Oluf Høst Museum, Gudhjem
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Set on a rocky slope above Gudhjem’s north harbour, the Oluf Høst Museum is an intimate art museum in the former home and studios of Bornholm’s celebrated painter Oluf Høst (1884–1966). Paintings hang in the very rooms and garden ateliers where they were created, framed by granite outcrops, sea views and shifting Baltic light that inspired his classic modernist landscapes. Seasonal special exhibitions, a small cinema and a tranquil garden make this a quietly atmospheric stop in Gudhjem.
A brief summary to Oluf Høst Museum
- Løkkegade 35, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- +4556485038
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1–1.5 hours so you can visit all three studios, watch the film about Oluf Høst and spend unhurried time in the steep rock garden.
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths in the garden are uneven and sloping, and the summer studio sits higher up the hillside with some steps.
- Check the current season’s special exhibitions in advance, especially if you are interested in contemporary Danish art shown alongside Høst’s works.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the coastal position can be breezy, and indoor temperatures in the historic house can feel cool.
- If visiting with children, look for the garden painting area, which offers a relaxed way for younger visitors to engage with the museum.
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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Bus from Rønne on Bornholm
From Rønne, take a regional BAT bus toward Gudhjem; the journey typically takes about 40–55 minutes depending on the route and season. Tickets usually cost around 30–60 DKK one way, with reduced fares for children and youth. Buses run several times a day in high season but less frequently in winter, so it is worth checking current timetables. From Gudhjem’s central bus stop, the walk up through town to the museum involves a noticeable uphill stretch and cobbled lanes, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
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Car or taxi from elsewhere on Bornholm
Driving to Gudhjem from most Bornholm towns is straightforward and usually takes 20–35 minutes, for example roughly 30 minutes from Rønne and 20 minutes from Svaneke. Expect typical local taxi fares of about 250–450 DKK for these distances, depending on time of day and waiting time. Near the museum and in the surrounding streets there are small parking areas, but spaces can be limited in peak summer hours, so allow extra time to find a spot and be prepared for short uphill walks from the car to the entrance.
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Walking within Gudhjem
If you are already staying in Gudhjem, reaching the museum on foot is the most practical option. Most guesthouses and central streets in the village are within a 10–20 minute walk. The route involves steep, narrow lanes and some uneven surfaces typical of this hillside town, so flat shoes are recommended. The walk is not ideal for those with significant mobility issues, but it rewards you with scenic glimpses of rooftops and sea as you approach the museum.
Oluf Høst Museum 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
Discover more about Oluf Høst Museum
An artist’s villa overlooking the Baltic
The Oluf Høst Museum occupies Norresân, the whitewashed villa that painter Oluf Høst built in 1929 on the northern edge of Gudhjem, high above the Baltic Sea. He lived and worked here until his death in 1966, shaping the house and steep garden to suit his needs as an artist. Today the same rooms, terraces and outbuildings form a compact museum that still feels like a lived-in home rather than a formal gallery. Born and raised on Bornholm, Høst became the island’s best‑known artist and the only native member of the Bornholm School, a loose group of painters captivated by the island’s crystalline light and rugged coastline. Inside the villa you encounter his world at close range: weathered furniture, simple interiors and large canvases leaning over radiators or hanging above doorways, as they did in his lifetime.Light, landscape and the Bornholm School
Høst’s work is steeped in Nordic light and landscape, and the collection here brings that obsession into sharp focus. More than 50 paintings, sketches and drawings span decades of his career, many centred on recurring motifs like the farmhouse Bognemark or the smokehouses at Nørresand. He painted some subjects hundreds of times, in snow, in dusk, under moonlight, or bathed in late summer sun, chasing subtle shifts of colour and atmosphere. Wall texts and a small film screened in the main house trace his path from studies in Copenhagen to exhibitions abroad, including New York and major European shows, before he settled permanently back on Bornholm. The museum places particular emphasis on his distinctive form of Scandinavian modernism, where solid, almost sculptural forms sit under brooding skies, and human presence is hinted at rather than described.Studios in a quarry garden
Behind the villa, a steep rock garden climbs toward the remains of an old quarry. Narrow paths weave between granite boulders, wild grass and low shrubs, opening suddenly onto sea views and glimpses of Gudhjem’s red roofs below. Two separate studios punctuate this ascent: an atelier in the garden and a summer studio higher up, where Høst worked outdoors for much of the year. These workspaces now host changing exhibitions and interpretive displays about the artist’s life, family and circle of friends. Standing at the windows or on the small terraces, you can match the surrounding landscape to motifs you have just seen on canvas inside. The garden’s raw stone, salty air and shifting cloud cover make it easy to understand why Høst considered this hillside a vital part of his creative process.Atmosphere, films and seasonal exhibitions
Beyond the permanent displays, the museum mounts temporary exhibitions each season, often pairing Høst’s works with fellow Danish artists or contemporaries who engaged with similar themes. These shows may be installed in the villa or the summer studio, adding fresh layers of context to the core collection without overwhelming the intimate scale of the house. A small cinema room offers a documentary about Høst, with archival footage, photographs and commentary that illuminate his methods and temperament. Throughout the museum, the emphasis remains on slow looking: there are few flashy digital installations, just carefully chosen texts, occasional multimedia stories and the quiet presence of paintings in familiar domestic spaces.A quiet garden retreat within Gudhjem
Outside, benches are scattered among the rocks and trees, inviting you to linger with a view of the Baltic or simply enjoy the shelter of the garden walls on a windy day. In season, refreshments such as coffee and light drinks are available, turning the garden into a modest café‑like refuge. Families will find a small area where children can try their hand at painting, echoing the creative spirit of the place without disturbing its calm. Despite its location within Gudhjem, the museum feels surprisingly secluded once you step through the gate. The combination of homely interiors, concentrated art and a dramatic garden landscape makes it an evocative stop for anyone interested in Danish painting, Bornholm’s artistic heritage or just a contemplative hour away from the harbourfront bustle.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
1.4 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
10.7 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Domen
13.2 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
15.4 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Midterpilt
15.5 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.
Klintebakken
17.2 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
18.9 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
20.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
20.8 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholm Airport
21.2 km
Discover the beauty of Bornholm Island through its charming airport, your first step into Denmark's picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
St Nicholas Church
21.3 km
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.4 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
21.5 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
21.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
23.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
0.2 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
0.2 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Røverborgen
0.4 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Hestestenene
0.6 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
1.1 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
1.5 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Kobbeådalen
2.6 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
3.7 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Helligdomsklipperne
3.9 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter
4.2 km
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Dry Oven CAVE
4.3 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
The Sanctuary Rocks
4.5 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
4.5 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Black Pot
4.6 km
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Østerlars Church
4.7 km
Denmark’s largest round church, Østerlars blends 12th‑century stone fortification, vivid medieval frescoes and Viking rune stones in a single atmospheric Bornholm landmark.
Essential places to dine
Norresan
0.0 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
0.4 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
0.6 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.
Stammershalle Badehotel
7.0 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
10.9 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 Ekkodalshuset
12.1 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
12.3 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
12.5 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
12.6 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.
Terrassen
12.6 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.
Svaneke Røgeri
13.9 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
The Ranch
13.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
14.0 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
14.0 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
0.3 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
3.3 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
4.8 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
5.6 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
8.3 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
13.7 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Art Box Bornholm
14.1 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
14.1 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
14.2 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.9 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.2 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
16.7 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Torvehal Bornholm
20.1 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
0.4 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
9.3 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
11.1 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
12.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.8 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
13.9 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.
Søllings Bodega
14.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
14.1 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Buddha Bar
16.2 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
16.2 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.3 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
16.9 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.
The Golden Rooster
19.8 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
20.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Slævasted
20.0 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Business Friendly