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Kanonstilling G3: Bornholm’s WWII Coastal Battery

Explore Kanonstilling G3, a rare WWII German coastal artillery battery near Nexø, Bornholm—authentic bunkers, artillery, and sweeping Baltic Sea views await history enthusiasts.

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Kanonstilling G3, located near Nexø on Bornholm, is a remarkably preserved WWII German coastal battery. Here, visitors can explore original bunkers and a massive artillery piece while absorbing the stark wartime history that shaped the island’s eastern shores.

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Local tips

  • Bring a flashlight or use your phone, as some bunker interiors can be quite dark even in daylight.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended; paths between bunkers may be uneven, especially after rain.
  • Interpretive signage is mainly in Danish—consider a translation app for deeper understanding.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll to the harborfront of Nexø, which is nearby and offers cafés and restrooms.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rønne, Bornholm’s main town, direct buses head toward Nexø several times daily. The journey typically takes 40–50 minutes, and a standard one-way ticket costs around 40–55 DKK. The coastal scenery en route gives glimpses of the island’s natural beauty before reaching the outskirts of Nexø. From the Nexø bus hub, it’s a gentle 10–15 minute walk through a mix of residential and rural landscapes to the battery site, which is marked by its distinctive military structures.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Rønne or other major Bornholm towns can drop you close to the battery entrance. Expect a 30–40 minute ride from Rønne, generally priced between 300–400 DKK each way. This can be a convenient choice for travelers wanting flexible timing or direct access.

  • Driving

    Driving yourself offers the freedom to explore more of the surrounding coast. From anywhere on Bornholm, signposting for Nexø makes navigation easy. Free parking is available near the site itself, though it may be limited in peak seasons. No tolls or special permits are required.

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On the quiet outskirts of Nexø, Kanonstilling G3 stands as a silent testament to the turbulent history that once gripped Bornholm. Built by German occupying forces during World War II, this coastal battery was one of several fortifications constructed to control the Baltic Sea and defend against Allied advances. Today, its imposing cannon still points seaward, a chilling reminder of a dark and dramatic past. As you approach, the structure’s raw concrete and steel immediately evoke the gravity of its original purpose. Visitors are free to wander the site, where the air carries both the scent of the sea and echoes of distant conflict. The centerpiece is a heavy naval gun, surrounded by storage bunkers and observation posts, all open to exploration. Peek inside to discover rusted machinery, faded paint, and interpretive panels that detail the site’s strategic significance and daily life for the soldiers once stationed here. The battery’s location offers sweeping views across the Baltic, allowing you to imagine the tense vigilance maintained along this coastline. Exposed yet dignified, Kanonstilling G3 is less polished than Bornholm’s larger museums but offers a deeply authentic, slightly eerie encounter. Beyond its historical intrigue, the site’s rugged position near Nexø provides a unique vantage point over the island and out toward the horizon—a perfect blend of reflective solitude and living history. Access is generally open and free, making this an exceptionally accessible place for families and history buffs alike. Interpretive materials are present, but the experience is intentionally raw and self-guided, embracing the somber authenticity of the original wartime architecture. For those looking to understand Bornholm’s strategic importance in the 20th century, Kanonstilling G3 is a fascinating, essential stop.

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