NaturBornholm
Interactive gateway to Bornholm’s dinosaurs, geology and Baltic nature, set right on a dramatic fault line in a striking Henning Larsen–designed centre.
NaturBornholm is Bornholm’s flagship nature and geology centre, set just outside Aakirkeby where the island’s ancient bedrock meets younger sandstone. Inside its striking Henning Larsen–designed building, immersive films, earthquake simulations, dinosaur models and a Baltic Sea aquarium bring 1.2 billion years of natural history to life. Outside, short trails lead over glacially polished rocks and a visible fault line, making this a hands-on, family-friendly gateway to understanding Bornholm’s unique landscape.
A brief summary to NaturBornholm
- Grønningen 30, Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- +4556940400
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours so you can combine the indoor exhibitions with the short outdoor trails over the fault line and glacially polished rocks.
- Arrive close to opening time for quieter galleries and easier access to interactive stations, especially during Danish school holidays and summer.
- Bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes if you want to explore the rocky outcrops and fossil areas around the centre after your museum visit.
- Families can benefit from checking the day’s programme on arrival; seasonal activities and fossil hunts often run at set times and fill quickly.
- Combine your visit with nearby Almindingen Forest or Ekkodalen to make a full nature-focused day in central Bornholm.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne to NaturBornholm typically takes 20–25 minutes via the main cross-island road, with straightforward, well-maintained routes year-round. There is free parking for cars and bicycles directly at the centre, but spaces can fill during peak summer hours. Fuel costs are your main expense; there are no separate road tolls on Bornholm.
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Bus from Rønne or Nexø
Regional buses connect Rønne and Nexø with Aakirkeby, with many services continuing or stopping at NaturBornholm’s nearby bus stop. The journey usually takes 25–35 minutes from Rønne and a similar time from Nexø, depending on the line. A single adult ticket typically costs around 30–40 DKK within Bornholm, with discounts for children. Services run more frequently on weekdays and in summer; outside peak seasons, check timetables as evening departures may be limited.
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Cycling from Aakirkeby
From central Aakirkeby, a dedicated cycle path leads out to NaturBornholm in about 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is gently undulating and suitable for most cyclists, including older children, though it can be windy in open stretches. There is free bicycle parking at the centre. This is a good low-cost option in mild, dry weather, but less comfortable in heavy rain or strong winds.
NaturBornholm location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about NaturBornholm
Where Bornholm’s Story Begins Beneath Your Feet
NaturBornholm sits in the heart of the island at Aakirkeby, exactly where two dramatically different worlds of rock collide. Here a visible fault line separates ancient Precambrian gneiss from younger Cambrian sandstone, compressing 1.2 billion years of geological history into the span of a single stride. Standing outside, you can literally place one foot on each era and feel why this spot was chosen as Bornholm’s main nature and geology centre. The surrounding low hills and rounded outcrops show the work of the Ice Age. Bavnet rocks beside the car park are smoothed and grooved by glaciers, their surfaces etched with striations that read like fingerprints of passing ice. Short waymarked paths lead from the building onto exposed bedrock, where information panels explain how earthquakes, shifting seas and retreating ice sculpted the landscape you see today.Architecture Shaped by Rock and Light
Opened in 2000, NaturBornholm was designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen, known for bright, sculptural buildings that play with daylight. The centre covers almost 4000 square metres yet sits low in the terrain, echoing the horizontal lines of the surrounding fields and heath. Its most distinctive feature is a long glass corridor that cuts through the structure like a fissure, a deliberate reference to the geological crack just outside. The façade mixes minimalist Scandinavian lines with rugged materials. Gabion walls packed with local granite anchor the building to the ground, while generous glazing frames views towards Klintebakken hill and the central Bornholm countryside. Inside, open exhibition halls, mezzanines and quiet niches flow into one another, creating space for large installations as well as intimate displays. Light wells and skylights change the mood through the day, reinforcing the sense that this is a building in constant dialogue with the nature around it.From Dinosaurs to Earthquakes and Fossils
The core exhibition leads you on a time journey from the island’s fiery formation to its present-day forests and coasts. A panoramic introductory film and thunderous soundscape set the scene before you step onto a platform that shudders with an earthquake simulation, evoking the forces that created Bornholm’s fault zone. Nearby, large-scale models and skeletons of prehistoric animals, including the local predator Dromaeosaurides bornholmiensis, show that dinosaurs once roamed what is now a gentle Baltic island. Interactive stations invite you to touch rock types, examine minerals under magnification and experiment with how erosion and tectonic movements reshape landscapes. Displays on the Strøby quarry reveal fossilised seabeds, jellyfish impressions and early traces of life from more than 500 million years ago. Younger visitors can follow themed discovery routes, solving small tasks that connect volcanic eruptions, tropical seas and wandering ice sheets into one coherent timeline.Living Nature, Baltic Waters and Outdoor Trails
Beyond deep time, NaturBornholm turns to the island’s current ecosystems. Exhibits on flora and fauna introduce Bornholm’s mix of northern and southern species, from forest plants in Almindingen to coastal birds and rare insects. Simple, hands-on experiments explain why the Baltic Sea is much less salty than the open ocean and how this shapes the fish and invertebrates living there. A highlight is the Baltic aquarium, where tanks recreate the layered world beneath the surface. Here you can watch cod, flounder and other coastal species cruise past stones and seaweed while learning about salinity, oxygen levels and conservation challenges. Outside, family-friendly paths and play areas extend the visit into the open air. You can follow a short loop over fossil-rich rocks, join seasonal fossil hunts or simply sit on a bench and look across central Bornholm’s rolling farmland.Family-Friendly Science and Seasonal Experiences
NaturBornholm is designed as an experience centre rather than a traditional museum, with many elements aimed at children without losing scientific depth. Activity clubs, themed days and guided excursions introduce younger visitors to fieldwork, from searching for trace fossils to exploring nearby streams and waterfalls. Indoors, small driving tracks, experiment stations and tactile models keep energy levels high even on grey days. Practical facilities support lingering a little longer. A café offers simple meals and snacks, often with local ingredients, while a small shop stocks geology-themed gifts, books and games. The main season runs from spring to autumn, when exhibitions, outdoor trails and special programmes are all in full swing. Allow at least two to three hours to explore, more if you plan to combine the indoor galleries with walks in the surrounding countryside or onward visits to Bornholm’s central forests and viewpoints.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
0.5 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
8.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Midterpilt
11.5 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.
Louisenlund
12.6 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
13.5 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Snogebæk Havn
13.6 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
14.0 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
14.3 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Den russiske bjørn
14.5 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
14.6 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
15.0 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Melsted Havn
16.1 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Vang Pier
23.4 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
25.3 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
26.3 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
Bornholm Automobilmuseum Aakirkeby
1.2 km
Bornholm's award-winning automobile museum preserving over 80 classic vehicles and automotive heritage.
Boderne Bornholm
1.3 km
A quiet ribbon of pale sand, dunes and harbour life on Bornholm’s south coast, where a former fishing hamlet now offers relaxed, low-key Baltic beach days.
Dronningestenen
4.8 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.
Ekkodalen
4.9 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.
Jægergrotten
4.9 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.
Vingården Lille Gadegård
5.1 km
Bornholm’s largest vineyard, blending northern-latitude wine, homely Danish buffets and laid-back farm life in a rustic countryside setting near Aakirkeby.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
5.2 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.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
5.5 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.
Gamleborg
5.5 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Kongemindet
5.6 km
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.
Rytterknægten
5.6 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.
Baptist Stein
5.7 km
A raw clifftop terrace above Sose Bay where gravel, grass and sea meet, offering wide Bornholm coastal views, salty wind and simple, unfiltered Baltic scenery.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
6.0 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Bison På Bornholm
6.1 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
Lilleborg
6.2 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
5.2 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
6.4 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Kadeau Bornholm
7.4 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
8.2 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Bakkarøgeriet
8.4 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
13.4 km
Cosy seaside dining in Snogebæk, where hearty Danish dishes, Baltic seafood and a leafy summer courtyard capture the laid-back charm of Bornholm’s south coast.
Snogebæk Røgeri
13.5 km
Traditional Bornholm smokehouse and seafood buffet in the seaside village of Snogebæk, combining casual dining with a well‑stocked shop of freshly smoked fish.
Culinarium
13.9 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Hovedvagten
14.3 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
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.
Texas Bornholm
14.5 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
14.5 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Râzapâz
14.6 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.
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
14.6 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
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
0.3 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sparloppan
0.8 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
1.1 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.2 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Mollys Verden
13.3 km
A cosy Bornholm interiors haven in Snogebæk, where playful Nordic design, colourful homewares and quirky gifts turn casual browsing into a gentle little adventure.
Dansk
13.4 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
13.5 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
14.0 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.
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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
14.5 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
14.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
William Dams Bookstore
14.5 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.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
14.5 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.
People-Fashion.dk
14.5 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dagligstuen
0.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
0.8 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.
Sørens Værtshus
13.5 km
Casual seaside pub in Snogebæk serving deep-pan stone-oven pizza, cold drinks and live summer music a short stroll from Bornholm’s sandy beaches.
The Golden Rooster
13.6 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
13.8 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Slævasted
13.9 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.
Café Lille Per
14.3 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
14.4 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
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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
15.2 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
16.3 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
16.4 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Provianten
16.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
13.9 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
14.5 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
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.
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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Educational
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly