Pissebækken Waterfall, Bornholm
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.
Tucked into the rugged west coast of Bornholm between Vang and Hammershus, Pissebækken is a narrow ravine sheltering one of Denmark’s highest waterfalls. A wooden staircase drops from the coastal path into a cool, moist cleft where water tumbles over dark rock towards the Baltic Sea. Spring brings carpets of blue anemones and rare plants to the gorge, while the wider area forms part of a beloved coastal hiking route with big sea views and dramatic cliffs.
A brief summary to Pissebækken
- Hasle, 3790, DK
- +4556959500
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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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
- Visit in early spring or after periods of rain if you want to see the waterfall at its most powerful; summer drought can reduce the flow to a thin trickle.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the wooden stairs and rocks near the stream can be slick from spray, especially after wet weather.
- Bring water and snacks with you, as the coastal section between Vang and Hammershus has no cafés or kiosks directly by the waterfall.
- Allow extra time to combine a stop at Pissebækken with exploring Vang Quarry or continuing the coastal path towards Hammershus castle ruins.
- Stay on marked paths and steps to protect the ravine’s fragile plant life and avoid eroding the steep slopes around the stream.
Getting There
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Car from Rønne (via Hasle and Vang)
From Rønne, driving to the Vang area on Bornholm’s west coast typically takes 20–30 minutes. The route follows main island roads through Hasle before smaller coastal roads lead towards Vang and the coastal path near Pissebækken. Expect free roadside or small parking-area options near trail access, but spaces are limited in peak summer. Fuel costs are the main expense; no entrance fee is charged for visiting the waterfall.
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Local bus and short coastal walk
Regional buses link Rønne with Hasle and nearby coastal settlements in around 20–35 minutes, depending on the line and season. A standard adult ticket on Bornholm buses usually falls in the range of 25–40 DKK one way, with reduced fares for children. From a suitable stop near Vang you follow signed paths towards the coast; allow an additional 15–30 minutes on foot on uneven terrain. Services are less frequent in the evening and outside summer, so check times in advance.
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Cycling the west coast
Bornholm is well known for its cycle network, and riding from Rønne to the Vang area along the west coast normally takes 45–70 minutes each way for moderately fit cyclists. The route uses a mix of cycle paths and quieter roads with some hills and coastal climbs. There is no fee to access the trail near Pissebækken, and you can leave your bike at signed points or discreetly off the path. Be prepared for wind exposure and bring lights if returning late.
Pissebækken 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 Pissebækken
A Hidden Ravine on Bornholm’s Wild West Coast
Pissebækken lies almost at sea level on Bornholm’s rocky west coast, a short detour off the coastal path north of the little harbour at Vang. From above, the landscape feels open and windswept, with broad views across the Baltic and the stepped profile of old quarries and cliff edges. Then the ground suddenly falls away into a narrow cleft, and you realise you are standing at the lip of one of Denmark’s tallest waterfalls. A sturdy wooden staircase leads down into the ravine, slipping you from sun and wind into a cooler, sheltered microclimate. The sheer rock walls are streaked with mosses and seeping water, music from the falls echoing between them as the stream drops towards the stony shoreline. It is a small place in absolute terms, but the steep sides and close sound of running water give it an intimate, almost enclosed atmosphere.The Story Behind an Unusual Name
The name Pissebækken dates back to the Middle Ages and has long raised a smile among Danish speakers. One explanation says the stream gained its earthy title because, in dry summers, the flow dwindles to a thin, pale jet that invites an obvious comparison. Another tradition claims the tumbling water used to foam so heavily that locals thought of a different, equally vivid image. Whatever its origin, the name sticks precisely because it contrasts with the ravine’s delicate beauty. The falls are ranked among the highest in Denmark, yet here they remain unshowy and uncommercialised, simply part of the coastal landscape that islanders have walked for centuries. The mix of playful folklore and quiet natural drama is very much in keeping with Bornholm’s character.Plants, Rock and the Coastal Ecosystem
The ravine shelters a surprising variety of plants that relish its damp, shaded conditions. In spring, blue anemones punctuate the banks, while more unusual species, such as black alder buckthorn and the whimsically named tarmvridrøn rowan, find a foothold on ledges and in patches of deep soil. The combination of rocky substrate, constant moisture and relatively mild maritime climate creates a pocket of biodiversity that rewards a slow look. Above the cleft, the terrain quickly shifts back to open rock and low vegetation shaped by salt-laden winds. This stretch of coast carries the marks of both nature and industry: ancient bedrock shaped by ice ages, and terraces, tracks and quarry faces left from the era when Bornholm granite was shipped far afield. Pissebækken’s stream cuts down through these layers, a reminder of how water steadily reclaims and softens the landscape.On the Trail Between Vang and Hammershus
Most visitors encounter Pissebækken as a highlight of the coastal hiking route linking Hasle, Vang, the dramatic Vang Quarry area and the ruined fortress of Hammershus further north. The path undulates along the cliff line, sometimes almost at the water’s edge, sometimes climbing to viewpoints over the sea, quarries and forested slopes. The short detour down to the waterfall adds vertical variety and a sense of discovery to the walk. Because the site is compact, you can explore it in just a few minutes, or linger to watch light shifting on the falling water and the sea beyond the ravine mouth. The wooden stairs and clear path make access straightforward for most reasonably sure-footed walkers, though the steps can be slippery after rain. Many choose to combine a pause here with a picnic on nearby rocks or continue towards Hammershus for a longer day out.Atmosphere Across the Seasons
The character of Pissebækken changes strikingly through the year. In late winter and early spring, snowmelt and rain swell the stream, and the falls feel powerful and insistent, throwing fine spray into the air. As the season progresses, fresh green appears on the ravine walls, and wildflowers light up the undergrowth. On bright summer days, sunlight filters down in narrow shafts, catching the water in mid-air. By late summer or during dry spells, the cascade can shrink to a more modest trickle, revealing more of the rock face and making the origin stories of its name easy to imagine. Autumn brings richer colours to the surrounding slopes and a wilder feel to the sea below. Even when the falls are not at their fullest, the combination of cliff, forest edge, stream and shoreline keeps this small corner of Bornholm worth seeking out.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vang Pier
1.1 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
4.7 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Slemmegrav
15.4 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Melsted Havn
16.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Den russiske bjørn
16.7 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
16.9 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
17.1 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
17.3 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
17.8 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Klintebakken
23.7 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
24.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
28.4 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.
Geografisk knudepunkt
32.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
34.9 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Bornholmertarnet
35.0 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Bornholmertarnet, a unique landmark and museum in Nexø, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slotslyngen
0.9 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.
Bornholm Technical Collection
1.5 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.
Ravnedalen
1.9 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.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
2.2 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.
Løvehovederne
2.3 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Blåskinsdalen
2.3 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.
Den Våde Ovn
2.6 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.
Jons Kapel
2.6 km
Sheer granite cliffs, a legendary hermit’s “chapel” and Baltic waves crashing below make Jons Kapel one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric coastal viewpoints.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
3.2 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Opal Lake
3.6 km
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.
Hammeren
3.7 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
4.0 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Madsebakke
4.4 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.
Salomons kapel
4.7 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.
Æggehønen
4.9 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.
Essential places to dine
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
0.5 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
4.5 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.
The Ranch
4.6 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Restaurant Margeritten
4.7 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
4.7 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.
Terrassen
4.8 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
4.8 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.1 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
8.5 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
14.9 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
15.3 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
15.4 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
16.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Râzapâz
16.7 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.
Snurra
16.8 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
10.7 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
15.3 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
15.3 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
15.3 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
15.8 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
15.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
16.1 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
16.7 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
16.7 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
People-Fashion.dk
16.8 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
16.9 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
17.0 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
17.1 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.
Snellemark Centret
17.1 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
sNoir
17.1 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cabaret Bornholm
3.9 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
4.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
4.7 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
4.8 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.
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
8.0 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
15.3 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
16.3 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
16.9 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
17.0 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
17.0 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
17.1 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
17.1 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Dagligstuen
23.3 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
23.3 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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