Nexø Museum
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Set in a handsome 1796 sandstone building by Nexø’s harbour on Bornholm, Nexø Museum explores the town’s seafaring past and its dramatic wartime experiences. Inside the former guard and warehouse building, compact but evocative exhibits trace local fishing traditions, trade, and the devastating Soviet bombing of 1945 through photos, artifacts, uniforms, documents and everyday objects. It is an atmospheric stop for anyone curious about Bornholm’s history and Nexø’s resilience.
A brief summary to Nexø Museum
- Havnen 9, Nexø, Nexø, 3730, DK
- +4556492556
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Plan 1–2 hours to see all rooms at an unhurried pace, allowing time to read key panels and study the wartime photographs in detail.
- Most exhibit texts are in Danish; look for any English summary brochure or ask staff for guidance on the main themes.
- Combine a visit with a stroll around the harbour to connect the historic photos and maps with Nexø’s present-day waterfront.
- Check seasonal opening dates before you go, as hours typically concentrate in the warmer months and daytime periods.
- Bring a light layer; older stone buildings by the sea can feel cool indoors even on otherwise mild or sunny days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus from Rønne on Bornholm
From Rønne, take a regional bus towards Nexø; services typically run at least hourly during the day and the journey takes about 45–55 minutes. A one-way adult ticket usually costs around 35–55 DKK, with discounts for children and travel cards. Buses stop in central Nexø, from where it is an easy, mostly level walk of more than 1 km through town streets to the harbour area where the museum stands. Services can be less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so check the timetable in advance.
-
Car from elsewhere on Bornholm
Driving to Nexø from most parts of Bornholm takes about 25–40 minutes, for example around 30 minutes from Rønne or 20–25 minutes from Svaneke, following the island’s main roads across gently rolling countryside. There is no entrance fee for the town itself, but parking regulations and time limits vary near the harbour, and some spaces may be reserved or busy in peak summer. Fuel costs will depend on your starting point; a typical return trip from Rønne might use only a few litres of petrol or diesel. Once in Nexø, allow extra time to find a legal parking spot before walking more than 1 km to the museum along the harbourfront.
-
Cycling along the Bornholm coast
Confident cyclists can reach Nexø via well-known cycling routes that follow Bornholm’s scenic coastline, for example from Svaneke in about 30–45 minutes or from Dueodde in roughly 35–50 minutes depending on fitness and wind. There is no extra cost beyond any bike rental, which typically ranges around 100–200 DKK per day on the island. The terrain is mostly gentle with some short inclines and can be windy near the sea, so pack a windproof layer. Bicycles can be secured near the harbour; from there you will walk more than 1 km on flat ground through the town to the museum.
Nexø Museum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nexø Museum
A historic sandstone sentinel on Nexø’s harbour
Housed in a solid sandstone building right beside the harbour, Nexø Museum immediately feels rooted in the town’s maritime story. The structure dates from 1796, when it was built as “Nexøe Vagt,” the local guard house overseeing the busy port and coastline. Its thick stone walls and gabled roof once symbolised security and authority in a town that lived by the sea. Over time, as Nexø grew and a new town hall took over civic duties in the mid-19th century, the harbour building shifted into use as a warehouse. The walls were heightened to create two full storeys and outbuildings sprang up around it. Today, with those later additions gone, the museum stands as a compact but characterful remnant of the town’s older harbour front, its weathered stone and simple lines mirroring the practical, hard-working life of this fishing town.From fishing village to Bornholm’s east coast hub
Inside, the museum’s rooms open a window onto Nexø’s transformation from modest fishing village to one of Bornholm’s key harbour towns. Exhibits trace the rise of sea fishing and trade, showing how the harbour was gradually expanded to handle larger fleets and growing commerce. Old tools, navigation instruments, harbour equipment and trade documents bring to life a period when the town’s fortunes rose and fell with the catch. Panels and photographs explain how Nexø became the largest fishing port on the island, drawing workers, merchants and shipbuilders. You can follow how new quays, warehouses and processing facilities reshaped the shoreline. The museum situates Nexø’s story within the broader Bornholm context, highlighting the island’s dependence on the Baltic Sea and the constant interplay between local livelihoods and wider regional currents.War, occupation and the 1945 bombardment
One of the most striking parts of Nexø Museum focuses on the Second World War and the Soviet bombing of the town in 1945. Here, archival photographs show Nexø before and after the attacks, revealing just how much of the built-up area was destroyed in a matter of hours. Uniforms, helmets, weapons and emergency equipment add a tangible weight to these stories. Text panels and documents describe the German occupation of Bornholm and the unusual post-war period, when Soviet forces remained on the island for several months after the rest of Denmark was liberated. The displays emphasise the human cost, but also the resilience of residents who rebuilt their lives and homes. Standing in this solid 18th-century building, it is easy to imagine the contrast between the stability of stone and the upheaval outside.Everyday objects and maritime curiosities
Beyond the wartime material, the museum’s collection of everyday items paints a quieter picture of Nexø’s past. Household objects, toiletries, clothing and tools hint at domestic routines in a working harbour town. There are maritime curiosities too, including cannons, signal gear and hefty diving equipment that speak to the dangers and ingenuity of life at sea. Photographs and documents chart local social life, from community events to working scenes on the docks. Taken together, these displays show Nexø not as an abstract name on a map, but as a lived-in place shaped by weather, work and the rhythms of the harbor. The modest scale of the museum makes it easy to absorb these layers of history without feeling overwhelmed.A compact museum with a strong sense of place
Nexø Museum is small enough to explore in an hour or two, yet rich in atmosphere. Many texts are in Danish, but visual material, objects and layouts are straightforward to follow, and printed English information is usually available to help international visitors navigate the themes. The setting by the harbour means that stepping outside, you immediately see modern Nexø framed by the same sea that defines the exhibits inside. This is not a grand national institution but a locally run museum focused on its own town. That focus is its strength: it offers context for everything else you see in Nexø, from the rebuilt streets to the active fishing harbour. For travellers exploring Bornholm’s east coast, Nexø Museum provides a grounded, human-scale introduction to the island’s maritime history and its experience of war and recovery.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Snogebæk Havn
4.3 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Midterpilt
4.4 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.
Louisenlund
9.2 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Geografisk knudepunkt
11.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Klintebakken
14.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Melsted Havn
18.4 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
26.7 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
27.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
27.9 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Den russiske bjørn
27.9 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
28.2 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
28.5 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Domen
32.4 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
32.7 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Madsebakke
32.7 km
Northern Europe's most significant Bronze Age rock carving site, revealing 3,000 years of sacred ritual and symbolic expression.
Unmissable attractions to see
Udforsk Bornholm
0.1 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Nexø Sandskulptur
0.2 km
Ephemeral masterpieces in sand rise between old harbor silos and Baltic light, turning Nexø’s working waterfront into Bornholm’s most unexpected open-air art park.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
1.0 km
A steamy tropical hothouse on the edge of Nexø, where hundreds of exotic butterflies, koi ponds and lush gardens create a vivid island-of-summer on Bornholm.
Rokkestenen
3.5 km
Bornholm’s most famous rocking stone: a 35‑ton Ice Age boulder you can set in motion, hidden in the rugged forested hills of Paradisbakkerne near Svaneke.
Paradisbakkerne
3.8 km
Rocky Ice Age hills, deep forest ravines and ancient fort ruins create a near‑wilderness escape in eastern Bornholm, laced with waymarked trails and quiet forest lakes.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
4.3 km
Iron Age refuge hidden in Bornholm’s rocky Paradisbakkerne, where low ramparts, steep slopes and heather‑clad forest reveal a quiet but powerful story of defence.
Aarsdale Mølle
4.6 km
A brick‑built windmill queen above Aarsdale, where working machinery, Baltic views and Bornholm’s milling heritage come together in a single evocative hilltop landmark.
Snogebæk Strand
4.9 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Hallebrøndshøj
6.8 km
Explore the evocative WWII coastal battery at Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø—where stark history and sweeping Baltic Sea views create a unique Bornholm experience.
Dueodde Strand
7.2 km
Fine white sand, whispering pines and a vast Baltic horizon meet at Bornholm’s southern tip, where Dueodde Strand stretches for kilometres of tranquil, windswept coast.
Brændesgårdshaven
7.5 km
Low‑key family amusement park in the Bornholm countryside, blending rides, water fun, animals and gardens into a relaxed full‑day outing near Svaneke.
Almindingen
7.6 km
Vast reforested heart of Bornholm, where granite cliffs, echoing valleys, castle ruins and European bison meet a web of trails under a deep green canopy.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
7.7 km
A modest 19th‑century lighthouse on Bornholm’s rocky shore, offering open Baltic horizons, weather‑worn masonry and a quietly atmospheric coastal vantage point.
Kanonstilling G3
7.7 km
Explore Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø, a preserved WWII coastal artillery site offering historical insights and stunning Bornholm coastal views.
Bornholmertarnet
7.8 km
Former top-secret NATO listening post turned Cold War museum, crowned by a 70 m viewing tower with sweeping panoramas over Dueodde and eastern Bornholm.
Essential places to dine
Culinarium
0.1 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Snogebæk Røgeri
4.2 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.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
4.4 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.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
8.1 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
8.1 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Restaurant Pakhuset
8.1 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
8.2 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
8.2 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
8.5 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Bakkarøgeriet
11.5 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Kadeau Bornholm
12.4 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 Ekkodalshuset
15.4 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
15.9 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
17.5 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
19.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mollys Verden
4.5 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.
Reflax
8.1 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
8.2 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
8.3 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
My Home Furniture Ronne
13.3 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
13.6 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
14.0 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
14.3 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
16.2 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
16.5 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Janne K
19.3 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.
Lifestone
19.4 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.
Førder Bornholm
19.5 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
20.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
22.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Slævasted
0.2 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.
The Golden Rooster
0.2 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Sørens Værtshus
4.3 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
5.0 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
8.1 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
8.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Buddha Bar
13.6 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
13.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
19.5 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
27.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
27.9 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
27.9 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.
O'Malley
28.0 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
28.1 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
28.1 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
27.4 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
28.0 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
28.1 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
28.3 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
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly