Madsebakke Bronze Age Rock Carvings
Denmark’s largest Bronze Age rock carving field, where ships, sun symbols and ancient footprints emerge from a quiet Bornholm hillside of weathered granite.
Tucked between Allinge and Sandvig on North Bornholm, Madsebakke is Denmark’s largest field of Bronze Age rock carvings. Up to 3,000 years old, the petroglyphs spread across a sloping granite outcrop, with ship figures, sun crosses and mysterious footprints picked out in red paint to make them visible. Simple paths, information boards and open farmland views create a tranquil, time‑slipping stop where you can stand exactly where ritual gatherings once took place.
A brief summary to Madsebakke
- Stadionvej 1, Allinge, 3770, DK
- +4556959500
- 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
- Give your eyes time to adjust and move slowly around the rock; the ship and sun carvings often appear more clearly when viewed from a low angle or in raking light.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, as the exposed granite can be uneven and slippery in wet weather despite the short, easy approach.
- Respect the conservation rules: avoid stepping on the carved surfaces or tracing them with fingers so the shallow lines can survive future weathering.
- Bring a light jacket; the exposed hilltop catches coastal breezes even on warm days, especially in the evening when the light is best for viewing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus from Rønne to Allinge
From Rønne, take a regional bus towards Allinge–Sandvig; services typically run at least hourly in daytime and the journey takes about 45–55 minutes. A single adult ticket usually costs around 40–60 DKK depending on route and time of day. From central Allinge it is an easy walk of around 15–25 minutes on pavements and paths to reach the Madsebakke rock slope. Buses can be busy in summer, so allow extra time if you need to catch a specific departure.
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Bicycle from Allinge or Sandvig
Bornholm is well set up for cycling, and Madsebakke lies close to local cycle routes between Allinge and Sandvig. From either town centre, expect a relaxed 10–20 minute ride on minor roads and bike paths with a few gentle slopes. Standard bike rental in the area generally costs around 100–150 DKK per day. Surfaces are mostly paved or compacted gravel, but be prepared for wind exposure and take care when leaving your bike near the access path so as not to block farm tracks.
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Taxi from Rønne or island resorts
Taxis on Bornholm can take you directly to the small access road near Madsebakke. From Rønne the drive typically takes 30–35 minutes, while from closer coastal resorts on North Bornholm it may be as little as 10–20 minutes. Fares from Rønne often fall in the range of 350–500 DKK depending on time of day and waiting time, and are lower for shorter local trips. Taxis should be booked in advance, especially outside high season or in the evening.
Madsebakke location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Madsebakke
Bronze Age stories etched into Bornholm granite
Madsebakke is a low, sloping granite hill just inland from the coast between Allinge and Sandvig, but its modest profile hides one of Northern Europe’s most important Bronze Age rock carving sites. Scattered across the rock are dozens of petroglyphs – ships, wheel-shaped sun symbols and pairs of feet – carved gradually over several centuries roughly 2,500–3,000 years ago. The field here is the largest concentration of such carvings in Denmark, turning this quiet patch of countryside into a key site for understanding Scandinavian prehistory. The granite itself once attracted quarrying, and several nearby carving fields were destroyed in the 19th century. Madsebakke’s main outcrop survived largely because the stone was considered poor for industrial use. Today the bedrock is protected, and many of the motifs are traced with a thin layer of red paint so their shallow lines can still be read against the weathered rock under changing light.Symbols of sun, sea and ritual life
As you move along the rock, you can pick out elongated ship figures with high, curling prows, often interpreted as stylised longboats cutting across imagined seas. Circular crosses enclosed in rings – the so‑called sun crosses – hint at a cosmology where the sun, cycles and navigation were closely linked. Nearby, carved footprints seem to step across the rock, perhaps marking the presence of deities, ancestors or participants in ceremonies. Archaeological excavations around the rock have revealed fire-cracked stones, traces of stone paving and long hearths, suggesting that Madsebakke functioned as a ritual gathering place rather than just an isolated rock art panel. The combination of carvings, controlled fire and prepared surfaces points to ceremonies that may have blended offerings, communal meals, music and dance. The exact meanings are lost, but the physical evidence anchors the site in the lived religious landscape of the late Bronze Age.A quiet landscape shaped by protection and care
The rock and its immediate surroundings form part of a protected area of open fields, low vegetation and scattered trees. Simple paths bring you close to the carvings without dominating the landscape, and low fencing guides you away from the most fragile surfaces. Information panels explain the key motifs and outline the site’s discovery in the 1880s, when systematic recording of Bornholm’s rock art began in earnest. Conservation here is a constant balancing act. Granite weathers faster than many imagine, and lichen, frost and modern air pollution all contribute to the slow softening of the carved lines. To reduce impact, visitors are urged not to walk on the carved areas or trace the figures by hand. The red paint you see is not decoration but a reversible conservation tool that makes the carvings legible while allowing specialists to maintain and, if necessary, renew the markings.Experiencing Madsebakke with time and light
A visit to Madsebakke is less about spectacle and more about slowing down. The carvings are relatively small, and it takes time for your eyes to adjust and the motifs to emerge from the speckled granite. Moving around the rock, changing your viewing angle and letting shadows fall across the surface can suddenly reveal a ship or sun symbol you had just missed. The surroundings reinforce this reflective mood. Beyond the rock, you look out over farmland and, in places, towards the rocky coastline that once framed Bronze Age seafaring. Birds, wind in the grass and distant village sounds form the natural soundtrack. Many visitors pair a focused half‑hour at the carvings with a gentle walk on nearby paths, letting the experience settle while remaining within the same historic landscape.Bornholm’s wider network of rock carvings
Madsebakke does not stand alone. Bornholm holds numerous rock carving sites, from smaller isolated panels to other multi‑motif outcrops. What makes Madsebakke distinctive is the density and variety of images gathered in one place. Here you can see almost the full range of motifs known from the island – ships, sun symbols, cup marks and feet – in a single compact area. This cluster has made Madsebakke a reference point for researchers comparing Scandinavian rock art traditions. For travellers, it provides an accessible way to step into that scholarly conversation, not through heavy interpretation, but by standing in front of the rock and considering what it meant to return to the same surface generation after generation. The result is a visit that quietly links present‑day Bornholm to its Bronze Age coastal communities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
0.5 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
5.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
15.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
19.0 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
20.6 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
20.7 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
21.0 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.1 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
21.6 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
24.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
25.5 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
28.4 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
32.8 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
34.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
35.4 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.2 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
1.8 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 Lighthouse
1.9 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Salomons kapel
2.0 km
Remote medieval chapel ruins beneath Hammerknuden’s granite cliffs, where Baltic herring history, stone walls and sweeping sea views meet on Bornholm’s wild north coast.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
2.1 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Hammeren
2.2 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Æggehønen
2.3 km
A smooth, egg-shaped granite boulder on Bornholm’s north coast, Æggehønen is a tiny but memorable landmark for coastal walkers, photographers and boulderers.
Den Våde Ovn
2.3 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.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
2.4 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
2.5 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Ravnedalen
2.7 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.
Slotslyngen
3.6 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
3.9 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.
Pissebækken
4.4 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.
Blåskinsdalen
6.7 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.
Essential places to dine
Terrassen
1.0 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.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
1.0 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.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
1.1 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 Margeritten
1.1 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
1.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
4.9 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
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.
The Ranch
8.2 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.6 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.
Norresan
13.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
14.0 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
14.1 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
17.4 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
19.3 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
20.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
12.1 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Førder Bornholm
13.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
14.0 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
14.1 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
16.5 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
16.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
18.3 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
19.0 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.6 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
19.9 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
20.5 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
20.6 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
20.7 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
20.8 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
20.9 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Underbar
0.5 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.
Ølstauan
0.8 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
1.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Penyllan Brewery
4.6 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
4.7 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
12.1 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.
Provianten
13.9 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
20.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
20.7 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
20.8 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
20.8 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
20.9 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
20.9 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Buddha Bar
24.9 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
25.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
20.5 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
20.7 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
20.8 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
20.9 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
