Rokkestenen in Rutsker Højlyng
A 20‑ton rocking boulder hidden in Rutsker Højlyng’s heathland, where Ice Age geology, quiet woodland and Bornholm folklore come together in a simple, wild setting.
Hidden in the heath and woodland of Rutsker Højlyng on northern Bornholm, the 20‑ton Rokkestenen is a classic glacial erratic with a twist: if you push in just the right place, the giant granite boulder will gently rock on its base. Reached by a short walk through heather, pines and low scrub, this quiet spot combines Ice Age geology, local legends and big‑sky scenery, with simple waymarking, a bench for lingering and plenty of space to explore the surrounding high moor landscape.
A brief summary to Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
- Slettevej 10, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- 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
- Wear sturdy shoes; the short approach crosses uneven forest and heath paths with rocks, roots and occasional mud after rain.
- Take a few minutes to find the exact spot where the stone moves; leaning with your shoulder and using slow, steady pressure works better than quick pushes.
- Bring water and snacks if you plan to wander further into Rutsker Højlyng, as there are no facilities or shops at the site itself.
- Visit in late summer to see the surrounding heather in bloom, which adds colour and contrast to the grey granite boulder.
- Allow extra time in wet or icy weather, when the rock surfaces and tree roots along the path can be slippery.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Gudhjem
From Gudhjem, driving inland to the Rutsker Højlyng area typically takes around 15–20 minutes. There is a small free parking area near Slettevej in the vicinity of the site, and from there you continue on foot along marked forest and heath paths. The last stretch is on uneven ground, so it is not suitable for low‑mobility visitors or prams.
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Car from Rønne
Travelling by car from Rønne across the island to Rutsker Højlyng usually takes 25–30 minutes, following main roads most of the way and then smaller country lanes near the site. Parking is limited to a small gravel area close to the access paths, with no marked disabled bays or services. In wet or wintry conditions the minor roads and tracks can be narrow and a little muddy at the edges, so allow extra time and drive cautiously.
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Bus and Walking from Nearby Villages
Regional buses connect Gudhjem, Rønne and other towns with stops in the northern interior of Bornholm, generally running at least a few times per day in the main season and less frequently outside summer. From a suitable inland stop you should expect a walk of 30–45 minutes on quiet lanes and forest paths to reach Rutsker Højlyng and the stone. There is no ticket office at the site, so buy or validate tickets on board or in advance; fares on the island’s buses are typically in a low to moderate range for short regional journeys.
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Cycling from North Bornholm
For confident cyclists, reaching Rutsker Højlyng from coastal towns such as Allinge or Gudhjem takes about 30–50 minutes, depending on route and fitness. Expect rolling terrain with some short hills and a mix of paved roads and smaller lanes. Bicycles can be left at the edge of the plantation or by the small parking area before you continue on foot; there are no dedicated racks, and the final approach path is not suitable for cycling.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
An Ice Age Giant in the High Moor
Rokkestenen in Rutsker Højlyng is a hefty 20‑ton block of granite left behind when the last ice age retreated from Bornholm. The boulder sits on a narrow point of balance, making it a textbook example of a glacial erratic that seems improbably poised on the bare bedrock beneath. All around, the terrain of Rutsker Højlyng tells the same geological story, with scattered blocks, shallow hollows and worn rock surfaces that trace the slow movement of the ice. Despite its size, the stone feels almost intimate in scale when you finally reach it. Low heather, bilberry and rough grass press in close, and the surrounding plantation of conifers and mixed woodland makes this corner of the island feel wilder and more remote than its modest elevation suggests.The Subtle Art of Making the Stone Rock
The name "Rokkestenen" hints at the main attraction: with a firm push in just the right spot, the boulder will move almost imperceptibly on its base. The trick is to lean your shoulder or both hands against one edge and apply a steady, rhythmic force rather than short shoves. The movement is small, more a faint shift than a swing, but you can often feel and sometimes even hear a dull creak as granite meets granite. Part of the appeal lies in that moment of doubt before the stone yields. Standing beside a block that weighs as much as a lorry, surrounded by open heath and sky, it can feel like a minor feat to coax a response from something so clearly ancient and solid.Legends, Stories and Bornholm Folklore
Stones like this have long invited explanation, and Rokkestenen in Rutsker Højlyng is no exception. On Bornholm, rocking stones are woven into tales of hidden treasure and supernatural guardians, with some said to rest on buried riches or mysterious objects that allow them to move. The idea that a light human touch can set such a mass in motion has fed stories of giants, trolls and restless spirits marking boundaries or protecting hoards in the forest. Whether or not you dwell on folklore, the stone naturally becomes a focal point for imagination. The rounded shape, weather‑smoothed surface and patches of lichen all hint at a slow passage through time that dwarfs human history on the island.Heathland Atmosphere and Quiet Views
One of the charms of Rutsker Højlyng is the mix of open and enclosed space. As you approach, you cross stretches of heather and low scrub that open out to big views of sky and tree line. In late summer the heath can blush purple with flowers, while in spring the fresh greens of new growth soften the roughness of rock and soil. A simple bench placed among the heather near the boulder invites you to pause and take in the scene. Birdsong, the rustle of wind through pines and the occasional distant farm sound create a calm, slightly remote feeling, even though villages and roads lie not far away. On clear days, the sharp Bornholm light picks out the textures of the granite and the fine cracks that hint at how the stone fractured and settled here.Walking, Seasons and Practical Impressions
Reaching Rokkestenen involves a short walk on forest and heath paths that can be uneven, with roots, rocks and sometimes muddy patches after rain. Good footwear makes the experience more comfortable, and the area rewards slow exploration beyond the boulder itself. Paths weave between blocks, small clearings and patches of plantation, offering easy options for extending your visit into a longer stroll. The site is accessible year‑round, with each season changing the mood. Autumn brings rich colours in the undergrowth and trees, winter can strip the scene back to stark rock and silhouettes, and sunny days in spring and summer highlight the contrast between dark stone and bright vegetation. Facilities are minimal, so the experience remains close to nature and pleasantly simple.A Small Site in a Wider Bornholm Landscape
Although modest compared with coastal cliffs or deep valleys elsewhere on Bornholm, Rokkestenen in Rutsker Højlyng fits neatly into the island’s broader landscape story. Together with the other rocking stones found in different parts of Bornholm, it helps illustrate how ice reshaped this rocky outcrop in the Baltic and left behind features that continue to fascinate. Standing beside the boulder, with heath stretching away and the plantation at your back, it is easy to picture the ice sheet retreating and the first forests reclaiming the bare rock. The site’s simplicity invites you to linger a little longer than the single stone might suggest, using it as a quiet base from which to appreciate the wider high‑moor plateau and the subtle drama of Bornholm’s interior.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
8.3 km
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Vang Pier
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Melsted Havn
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Slemmegrav
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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
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Den russiske bjørn
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Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
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Destination Bornholm ApS
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Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
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Louisenlund
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Klintebakken
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A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
20.3 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
24.6 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
27.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Storeborg
1.8 km
Explore the dramatic rift valley of Ekkodalen on Bornholm—where echoing cliffs, lush trails, and legendary stories meet in a uniquely Danish natural setting.
Spellinge Mose
1.9 km
Quiet Bornholm wetland in a rocky rift valley, where Iron Age ruins, an old railway trail and protected bog habitats meet in a serene pocket of wild nature.
Døndalen Vandfald
2.3 km
Lush rift valley, changing 20 m waterfall and sweeping Baltic views combine in one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric forest walks just west of Gudhjem.
Døndalen
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Bornholms Kunstmuseum
3.1 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
The Sanctuary Rocks
3.3 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
3.3 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Black Pot
3.4 km
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Dry Oven CAVE
3.5 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
Helligdomsklipperne
4.0 km
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Rø Plantage
4.4 km
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Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
5.4 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
Bornholm
6.0 km
Dramatic cliffs, dune-soft beaches and round churches meet creative harbour towns on Denmark’s sunniest Baltic island, a compact escape rich in nature and history.
Jættebolden
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Rø Transmitter
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Explore Kanonstilling G3, a rare WWII German coastal artillery battery near Nexø, Bornholm—authentic bunkers, artillery, and sweeping Baltic Sea views await history enthusiasts.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
3.1 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.
The Ranch
6.4 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Norresan
7.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
7.5 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
7.6 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
7.7 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
7.7 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.
Spektakel-bar
7.8 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
7.8 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.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
8.0 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
8.9 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
9.5 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.
Hasle Smokehouse
9.9 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.
Christianshøjkroen
10.8 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 Ekkodalshuset
12.0 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
3.8 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
7.7 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
7.8 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
7.8 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
8.6 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
9.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
10.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
11.8 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
14.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
14.7 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
15.3 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.
People-Fashion.dk
15.4 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
15.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
15.6 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
15.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Penyllan Brewery
4.1 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
4.4 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
7.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Provianten
7.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Ølstauan
7.9 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
9.0 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
9.6 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
14.6 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
15.5 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
15.6 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.
Krystal Bodega
15.6 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
15.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Café Lille Per
15.6 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Buddha Bar
16.5 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
16.5 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
15.3 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
15.3 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
15.5 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
15.8 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
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
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
