Paradisbakkerne, Bornholm
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.
Paradisbakkerne, or “Paradise Hills”, is a protected rocky forest landscape on eastern Bornholm between Svaneke and Nexø. Shaped by the Ice Age, this hilly area combines crevice valleys, heath, peat bogs and tranquil forest lakes, with a high point around 113 m. Waymarked hiking and cycling routes lead to swaying boulders like Rokkestenen, remnants of Iron Age strongholds such as Gamleborg, and quiet picnic spots amid lush vegetation and rare birdlife. It is one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric places for half-day walks in near-wilderness.
A brief summary to Paradisbakkerne
- Oksemyrevejen 501, Svaneke, 3740, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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
- Wear sturdy waterproof footwear; trails can be steep, rocky and muddy, especially in the crevice valleys and around boggy sections near forest lakes.
- Bring water and snacks or a packed lunch, as there are no food outlets inside the forest and only limited facilities near the various trailheads.
- Stick to the marked routes and respect the sunrise‑to‑sunset access rules; the area is privately owned and protected for its sensitive habitats.
- If you want quieter paths and better wildlife watching, aim for an early‑morning or late‑afternoon walk outside peak holiday periods.
- In late summer and autumn, look out for blueberries and mushrooms along the trails, but only pick species you can identify with certainty.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Car from Nexø
From Nexø town centre, driving to the main Paradisbakkerne trailheads typically takes 10–15 minutes. The route uses local country roads with light traffic. Parking is available at designated forest car parks near starting points such as Klintebygård, but spaces can fill during July and August. There is no entrance fee to the area itself, and parking at the marked lots is generally free.
-
Car from Svaneke
From Svaneke, the drive to Paradisbakkerne’s access points usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the exact trailhead. Expect narrow rural roads with some bends and limited street lighting after dark. Park only in signposted forest car parks to respect private land and nature protection rules. Access to the hills is free of charge, so costs are limited to fuel.
-
Local bus plus walk
Bornholm’s regional buses connect Svaneke and Nexø with nearby rural stops along the roads skirting Paradisbakkerne. Journey times from either town are around 15–25 minutes, with services running more frequently on weekdays and in summer. A single adult ticket on the island bus network typically costs about 25–35 DKK, depending on distance. From the nearest stop you should be prepared to walk on minor roads and forest tracks for 20–40 minutes to reach a trailhead, which may be challenging in bad weather or for those with limited mobility.
-
Bicycle from coastal towns
Confident cyclists can combine the island’s coastal bike paths with small inland roads and the Lindsvej cycle route to reach Paradisbakkerne from Svaneke or Nexø. Expect a hilly ride of roughly 30–60 minutes each way, with short but steep sections near the forest. Surfaces vary from asphalt to gravel. There is no fee to bring a bike into the area, but you should bring lights and reflective gear outside daylight hours and be comfortable riding on shared country roads.
Paradisbakkerne location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Paradisbakkerne
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Midterpilt
1.1 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
5.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Snogebæk Havn
7.6 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
12.5 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Klintebakken
13.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Melsted Havn
14.7 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
24.5 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
25.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
25.9 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
26.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
26.2 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
26.6 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Domen
28.8 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
29.4 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
29.9 km
Northern Europe's largest castle ruin crowning a clifftop fortress with Baltic views, free and open 24/7.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rokkestenen
0.9 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.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
2.1 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
2.5 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.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
3.4 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.
Hallebrøndshøj
3.6 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.
Nexø Sandskulptur
3.7 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.
Nexø Museum
3.8 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Udforsk Bornholm
3.8 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Brændesgårdshaven
3.9 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.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
5.1 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.
Svaneke Havn
5.3 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
Almindingen
5.4 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.
The Swan / Svanen
5.4 km
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Snogebæk Strand
8.2 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
9.6 km
Bornholm’s largest Iron Age ring fort layered over a Neolithic sun temple, where soft ramparts, woodhenge traces and wide valley views bring 5,000 years of ritual and refuge to life.
Essential places to dine
Culinarium
3.8 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
5.1 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
5.2 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 Pakhuset
5.2 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
5.2 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
5.3 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
5.6 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Snogebæk Røgeri
7.5 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.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
7.7 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
12.8 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
13.0 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
13.2 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Kadeau Bornholm
13.3 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
14.6 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
15.5 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
Reflax
5.2 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
5.3 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
5.3 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Mollys Verden
7.7 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.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
10.5 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
11.8 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
12.2 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.6 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
12.7 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Baltic Sea Glass
12.7 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
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.
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.
Førder Bornholm
15.8 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
18.1 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
18.9 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
Mikkeller Aarsdale
2.8 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.
The Golden Rooster
3.8 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
3.9 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.
Madvig
5.1 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
5.2 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Sørens Værtshus
7.6 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.
Buddha Bar
12.2 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
12.2 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
15.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
24.5 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
25.1 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Cabaret Bornholm
25.5 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.
Café Lille Per
25.9 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
25.9 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
26.0 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
