.3 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
14.2 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.
Svaneke Røgeri
14.3 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
14.4 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
0.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
0.9 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
0.9 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
3.7 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
5.9 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
7.8 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
13.3 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
14.5 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
14.5 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
14.6 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.7 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.0 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
16.5 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
19.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
0.9 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
8.8 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
10.6 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
12.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.3 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
13.5 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
14.5 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
14.5 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
16.0 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
16.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Ølhuzed ApS
16.3 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.7 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
19.4 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
The Golden Rooster
20.1 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
20.2 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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Romantic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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