Jættebolden in Svartingedal
A legendary giant’s boulder hidden in Bornholm’s wild Svartingedal ravine, where old forest, rich birdlife and myth-filled geology meet on a quiet hillside.
Hidden deep in Bornholm’s lush Svartingedal ravine near Hasle, Jættebolden is a huge glacial boulder perched on a forested slope. This legendary “giant’s stone” sits within a protected bird reserve of old-growth woodland, wetlands, and meadows managed by Fugleværnsfonden. The mix of myth, striking geology, and rich birdlife makes this a rewarding stop for walkers seeking a wilder, more atmospheric corner of the island.
A brief summary to Jættebolden
- Kirkedalsvej 25, Hasle, 3790, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear waterproof, non-slip footwear; parts of Svartingedal’s trail to Jættebolden can be muddy, rooty and uneven, especially after rain.
- Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching; the surrounding reserve’s old trees and dead wood attract several forest bird species.
- Allow time to explore beyond the boulder, including the wet meadows and the old quarry area where a small seasonal waterfall appears.
- Visit in spring or early summer for the most vibrant birdsong and lush greenery; in autumn, expect beautiful foliage but wetter ground.
- Be prepared for limited facilities; bring drinking water and snacks, and follow leave-no-trace principles in this protected reserve.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Hasle
From Hasle town, reaching the Svartingedal entrances by car typically takes around 10–15 minutes, using small country roads through the interior of Bornholm. Parking is available near the farm area along Kirkedalsvej by Åhalsegård and also near the southern access by Hasle Waterworks, but spaces are limited at busy holiday times. There is no entrance fee to the reserve; your only cost is fuel. Surfaces are paved or good gravel, so a standard car is sufficient in all seasons, though winter conditions can occasionally make minor roads slippery.
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Bus and walk from Rønne or Hasle
Public buses on Bornholm connect Rønne and Hasle with stops along the main roads in the island’s northwest. From Rønne, plan on 30–45 minutes total travel, including a 15–25 minute walk from the nearest bus stop along quiet rural lanes to one of the Svartingedal access points. A single bus ticket on the island generally costs in the range of 25–40 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. Services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so checking timetables and allowing extra time for the walk on slightly hilly terrain is important.
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Cycling from Hasle or Rutsker
Cycling to Svartingedal is a rewarding option in good weather, taking roughly 20–30 minutes from Hasle or 10–20 minutes from nearby villages such as Rutsker. You ride on small, undulating country roads with occasional short climbs but generally moderate gradients. There is no fee for entering the reserve, and you can leave your bike discreetly at the edge of the farm area or by the track leading down into the valley. Surfaces are mostly paved, though care is needed in wet conditions and at dusk, when visibility and traffic awareness become more important.
Jættebolden 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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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Jættebolden
A giant’s stone in a deep Bornholm valley
Jættebolden is a massive glacial erratic resting on a steep forested slope in Svartingedal, one of Bornholm’s most beautiful fracture valleys east of Hasle. The boulder, roughly the height of an adult, appears almost casually dropped among tree roots and moss, yet its rounded bulk instantly draws the eye in the otherwise tangled woodland. Local lore explains its presence in a more dramatic way: a Swedish giant is said to have hurled the stone toward Clemens Church in Hasle, only to miss his target. The rock landed here instead, where it has sat for millennia, slowly being wrapped in lichen and myth. Standing beside it, the combination of raw geology and storytelling gives the spot a quietly theatrical feel.Svartingedal’s wild forest setting
Jættebolden lies within Svartingedal, a narrow, forest-filled ravine shaped by deep fractures in Bornholm’s bedrock. Slopes are clothed in deciduous trees, some around 300 years old, and fallen trunks are left to decay naturally. The result is a dense, uneven woodland where dead wood, root plates and undergrowth create a textured, almost primeval landscape that feels far from the island’s busy beaches. The valley floor alternates between damp and drier stretches. In places the path can be muddy or even slightly swampy, especially after rain, adding to the sense of walking through a living, shifting ecosystem. Small clearings break up the forest, giving brief openings of light before the trees close in again around the trail and the giant boulder.Bird reserve rich in life and sound
Svartingedal is managed by Fugleværnsfonden as a bird reserve, and the forest around Jættebolden hums with life. Old trees and standing dead trunks provide nest sites for cavity-nesting birds such as woodpeckers, while the varied structure of the forest supports a wide range of insects and plants that underpin the food web. Listen for drumming woodpeckers, singing warblers and flitting flycatchers in spring and early summer, when birdsong can echo against the steep valley sides. The combination of shaded slopes, wetter patches and lighter glades creates a natural mosaic that encourages biodiversity, making a visit here as much about sound and subtle movement as about the single striking boulder.Traces of farming, quarrying and water
Although today it feels like a realm of old forest, Svartingedal also carries traces of earlier human use. For generations it functioned as an extensively managed farm woodland, where local farmers harvested modest amounts of timber. Near the valley’s meadows lies an old quarry, now quiet, and from autumn to spring a small seasonal waterfall appears nearby, feeding the stream that threads through the ravine. Around these lower areas, wet meadows, marsh and former fields meet woodland edges. Parts of the landscape are now kept open with grazing goats and cattle to prevent the valley from closing entirely under scrub. This interplay of managed openness and deliberate wildness is part of what makes the approach to Jættebolden feel so layered and evolving.Walking to the boulder
Reaching Jættebolden involves following a forest trail along the valley and up towards the slope where the boulder rests. Paths can be uneven with roots, rocks and occasional muddy stretches, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The route is short enough for most walkers yet offers a surprisingly immersive sense of being enveloped by trees, birdsong and the murmur of water. When you finally stand beside the giant stone, its rounded surface worn smooth by ancient ice, the forest tends to fall a little quieter. It is an intimate viewpoint rather than a wide panorama, an invitation to pause, touch the cool rock and imagine the forces – natural and mythical – that brought it to this secluded corner of Bornholm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vang Pier
5.8 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Slemmegrav
9.1 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Domen
10.0 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Den russiske bjørn
10.7 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
10.8 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
11.1 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
11.3 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
11.7 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Melsted Havn
14.6 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
17.8 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
21.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
24.2 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.
Geografisk knudepunkt
26.8 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
30.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Kanonstilling G3
30.0 km
A vast unfinished WWII gun battery hidden in Bornholm’s pines, where moss-covered concrete, dark bunkers and Baltic history meet just behind Dueodde’s dunes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Svartingedalen
0.4 km
A lush Bornholm fissure valley hidden among farm fields, where cool forest shade, steep rock walls and a winding path create an intimate slice of wild nature.
The Brogård stone
2.4 km
Bornholm’s largest Viking runestone, standing quietly by a country road near Hasle, where clear runes in granite still tell a thousand-year-old story.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
3.3 km
A historic merchant’s house in Hasle transformed into Bornholm’s vibrant hub for contemporary ceramics, glass and design – with galleries, shop and café under one roof.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
3.4 km
A quietly dramatic split boulder on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where ancient rock, Baltic light and hints of old sacred landscapes meet above the sea.
Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
3.8 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
Hasle Strand
3.9 km
Long west-coast sands, quiet dunes and pine-backed shoreline where Bornholm’s soft side meets big Baltic sunsets just south of the harbor town of Hasle.
Kultippen Hasle
4.1 km
A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Jons Kapel
4.7 km
Legend-steeped sea cliffs on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where a dry cave and soaring rock walls create a natural “chapel” above the Baltic.
Blåskinsdalen
4.7 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.
Bagågraven
5.7 km
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
Bornholm Technical Collection
6.1 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.
New Church
6.3 km
Historic seafaring heritage and coastal resilience at an evocative museum on Nexø’s bustling harbor, revealing Bornholm’s maritime stories and post-war rebuilding.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
6.4 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.
Pissebækken
6.5 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.
Slotslyngen
6.8 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.
Essential places to dine
The Ranch
1.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
3.6 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.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
6.0 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.7 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 Margeritten
9.5 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
9.5 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
9.6 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
9.7 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.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
10.4 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.
Râzapâz
10.6 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
10.7 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Texas Bornholm
10.7 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Café-Munter
10.8 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
10.9 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
11.0 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
6.4 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
9.7 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Torvehal Bornholm
9.7 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
10.0 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
10.6 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
10.7 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
10.8 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
10.9 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
11.0 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.
sNoir
11.1 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
11.1 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
11.1 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Dansk
11.5 km
Relaxed, value-focused clothing outlet in Rønne offering practical Danish fashion and everyday basics for the whole family, with a cosy coffee corner on site.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
13.5 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Janne K
13.9 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ølhuzed ApS
3.3 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.
Cabaret Bornholm
5.7 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
7.9 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pilen bar & bodega
9.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
9.7 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
10.1 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Underbar
10.4 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.
O'Malley
10.8 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
10.9 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
10.9 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
11.0 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
11.0 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Provianten
14.0 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dagligstuen
17.5 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
17.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
10.7 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
10.9 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Musikhuzet
10.9 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
11.1 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
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
