Opal Lake (Opalsøen), Bornholm
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.
Carved from a former granite quarry on Bornholm’s rugged northern tip near Allinge, Opal Lake (Opalsøen) is an emerald-blue basin ringed by steep cliffs on the Hammeren peninsula. Today this dramatic artificial lake is a striking nature playground: you can swim in deep, clear water, follow rocky trails around the shore, hike up to sweeping views over Hammerknuden and the Baltic, or test your nerve with cliff jumps and a summer zipline that flies out over the lake.
A brief summary to Opal Lake
- Allinge, 3770, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 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
- The lake is extremely deep with steep drop-offs from the shore, so only strong swimmers should enter the water and jumping should be done only from clearly used ledges.
- Bring sturdy shoes; paths around the lake and up Hammerknuden can be rocky, uneven and slippery after rain, making sandals a poor choice.
- If you want to try the zipline or organized climbing, plan for a summer visit and check locally for operating hours and age or weight restrictions.
- Pack water, snacks and a towel; facilities immediately at the lake are sparse, and shade can be limited on bright days.
- Combine a swim at Opal Lake with a longer walk over Hammeren to viewpoints of Hammershus castle and the Baltic Sea for a full half-day outing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Allinge and Sandvig
From Allinge or Sandvig, use the local bus service that runs along the northern coast towards Hammeren; typical journey times are around 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point, and a single ticket usually costs in the range of 20–35 DKK. Services run more frequently in summer but are less frequent on weekends and outside the main season. You will be dropped off within walking distance of the Hammeren area, from where a short, occasionally uneven path leads to Opal Lake; this approach is not ideal for visitors with limited mobility.
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Car or rental car on Bornholm
Driving from Rønne to the Allinge area typically takes about 30–40 minutes on main island roads, and from Allinge you should allow a further 5–10 minutes to reach parking areas serving Hammeren and Opal Lake. There is usually free or low‑cost public parking nearby, but spaces can fill quickly on sunny summer days and during school holidays. From the parking areas you continue on foot along established paths; the final access includes gradients and rocky sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
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Bicycle from nearby coastal towns
Bornholm is well set up for cycling, and reaching Opal Lake by bike from Allinge or Sandvig generally takes 10–25 minutes along local roads and cycle‑friendly routes with some short hills. There is no fee to bring a bicycle on the approach paths, though you should leave it at designated racks or sensible spots before entering the rougher terrain around the quarry. This option is best for reasonably confident cyclists, as some stretches share the road with motor traffic and winds along the coast can be strong.
Opal Lake location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Opal Lake
Granite Quarry Turned Emerald Basin
Opal Lake sits in the scar of Hammerbruddet, once one of Bornholm’s most important granite quarries. From the late 19th century until 1970, stone was cut from these walls and shipped across Denmark, fuelling a boom that shaped the island’s economy and coastline. When extraction stopped, groundwater and rain slowly filled the pit, transforming an industrial void into a deep, enclosed lake with remarkably clear, mineral-rich water. Today the old workings are softened by nature. Steep rock faces plunge straight into the lake, their grey and rust-red tones mirrored in glassy green-blue water that hints at the site’s opalescent name. The geometry of blasted quarry terraces is still visible, but moss, heather and scrub now cling to ledges, while seabirds patrol the cliffs and calls echo around the basin.Cliffs, Colors and Raw Coastal Drama
Opal Lake lies just inland from Bornholm’s northernmost headland, wrapped into the granite dome of Hammeren. The setting is surprisingly compact yet dramatic: sheer walls up to several metres high, broken boulders at the waterline, and a tight bowl of rock that can feel almost amphitheatrical on still days. Sunlight plays a starring role here, turning the water from dark bottle-green to bright turquoise as the angle of light shifts. A short climb onto the surrounding knoll of Hammerknuden opens the scene wider. From here you can look down into the quarry bowl and, beyond it, pick out Hammersøen (Bornholm’s largest natural lake) and the open Baltic Sea. On clear days, the ruins of Hammershus castle silhouette the horizon, connecting Opal Lake’s modern industrial past with the island’s medieval story.Swimming, Cliff Jumps and a Zipline Splashdown
For many visitors the main draw is getting into – or above – the water. The lake is very deep and drops off quickly from the shoreline, making it suitable only for confident swimmers, but rewarding them with cool, sheltered water even on breezy days. In summer, braver souls leap from designated cliff ledges around seven metres high, using the quarry walls as natural diving platforms. When operating in the high season, a long zipline stretches from the higher ground above the lake, sending harnessed riders flying out over the water before a final splashy landing. The quarry walls also offer opportunities for supervised climbing and abseiling with local operators. Away from these adrenaline spots, quieter banks and rocky outcrops provide space to sit, dangle your feet and enjoy the reflections.Trails Through Hammerknuden’s Rough Nature
The lake is threaded into a wider network of paths around Hammerknuden, a protected landscape of rocky heath, low pines and coastal viewpoints. Simple tracks loop the water’s edge in about a quarter of an hour, with side paths branching up to viewpoints or across to neighbouring Hammersøen. Underfoot, expect a mixture of gravel, exposed rock and occasionally uneven sections where old quarry infrastructure once stood. Goats are sometimes used for grazing on the slopes, adding a slightly pastoral touch to the otherwise stark scenery. Birdlife finds niches on ledges and in crevices, and the absence of major buildings nearby keeps the soundscape mostly to wind, voices and the occasional splash. It is easy to combine a circuit of the lake with a longer ramble across Hammeren’s headland.Seasons, Light and Practical Atmosphere
Opal Lake is accessible year-round, but its character shifts with the season. In summer it can feel lively and adventurous, with swimmers, zipline riders and families exploring the rocks. Spring and autumn bring a quieter, more contemplative mood, with cooler water but often crisp visibility and dramatic skies over the Baltic. In winter, when conditions allow, the quarry walls and still surface take on a stark, almost monochrome beauty, though bathing and exposed paths demand extra caution. Facilities around the site remain minimal, preserving a raw feel. Simple information boards help explain the quarry history and outline walking routes. Nearby parking areas and basic amenities serve as a base before you step into the more elemental world of rock, water and sky that defines Opal Lake.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
2.2 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
4.6 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
16.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
18.8 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
20.3 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
20.4 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
20.6 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
20.8 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
21.3 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
25.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
26.2 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
29.7 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
34.0 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
34.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
36.6 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammeren
0.4 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Hammeren Lighthouse
0.5 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Den Våde Ovn
1.0 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.
Salomons kapel
1.2 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.
Løvehovederne
1.3 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
1.3 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.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.4 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Madsebakke
1.8 km
Denmark’s largest Bronze Age rock carving field, where ships, sun symbols and ancient footprints emerge from a quiet Bornholm hillside of weathered granite.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
1.9 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Ravnedalen
2.5 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
3.0 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.
Pissebækken
3.6 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.
Bornholm Technical Collection
3.7 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.
Æggehønen
3.8 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.
Blåskinsdalen
5.9 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
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.
Terrassen
2.7 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
2.7 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
2.7 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
2.9 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
4.1 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
The Ranch
7.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.2 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.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.0 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
15.1 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
15.5 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
15.7 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
18.2 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
20.2 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Râzapâz
20.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
12.9 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
15.5 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
15.6 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
15.6 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
17.8 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
18.2 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
18.7 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.3 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
19.6 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
20.2 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
20.3 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
20.4 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
20.5 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.
William Dams Bookstore
20.5 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
20.6 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
1.7 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
2.6 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
2.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Cabaret Bornholm
5.3 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
5.9 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Ølhuzed ApS
11.5 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
15.5 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
19.8 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
20.4 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
20.5 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
20.5 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
20.6 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
20.6 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
25.7 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
25.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
20.2 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
20.4 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
20.5 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
20.6 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
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Industrial
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly