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The Swan (Svanen) of Svaneke – A Nautical Landmark on Bornholm’s East Coast

Discover The Swan in Svaneke, Bornholm—a tribute to the town’s rich maritime past, nestled beside the lively harbor and surrounded by coastal charm.

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The Swan, locally known as Svanen, stands near Svaneke Harbour—a monument to the maritime heritage of Bornholm’s easternmost town. Once a crucial part of the island’s bustling port, Svanen encapsulates the stories of trade, fishing, and seafaring that shaped Svaneke. Today, it invites visitors to reflect on the enduring relationship between land and sea in this picturesque, cobblestone town.

A brief summary to Rokkestenen

  • 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

  • Combine your visit with a stroll along Svaneke’s picturesque harborfront; local fish smokehouses and artisan shops are nearby.
  • Sunrise and sunset offer especially beautiful light for photographing Svanen and the harbor area.
  • Look for plaques describing the port’s history and Svaneke’s trading heritage nearby.
  • Accessible year-round, but the area is livelier during summer months when markets and harbor events take place.
  • Public restrooms and parking are available in the town center, a short walk from the harbor.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Buses from Rønne, Bornholm’s main town and transport hub, run regularly toward Svaneke. The journey offers scenic views along the coast and typically lasts about 45–60 minutes. From Svaneke’s main square, the harbor is unmistakable, just a brief walk toward the water’s edge. Single adult tickets are generally around 40–50 DKK. During peak summer months, services are frequent, but seating can be limited at busy times.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Rønne provides a direct and comfortable route to Svaneke, arriving in roughly 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of 450–600 DKK for the journey. Taxis typically drop passengers near the harborfront, where Svanen is easily visible.

  • Driving

    Travelers arriving by car will find Svaneke well-signposted from across Bornholm. Public parking is available just outside the town center, with rates typically between 10–20 DKK per hour. The harbor area and Svanen are accessible from the main parking area, within a short walk of Svaneke’s market square. Note that spaces may be scarcer during busy summer weekends.

  • Cycling

    Svaneke is well-connected to Bornholm’s popular cycling routes. A leisurely ride from Rønne takes about 2–2.5 hours. The final stretch into Svaneke offers glimpses of rolling fields and the Baltic coastline. Sturdy bike racks are available near the harbor, free of charge.

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Discover more about Rokkestenen

Perched in the storybook coastal town of Svaneke, the Swan (Svanen) is more than just a statue—it’s a symbol deeply woven into the maritime fabric of Bornholm. Svaneke’s port has been a lifeblood for locals over centuries, trading herring, granite, and other goods between Bornholm and the world beyond. Here, the Swan commemorates this vibrant nautical past: it stands as a beacon for both residents and visitors, recalling an era when the town’s prosperity and its very identity were shaped by the rhythm of the Baltic tides. A stroll along the harborfront reveals the unique charm that gives Svaneke its distinction among Bornholm’s towns—narrow cobbled alleys, half-timbered houses, and the crisp sea air that always carries a hint of salt and adventure. The Swan itself, elegant and well-kept, provides a focal point for those exploring the harbor. It frequently appears in local iconography and stories, tying generations of seafarers to the broader saga of Bornholm’s trading routes. On fair days, you’ll find artists sketching the scene or families pausing for photographs beside the stately bird. Beyond its physical presence, the Swan is a testament to Svaneke’s resilience, prosperity, and connection to the wider Baltic region. The harbor area is often alive with activity—fishing boats come and go, market stalls brim with local produce, and the calls of seabirds echo the Swan’s silent vigil. While the monument itself is always accessible and free to visit, the best experience is soaking up the gentle hum of the port, absorbing both the natural beauty and lived history that define this corner of Bornholm. Visiting Svanen offers a genuine sense of place: a meeting of sea, stone, and story at the heart of one of Bornholm’s loveliest settlements.

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