Rokkestenen in Paradisbakkerne
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.
Hidden deep in the forested hills of Paradisbakkerne on Bornholm, Rokkestenen is a 35‑ton glacial boulder delicately balanced on a narrow base. With the right push, this giant stone rocks gently, turning geology into a hands‑on puzzle for all ages. Reached via a signed woodland trail near Svaneke and Nexø, the stone is surrounded by rugged rift valleys, mossy rocks and tranquil lakes, making it a classic stop on Bornholm’s most atmospheric hikes.
A brief summary to Rokkestenen
- Svaneke, 3740, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 shoes: the forest path to Rokkestenen is short but uneven, with roots, rocks and occasionally muddy sections after rain.
- To make the stone move, use several quick, light pushes in the same spot instead of one big shove; watch others to find the best position.
- Bring a printed or offline map of Paradisbakkerne if you plan a longer hike, as forest trails can feel confusing once you leave the main route.
- Stay on marked paths and respect the forest’s protected status; access is typically limited to daytime hours and cars are not allowed inside.
- Combine your visit with a stop at nearby lakes and viewpoints in Paradisbakkerne for a fuller sense of the area’s dramatic rocky landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Nexø
From Nexø town centre, driving to the main Paradisbakkerne parking area near Lisegårdsvejen typically takes 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows small country roads and is straightforward. Parking at the forest edge is free or modestly priced when fees apply, but spaces can fill up on sunny weekends. From the parking, allow about 20–30 minutes on foot along a signed forest path to reach Rokkestenen.
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Car from Svaneke
From Svaneke, expect a 15–20 minute drive on local roads to the Paradisbakkerne parking by Lisegårdsvejen. The roads are narrow but paved and suitable for standard cars. There are no tolls, and parking at the trailhead is usually free, though seasonal fees may occasionally be charged at low cost. Once parked, walk the waymarked trail through the forest for roughly 20–30 minutes to the stone.
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Bus plus walk from Nexø or Svaneke
Regional buses connect both Nexø and Svaneke with stops within walking distance of Paradisbakkerne, with journeys generally taking 10–25 minutes depending on the line and time of day. A single adult ticket typically costs in the range of 25–40 DKK. Services run less frequently outside peak hours, so check timetables in advance. From the nearest stop, plan on a 20–40 minute walk on minor roads and forest tracks to reach the main trailhead and then continue on the marked path to Rokkestenen.
Rokkestenen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Rokkestenen
A giant boulder with a delicate balance
Rokkestenen is Bornholm’s most famous rocking stone, a glacial erratic of around 35 tons perched so precisely on a pedestal of rock that it can be nudged into motion by human hands. Standing beside it, you see how the boulder seems to hover, its weight focused on a narrow contact point hidden beneath its rounded belly. With a series of short, rhythmic pushes at the right spot, the mass of granite begins to sway almost imperceptibly at first, then with a satisfying, gentle rocking motion. This natural balancing act is the legacy of the last Ice Age. As glaciers advanced and retreated across the Baltic, they plucked, transported and finally abandoned huge blocks of stone. Rokkestenen was left here in what is now the forested heart of Paradisbakkerne, where erosion has slowly exposed the contours that allow it to move. Today it is both a geological curiosity and an irresistible invitation to test your strength and technique.Paradisbakkerne’s wild, folded landscape
The rocking stone sits within Paradisbakkerne, a hilly, fissured landscape on eastern Bornholm shaped by ancient fault lines and glacial forces. Narrow gorges slice through the forest, while crevice valleys rise in steep walls up to several dozen metres high. The terrain alternates between rocky ridges, peat bogs, wet meadows and small, dark forest lakes where trees lean over the water. Despite its relatively modest elevation, the area feels surprisingly dramatic by Danish standards. The forest is dense and often damp, with carpets of moss and heather threading between exposed bedrock. This mosaic of habitats shelters rare beetles, bats and birds such as owls and raptors, adding a quiet sense of wilderness to the walk. The contrast between the peaceful greenery and the raw rock gives the approach to Rokkestenen a distinctive atmosphere.Walking the forest trails to the stone
Reaching Rokkestenen is part of the experience. A waymarked path leads from the nearest parking area into the woods, heading gently up and down over roots and stone slabs. The route is short enough for most walkers, but the ground is uneven, with occasional muddier patches after rain, so sturdy footwear is useful. Waymarkers help keep you oriented as the track winds between rock outcrops and tall trees. Rokkestenen is also a waypoint on longer circular hikes through Paradisbakkerne, marked with coloured symbols. These loops link the stone with viewpoints, lakes and other rock formations, turning a quick visit into a half‑day exploration. Even when you follow the shortest route, you spend enough time under the canopy to feel immersed in the forest rather than just stopping at a roadside sight.Legends, stories and the urge to make it move
Like many unusual stones on Bornholm, Rokkestenen has gathered its share of folklore. Local tales cast rocking stones as places of hidden power, sometimes connected with trolls, sometimes with tests of truth or strength. Standing beside the boulder, it is easy to imagine earlier generations returning again and again to see who could make the giant sway. For today’s visitors the ritual is part science experiment, part game. Children and adults search for the exact patch of rock where their effort counts, discovering that timing and technique matter more than brute force. The tiny movement of such a massive object is a memorable reminder of how natural forces placed it here in the first place. After a few shared attempts and laughter, most people step back to simply look and appreciate the improbable balance.A protected corner of Bornholm’s nature
Paradisbakkerne has been under protection for more than a century, and Rokkestenen itself is specifically safeguarded as a geological feature. Much of the surrounding land is privately owned, but access is granted via marked paths during daylight hours to balance conservation and recreation. The absence of cars inside the forest keeps the area quiet; at most you hear wind in the treetops, birds calling and boots on the path. Simple facilities at the edge of the forest, such as an information board and seasonal restrooms, support visits without disturbing the landscape around the stone. Within the woods, you are largely on nature’s terms. That sense of being in a slightly wilder pocket of Denmark is part of Rokkestenen’s appeal: it is not just a quirky rock, but a focal point in one of Bornholm’s most characterful natural areas, where geology, stories and a peaceful forest setting come together.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Midterpilt
0.9 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
5.9 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Snogebæk Havn
7.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
11.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Klintebakken
12.4 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Melsted Havn
15.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
24.1 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
25.0 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
25.5 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
25.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
25.7 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
26.1 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Domen
28.9 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
29.3 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
Paradisbakkerne
0.9 km
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.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
1.3 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.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
2.9 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.
Aarsdale Mølle
3.3 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.
Nexø Sandskulptur
3.4 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
3.5 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
3.5 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Hallebrøndshøj
4.4 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.
Brændesgårdshaven
4.6 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.
Almindingen
4.8 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.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
6.0 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
6.1 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
The Swan / Svanen
6.2 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
7.5 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
8.7 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
3.5 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
6.0 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
6.0 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
6.0 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
6.1 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
6.1 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
6.4 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Snogebæk Røgeri
6.9 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
7.1 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
11.9 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Kadeau Bornholm
12.4 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 Ekkodalshuset
12.6 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
12.9 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
14.4 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
15.8 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
6.0 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
6.1 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
6.2 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
7.1 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
10.9 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
11.2 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
11.6 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.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
12.0 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.8 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
13.1 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
15.9 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
15.9 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
16.1 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
17.7 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
The Golden Rooster
3.4 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
3.6 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.
Slævasted
3.6 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
6.0 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
6.0 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Sørens Værtshus
7.0 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
11.5 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
11.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Provianten
16.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
24.7 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
24.7 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
25.4 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
25.4 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
25.6 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.
Cabaret Bornholm
25.6 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
25.0 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
25.5 km
No‑frills late‑night disco bar in central Rønne, mixing local bodega charm with loud music, dancing and affordable drinks on Bornholm’s main island.
Musikhuzet
25.6 km
Bornholm’s Musikhuzet in central Rønne offers an ever-changing lineup of live concerts, cultural performances, and community events in a buzzing local landmark venue.
After Dark
25.8 km
Compact weekend nightclub bringing big-city beats, DJ-driven dancing and a lively bar atmosphere to the otherwise quiet island town of Rønne on Bornholm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly