Paradisbakkerne, Bornholm

Ice Age hills and a landscape called Paradise

Paradisbakkerne stretches across eastern Bornholm as a rugged, undulating plateau of granite shaped by the last Ice Age. Here the bedrock has been fractured into deep, narrow clefts, so one moment you walk across bare, rounded rock and the next you are peering down into a shadowy ravine. The highest points reach around 113 metres, modest in altitude but dramatic by Baltic standards, especially when the light slants across the exposed stone. Despite the name, the "hills of paradise" were once open heath pasture grazed by livestock. Over time, forest has reclaimed much of the terrain, creating a patchwork of dense woodland, clearings and scrub. The result is a semi-wild mosaic that feels far removed from the island’s busy harbour towns, even though you are only a few kilometres from Svaneke and Nexø.

Crevice valleys, forest lakes and rare wildlife

The signature features of Paradisbakkerne are its rocky gorges and crevice valleys, some 20–50 metres high and impressively steep. Trails dip in and out of these slots, where boulders are carpeted in moss and tree roots cling to bare rock. Between the ridges lie peat bogs and wet meadows that turn brilliant green in spring and shimmer with insects in summer. Scattered throughout the forest are small lakes and ponds such as Grydesø and Borgesø, fringed by reeds, water plants and gnarled trees. These damp corners are important refuges for wildlife, including bats, insects and a variety of wetland birds. Overhead you may spot cranes or, more rarely, a white‑tailed eagle circling above the trees. The area’s mix of habitats supports a number of threatened species, adding ecological weight to its scenic appeal.

Rocking stones and traces of ancient strongholds

Paradisbakkerne is also a quiet showcase of Bornholm’s cultural history. One of the island’s famous rocking stones, Rokkestenen, rests here: a massive glacial boulder that can be set gently in motion with the right shove. Seeking it out along the marked routes has become a small rite of passage for many walkers. In the south‑western corner of the hills, the remains of Gamleborg rise above the forest. This early fortress, first used around the beginning of the Common Era, once served as a refuge where locals could retreat with their livestock. Today only low stone ramparts and earthworks are visible, but the position on a rocky knoll between former lakes and cliffs makes its defensive logic easy to understand and adds a quiet, contemplative note to a hike.

Marked trails through a protected private wilderness

Paradisbakkerne is privately owned yet protected as a nature area, and access follows clear rules. You may roam from early morning until sunset, but only along the marked paths designed for hikers, cyclists and horse riders. Vehicles are not allowed inside the core landscape, and visitors are asked to keep a respectful distance from any buildings on the fringes. Several colour‑coded hiking routes loop through the most scenic valleys and viewpoints, ranging from short family‑friendly circuits to half‑day treks linking lakes, ravines and historic sites. Simple waymarking and information boards at key points make it easy to choose a route that suits your energy and the weather, while still preserving a sense of exploration.

Bornholm’s forest escape for walkers and cyclists

Paradisbakkerne has become one of Bornholm’s classic destinations for those who enjoy active time outdoors. The Lindsvej cycle route crosses the area from east to west, giving gravel riders a taste of the hilly terrain, while hikers can spend several hours threading through valleys with only birdsong and the rustle of birch leaves for company. In late summer, the heathland patches glow purple and the forest offers berries and mushrooms for those who know what to pick. Despite its popularity among nature lovers, the hills retain a calm, contemplative atmosphere. There are no cafes or commercial attractions tucked between the trees, only occasional benches, waymarkers and signs reminding you that this is both a living landscape and a carefully managed nature reserve. For many visitors, that blend of accessibility and near‑wilderness is precisely what makes Paradisbakkerne feel like a small paradise on Bornholm.