Kongemindet Tower on Rytterknægten, Bornholm
Royal memorial, forest lookout and Bornholm’s highest point in one – a granite-and-steel tower rising above Almindingen with sweeping island and Baltic views.
Kongemindet is the royal memorial tower crowning Rytterknægten, the highest point on Bornholm, in the heart of Almindingen forest near Aakirkeby. This granite and steel lookout, first raised in 1856 to honor a royal visit and extended in 1899, lifts you to around 184 meters above sea level. On clear days you can gaze across much of Bornholm, the Ertholmene islets, and towards Skåne, while dense woodland, tranquil trails, and birdsong wrap the site in a calm, scenic atmosphere.
A brief summary to Kongemindet
- Kongemindevejen 4, Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim for a clear or lightly cloudy day; distant views towards the Ertholmene islets and Skåne are much sharper when the air is dry and visibility is good.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring an extra layer – the metal stairs can feel exposed and breezy, even when the forest floor is calm and warm.
- Combine the tower visit with a short hike in Almindingen, such as a loop that also takes in Ekkodalen or nearby forest clearings and picnic spots.
- If you are sensitive to heights, take your time on the steel section and focus on the steps rather than looking straight down through the open structure.
- Bring binoculars in spring and autumn; the tower is an excellent platform for spotting migrating birds crossing Bornholm.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Aakirkeby
From central Aakirkeby, reaching Kongemindet by car typically takes about 10–15 minutes. You follow inland roads towards Almindingen forest and use the signed access to the Rytterknægten area, where there is a small parking area a short walk from the tower. There is no entrance fee or parking charge. In high summer and during school holidays the parking area can fill up, so arriving earlier in the day helps avoid congestion.
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Car from Rønne
From Rønne town, the drive to Kongemindet through Bornholm’s interior usually takes around 25–30 minutes. You cross the island on main roads towards Almindingen before branching onto smaller forest roads signposted for Rytterknægten. Roads are paved but can be narrow in places, and driving speeds are lower within the forest. There is no admission fee at the tower, making this an easy low-cost detour on a wider island tour.
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Public bus plus forest walk
Public buses connect Aakirkeby and Rønne with stops along the edge of Almindingen; depending on the line and season, the journey to a suitable stop near the forest typically takes 20–35 minutes and costs roughly 25–40 DKK one way. From the nearest practical stop you should allow a further 30–45 minutes on foot along forest tracks and paths to reach Rytterknægten and the tower. Bus frequencies are reduced on weekends and outside summer, so checking current timetables and planning your return in advance is important.
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Cycling through Almindingen
Cycling to Kongemindet is a rewarding option for confident riders, with quiet roads and forest tracks leading from Aakirkeby or Rønne. From Aakirkeby, expect about 25–40 minutes each way depending on fitness, and from Rønne about 45–70 minutes. Gradients are gentle but there are some steady climbs towards the high point. Surfaces vary from smooth tarmac to compacted gravel, so a hybrid or touring bike is more comfortable than a racing bike. There is no charge to access the tower, and you can leave bicycles near the parking area before walking the final short stretch.
Kongemindet 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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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Kongemindet
Royal memorial on Bornholm’s rooftop
Kongemindet rises from the wooded summit of Rytterknægten, the highest point on Bornholm at 162 meters above sea level. Set deep in Almindingen forest, it feels both central and secluded, a quiet high point in the island’s green heart. The tower was built in 1856 as a memorial to the 1851 visit of King Frederik VII of Denmark and Countess Danner, funded by local residents as a statement of loyalty and pride. Today, the structure still combines ceremonial symbolism with the simple pleasure of a far-reaching view. The core of Kongemindet is a stout granite tower designed by architect Gottlieb Bindesbøll. Its masonry is decorated with sculpted lion heads and crowned by a viewing platform, giving it the character of a small fortress planted among the trees. A dedicatory inscription commemorates the royal visit and gives the tower its name, literally “the king’s memorial”. Even before you climb, there is a sense of standing at a place that has mattered to Bornholmers for generations.Climbing into the Bornholm sky
By the end of the 19th century Almindingen’s trees had grown so tall that the original tower no longer cleared the canopy. In 1899 a steel extension, around 9 meters high, was added on top of the granite base, creating the distinctive two-part silhouette seen today. Together, hill and tower bring you to roughly 184 meters above sea level – one of Denmark’s very highest vantage points. The iron superstructure has twin staircases, one for going up and one for coming down, which threads visitors through a narrow lattice of steel. The climb is not long, but the open framework gives you shifting glimpses of forest and sky as you ascend. At the top, the platform is compact but open to every horizon. On clear days you can scan across most of Bornholm, pick out the line of the Ertholmene archipelago offshore, and sense how the island sits between Baltic sea and Swedish coast.Forest, wildlife and changing seasons
All around Kongemindet stretches Almindingen, one of Denmark’s largest forests, a patchwork of conifers, broadleaf stands, clearings and wetlands. From the tower you see a rolling, tree-cloaked landscape, broken occasionally by glades and distant farmsteads. Down on the forest floor, soft paths, heather and moss create a cool, earthy counterpoint to the airy viewpoint above. This is a place where seasons are sharply drawn. In spring, fresh beech leaves and birdsong rise towards the platform; in summer, dense foliage turns the tower into an island of shade above a green sea. Autumn brings fiery browns and golds, and winter can strip the trees back to reveal more of the island’s contours, sometimes under a frosting of snow. The tower has also been used as a practical high point: radio transmitters and radar once stood here, and in spring it still serves as a perch for bird observations as migrants pass over Bornholm.Stories hidden in stone and metal
Kongemindet carries quiet traces of Danish history. During the Second World War, German forces added a radio installation to the structure, exploiting its height and central position. In the Cold War era, equipment here helped watch movements to the east, a reminder that this tranquil island lay close to a major political frontier. Those layers have since been peeled back, leaving the tower to return to its original role as lookout and landmark. The surrounding Almindingen area contains other historic and natural sites, from rift valleys such as Ekkodalen to ancient fortifications like Gamleborg. Seen from the tower, they are invisible, but knowing they lie in the forest’s folds adds to the sense that Kongemindet is both viewpoint and key to the wider landscape. Standing on the platform, you are quite literally above much of Bornholm’s story.Experiencing Kongemindet today
Visiting Kongemindet is largely an outdoor, self-guided experience. There is no entrance fee, and the tower is generally accessible during daylight hours, inviting spontaneous stops as part of a walk or drive through Almindingen. A small parking area and clear paths make the final approach straightforward, though the last meters involve steps and a short climb on metal stairs. Many visitors combine a brief ascent with a longer forest walk or picnic nearby, using the tower as a highlight rather than the whole outing. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, defined by wind in the treetops, distant woodpeckers, and the occasional clank of footsteps on the steel stairs. For photographers, the structure itself – granite base, iron lattice, and the endless texture of forest beyond – offers strong compositions. For others, the reward is simply the quiet satisfaction of standing on the roof of Bornholm and letting the landscape unfold in every direction.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
5.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
10.4 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
11.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Louisenlund
11.7 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Melsted Havn
11.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Den russiske bjørn
12.0 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
12.2 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
12.4 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
12.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Midterpilt
13.0 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
14.3 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
17.5 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Vang Pier
18.0 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
19.8 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Opal Lake
20.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Opal Lake in Allinge, Bornholm, where adventure and tranquility meet in a stunning natural setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rytterknægten
0.1 km
Bornholm’s modest summit in Almindingen Forest, where a royal memorial tower, whispering pines and modern trail facilities meet in a quietly atmospheric hilltop clearing.
Jægergrotten
0.7 km
A modest historic grotto and garden on Bornholm, offering a quiet glimpse of Aakirkeby’s 19th‑century leisure life amid trees, stonework and gentle calm.
Ekkodalen
0.8 km
Bornholm’s Echo Valley: a dramatic rift of cliffs, forest and meadow where geology, folklore and gentle walking paths meet in the heart of Almindingen.
Dronningestenen
0.8 km
Forest-framed viewpoint on a high Bornholm plateau, where the "Queen’s Stone" opens to sweeping vistas over southern fields and the far Baltic horizon.
Lilleborg
0.9 km
Step into the heart of Bornholm's history at Erichsens Gård, where 19th-century interiors and a tranquil garden reveal the island’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
1.0 km
Step through Bornholm’s forest edge into a dramatic green corridor of cliffs, meadows and echoing rock walls at the main entrance to Ekkodalen.
Gamleborg
1.1 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
1.3 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Bornholms Sommerrevy
1.6 km
Denmark's most local summer revue—where island wit meets musical artistry beneath Bornholm's summer sky.
Rokkestenen i Almindingen
1.6 km
A quietly curious glacial boulder hidden in Almindingen Forest, Rokkestenen invites you to step off the path, brace your hands and feel ancient granite gently move.
Bornholms Brand Park
2.6 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
3.6 km
Walk into a living rewilding experiment in Almindingen, where European bison shape Bornholm’s forest and quiet paths invite close, careful encounters with wild nature.
Bison På Bornholm
3.7 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
5.3 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Rø Transmitter
5.4 km
Explore Kanonstilling G3, a rare WWII German coastal artillery battery near Nexø, Bornholm—authentic bunkers, artillery, and sweeping Baltic Sea views await history enthusiasts.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
1.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
1.5 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 Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
2.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
12.0 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.
Hovedvagten
12.0 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Râzapâz
12.1 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.
Texas Bornholm
12.1 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.
Snurra
12.1 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Café-Munter
12.1 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
12.2 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.
Spektakel-bar
12.3 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
12.3 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Norresan
12.4 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Kadeau Bornholm
12.9 km
Remote, refined and deeply Bornholm at heart, this seaside cottage restaurant turns island gardens, shorelines and smokehouses into an immersive New Nordic tasting journey.
Bakkarøgeriet
13.9 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Bornholm Farm Shop
4.0 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
4.9 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
5.0 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
5.3 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.9 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
8.1 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
11.0 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
11.0 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Dansk
11.4 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
11.7 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
11.8 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
12.0 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.
Janne K
12.1 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.
People-Fashion.dk
12.1 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
William Dams Bookstore
12.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Buddha Bar
5.0 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
5.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
11.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
12.0 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
12.0 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.
O'Malley
12.1 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
12.2 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
12.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Provianten
12.3 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Ølhuzed ApS
14.2 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
15.4 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
15.7 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.2 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.
Madvig
16.2 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Søllings Bodega
16.3 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
11.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
12.1 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
12.2 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
12.4 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
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
