Jons Kapel (Jon’s Chapel) Sea Cliffs
Sheer granite cliffs, a legendary hermit’s “chapel” and Baltic waves crashing below make Jons Kapel one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric coastal viewpoints.
Perched on Bornholm’s wild west coast north of Hasle, Jons Kapel is a dramatic rock bluff where steep coastal cliffs tumble up to 40 meters down to the Baltic Sea. Shaped by Ice Age forces and centuries of waves, the freestanding cliff known as Jon’s Church shelters a dry sea cave and a cluster of ledges linked to legends of a preaching hermit. A long stairway drops from the forested clifftop to wave-washed rocks, rewarding effort with sweeping views and a powerful sense of isolation.
A brief summary to Jons Kapel
- Hasle, 3790, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a long stairway with many steps between the clifftop and the shoreline; there are no lifts or handrails in some sections.
- Bring water and a snack, as there are no services at the cliffs themselves and shade is limited once you leave the forested approach.
- Plan extra time for short walks along the coastal path; some of the finest views of Jon’s Church and the surrounding cliffs are from nearby viewpoints.
- Avoid the shoreline during storms or very high waves, as wet rocks can be extremely slippery and unexpected swells may reach higher than expected.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Hasle
From Hasle town centre, driving to the signed access for Jons Kapel typically takes 10–15 minutes along local roads. There is a small parking area near the forest entrance, usually free of charge, but spaces are limited in peak season and larger vehicles may find it tight. From the car park, allow an additional 15–20 minutes on foot along forest paths and down the stairway to reach the cliffs; the walk includes many steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
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Local bus plus walk
During the main season, regional buses run along Bornholm’s west coast between Rønne and northern villages, with some services stopping on the road closest to Jons Kapel. The bus journey from Hasle or Rønne usually takes 15–30 minutes, with fares in the range of 25–40 DKK one way depending on distance. Check current timetables, as frequencies can be reduced outside summer and at weekends. From the nearest stop, expect a 20–30 minute walk along minor roads and forest paths to the clifftop trailhead.
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Cycling the west coast route
Cycling from Hasle to the Jons Kapel area along the coastal cycling routes generally takes 25–40 minutes each way for an average rider. The roads are mostly paved and gently undulating, but short hills and coastal winds can make the ride more demanding. There are no dedicated bike racks at the site, so plan to lock your bicycle discreetly near the forest access without blocking paths. The final approach to the viewpoint and stairway is on foot only, along unpaved trails with roots and occasional mud after rain.
Jons Kapel location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Jons Kapel
Clifftop Drama on Bornholm’s Wild West Coast
Jons Kapel, or Jon’s Chapel, crowns a rugged stretch of Bornholm’s west coast about seven kilometres north of Hasle. Here the island’s granite bedrock presents itself as a wall of cliffs up to around 40 metres high, hewn by the Baltic over thousands of years. From the wooded clifftop the sea seems to press straight against the rock, broken only by narrow shelves and freestanding towers. The site is named for the most striking of these towers, known as Jon’s Church, which rises like a natural pulpit near the base of the cliff. From above, narrow paths lead to viewpoints where you can look along the serrated coastline, watching waves and seabirds tracing the same lines carved by past glaciers and relentless surf.Legends of a Hermit Preacher
Local folklore tells of a hermit named Jon who once lived here in seclusion, using the great rock as his chapel. According to the story, islanders would gather on the boulders below while Jon addressed them from a natural ledge halfway up the cliff. The dramatic setting, with the sea as his backdrop and the sky as his roof, gave rise to the name Jons Kapel – Jon’s Chapel. Walking around the base of the cliff, it is easy to imagine such a scene. Darker alcoves hint at primitive shelter, and the way sound bounces between rock faces gives an almost amphitheatre-like quality. Whether or not Jon truly existed, the blend of geology and legend lends the place a quietly theatrical character.Rock Formations, Cave and Stairway Descent
The most distinctive feature is the dry cave set into the side of Jon’s Church, formed when sea levels were higher and waves undercut the rock. Today it sits above the shoreline, a reminder of changing coasts and a welcome nook from the wind. Around it, the granite is patterned with fractures, ledges and boulders, each bearing the marks of erosion and frost. Access from the clifftop to the shore is via a long wooden stairway that zigzags down the steep slope. The descent can feel demanding, but each landing opens up new angles on the rock tower and the broader coast. At the bottom, flat slabs and rounded stones make a natural viewing platform for studying the layers in the cliff and watching the Baltic surge and retreat around the base of the formations.Birdlife, Baltic Light and Changing Seasons
Jons Kapel is also known as an excellent vantage point for coastal birdlife. Gulls, cormorants and other seabirds circle the updrafts, perching on ledges that humans can only admire from afar. In spring and early summer, the surrounding cliffs and forested approaches are laced with greenery and wildflowers, softening the stark granite. The mood of the place shifts with the weather. On bright days, the rock glows warm against a deep blue sea, and distant ships trace the horizon. Under cloud or in rougher conditions, waves hammer the cliff base and spray drifts across the stones, amplifying the site’s raw, elemental feel. Sunset can be particularly atmospheric, as the low light ignites the cliff face and the sea darkens below.Walking, Reflection and Coastal Exploration
Most visits combine Jons Kapel with short walks along the coastal paths that thread the adjoining forest. These trails offer frequent openings to the sea and occasional benches where you can pause and listen to the surf far below. The mixture of shaded woodland and exposed viewpoints makes it easy to adjust the experience to the day’s conditions. Despite its dramatic setting, Jons Kapel remains a relatively simple, undeveloped nature site: a stairway, paths, a few information signs and the ever-present rock and water. That simplicity encourages a slower pace – time to follow the lines in the granite, to sense the scale of the cliffs from top and bottom, and to let the rhythm of the waves and wind imprint the memory of this stark, story-rich corner of Bornholm.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vang Pier
1.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
7.2 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Slemmegrav
13.1 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Den russiske bjørn
14.4 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
14.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
14.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
14.9 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
15.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Melsted Havn
16.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
22.4 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
24.5 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
28.2 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
31.4 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Bornholmertarnet
34.1 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Bornholmertarnet, a unique landmark and museum in Nexø, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
34.3 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Blåskinsdalen
0.3 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.
Pissebækken
2.6 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.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
2.8 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.
Slotslyngen
3.3 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.
Bornholm Technical Collection
3.4 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.
Svartingedalen
4.3 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.
Ravnedalen
4.4 km
A rugged rift valley of granite, heath and quiet history on northern Bornholm, where narrow rocky paths, shelters and rare wildlife create an intimate wild escape.
Jættebolden
4.7 km
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.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
4.8 km
Bornholm’s great clifftop fortress, where vast medieval ruins, Baltic Sea panoramas and a striking modern visitor centre bring 800 years of history to life.
Løvehovederne
4.8 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Den Våde Ovn
5.1 km
A dramatic 70 m sea cave hidden in Bornholm’s granite cliffs beneath Hammershus, Den Våde Ovn is reached only by boat and reveals the island’s wild Baltic coastline up close.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
5.6 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.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
5.8 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Opal Lake
6.1 km
A flooded granite quarry turned emerald lake, Opal Lake on Bornholm blends raw cliffs, deep clear water and coastal views with swimming, cliff jumps and rugged trails.
Hammeren
6.2 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Essential places to dine
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
2.1 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
The Ranch
2.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
6.0 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
7.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
7.1 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.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
7.2 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
7.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Terrassen
7.2 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.
Stammershalle Badehotel
9.3 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.
Râzapâz
14.3 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
14.4 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
14.4 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
14.5 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.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
14.6 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
14.7 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
10.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Torvehal Bornholm
13.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
13.7 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
14.4 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
14.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
People-Fashion.dk
14.4 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
14.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
14.6 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.
Snellemark Centret
14.7 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
sNoir
14.7 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
14.7 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
14.7 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.
Dansk
15.4 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.
Førder Bornholm
16.1 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
16.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cabaret Bornholm
5.0 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
5.5 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
7.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
7.2 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
7.4 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.
Penyllan Brewery
7.4 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
14.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
14.5 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
14.6 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
14.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
14.7 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
14.8 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
16.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dagligstuen
22.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
22.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
14.4 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
14.6 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
14.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
After Dark
14.7 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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- 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
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
