Rokkestenen in Almindingen

A glacial boulder with a hidden trick

Rokkestenen in Almindingen is a hefty granite block, around four metres long, that was left behind by retreating Ice Age glaciers and now rests on a set of smaller supporting stones. From most angles it looks completely immovable, part of the forest floor itself, until you find the right spot and realise the huge boulder can, in fact, be rocked. Geologists describe it as a glacial erratic delicately balanced on a few minimal contact points, which makes the whole mass respond to a firm, well‑placed push. The boulder is one of several “rocking stones” on Bornholm, but this one is the smallest, weighing in at roughly seven tons. That relative modesty in size makes it more responsive, and there is a small sense of triumph when the stone responds to your effort with a subtle, unmistakable sway. The experience is less about spectacle and more about the strange feeling of moving something that appears far too massive to budge.

Forest setting in the heart of Bornholm

Almindingen, the forest that surrounds Rokkestenen, stretches across the central part of Bornholm and ranks among Denmark’s larger woodland areas. Once common grazing land, it was enclosed and replanted in the early nineteenth century, and over two centuries it has matured into a dense, mixed forest of conifers and deciduous trees. Today it is criss‑crossed by trails, clearings and small forest lakes, creating a calm, green interior far from the island’s coastal bustle. The path to Rokkestenen leads you through this quiet woodland, with soft forest floor underfoot, birdsong in the canopy above and shafts of light filtering between trunks. The stone lies just off a main walking route, close enough to be an easy detour but far enough that you feel briefly immersed in nature. Many visitors combine the stop with a longer loop in Almindingen, taking in viewpoints, ruins and other rock formations as they thread through the trees.

Legends and imagination around the stone

Over time, Rokkestenen has attracted stories that try to explain its improbable balance. One enduring local legend claims the boulder rests on a buried diamond, and that this hidden jewel is what allows the heavy stone to move. Others have suggested that only the pure of heart can make it rock, turning the visit into a playful test of character for children and adults alike. While such tales are clearly fanciful, they add a layer of quiet drama to an otherwise simple object in the forest. Standing beside the stone, you can imagine travellers in earlier centuries pausing here, telling each other stories as they tried to coax the boulder into motion. The combination of everyday nature and a seemingly magical effect is part of what gives the site its gentle charm.

Trying your strength and finding the right grip

The practical challenge of Rokkestenen lies in locating the best place to push. On one side, a protruding section of the boulder offers decent grip; with both hands braced and feet firmly planted, a steady, rhythmic effort can send a faint shiver through the stone. It does not swing dramatically, but there is a clear, tactile response that confirms the rock is truly rocking on its supports. Because of the uneven ground and the boulder’s height, smaller children may need help to reach a secure position, and sturdy footwear is useful on damp or root‑laced sections of the path. There is no built structure around the stone, so the encounter remains pleasantly low‑key: just you, the granite surface under your palms, and the soft rustle of forest around you as you test the limits of friction and leverage.

Pairing the stone with a longer forest outing

Rokkestenen rarely fills an entire outing on its own; instead, it works best as a focal point within a broader exploration of Almindingen. The forest offers signposted walking routes that can turn a short detour to the stone into a half‑day excursion through rolling terrain and varied vegetation. Nearby, the ruins of Lilleborg castle and viewpoints over the forest add historical and scenic contrast to the geological curiosity of the rocking stone. This makes the site a convenient stop for families, casual walkers and anyone keen to explore Bornholm’s interior beyond the coasts. The level, well‑used paths mean that even those without specialist hiking experience can reach the stone in normal conditions, and the absence of entrance fees or strict time slots keeps the experience flexible. In a landscape better known for cliffs and beaches, this quiet boulder in the woods offers a different, more intimate perspective on the island’s deep past.