Rytterknægten & Kongemindet Tower, Bornholm
Bornholm’s modest summit in Almindingen Forest, where a royal memorial tower, whispering pines and modern trail facilities meet in a quietly atmospheric hilltop clearing.
Set in the heart of Almindingen Forest near Aakirkeby, Rytterknægten is Bornholm’s highest point, crowned by the historic Kongemindet memorial tower. Raised in 1856 to honor a royal visit and later extended with steel scaffolding, it once offered sweeping views over the island, Sweden and Christiansø. Today the wooded summit is a peaceful forest escape, laced with walking and cycling trails, picnic spots and the new Trailcenter pavilion that supports outdoor adventures year-round.
A brief summary to Rytterknægten
- Aakirkeby, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring sturdy walking shoes; forest paths around Rytterknægten can be uneven, muddy after rain and occasionally rooty despite the gentle gradients.
- Pack snacks and drinks, especially outside peak summer, as facilities nearby are limited and you are deep inside Almindingen Forest.
- Check current information on Kongemindet’s access; the steel extension has undergone renovation and viewing access may be restricted.
- Combine the summit with a loop via Ekkodalen or Gamleborg to turn a short stop into a rewarding half-day forest hike.
- Dress in layers even in summer; the wooded hilltop is often cooler and breezier than the coast, especially in the evening.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Aakirkeby
From central Aakirkeby, driving to Rytterknægten via the roads through Almindingen typically takes 10–15 minutes. The route follows paved rural roads almost all the way, with a short stretch on narrower forest access roads near the end. There is usually free parking close to the summit area, but spaces are limited in high summer and during school holidays. No entrance fee is charged for visiting the hill or tower area.
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Bus and short walk from Rønne
From Rønne, regional buses towards Aakirkeby and Nexø operate several times a day, with journeys to stops near Almindingen taking around 25–35 minutes. From the nearest forest stop you should expect an additional 20–30 minutes of walking on forest tracks to reach Rytterknægten, mostly on gentle terrain that may be uneven or muddy after rain. Normal regional bus tickets on Bornholm cost roughly 25–40 DKK one way, depending on distance and ticket type.
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Cycling from Aakirkeby
Active visitors can cycle from Aakirkeby to Rytterknægten in about 25–40 minutes, depending on fitness and route choice. The ride uses a mix of smaller paved roads and forest gravel tracks with gentle but steady inclines as you approach the island’s highest point. There are no specific fees for accessing the forest by bike, but lights, helmets and weather-appropriate clothing are strongly recommended, and after rain some sections can be soft or slippery.
Rytterknægten 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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Any Weather
Discover more about Rytterknægten
The highest point in Bornholm’s deep green heart
Rising to 162 meters above sea level, Rytterknægten sits in the middle of Almindingen, one of Denmark’s largest forests and the wild, wooded core of Bornholm. Dense spruce and deciduous trees cloak the bedrock, so the summit feels more like a forest clearing than a barren peak. The air is cool and resin-scented, birds flit between trunks, and soft forest paths radiate out towards nearby highlights such as Ekkodalen and Gamleborg. Despite its modest height, this is a place of quiet drama in otherwise low-lying Denmark. The sense of elevation is subtle but real: the light changes, the wind moves differently through the canopy, and on clear days gaps in the trees reveal glimpses across the island towards the Baltic Sea.Kongemindet – a royal story in granite and steel
At the summit stands Kongemindet, a granite memorial tower inaugurated in 1856 to commemorate King Frederik VII and Countess Danner’s visit to Bornholm a few years earlier. Designed by architect Gottlieb Bindesbøll and funded by local donations, the solid masonry is detailed with lion heads and a dedicatory plaque expressing the islanders’ loyalty to the monarch. As the forest slowly grew and swallowed the horizon, engineers added a steel superstructure in 1899, lifting the viewing platform to a total of 184 meters above sea level. The unusual twin staircases separated ascent and descent, creating a narrow but efficient viewing deck that, in clear weather, opened views towards Sweden and the tiny island of Christiansø offshore.Forest walks, viewpoints and a modern trail center
Today, the summit area is a compact hub for exploring Almindingen. Waymarked paths lead through mixed forest, over exposed rock and past glacial boulders, offering short strolls and longer hikes. The terrain is gently undulating rather than strenuous, making it accessible to most walkers with reasonable footwear. A contemporary addition is the Trailcenter Rytterknægten pavilion, a raised timber structure that acts as a gathering point for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Here you find shelter, information, simple facilities and places to rest or tinker with a bike before heading back out onto the trails, all designed with an eye to low-impact, inclusive outdoor recreation.A name shaped by riders and a stone by the path
Rytterknægten translates roughly as “the rider’s squire”, a nod to a time when mounted nobles required assistance to get into the saddle. Local lore ties the name to a flat stone near the area where riders could mount without a human helper, using the rock as a natural stepping block. Over time, the evocative term came to denote the entire hilltop. This blend of royalty, folklore and forest gives the site a slightly old-world atmosphere. Granite, iron and moss sit side by side, telling stories that range from medieval horsemanship to 19th‑century patriotism and the technical ambitions of early observation towers.Calm woodland atmosphere and seasonal character
The mood on Rytterknægten shifts with the seasons. In spring the forest floor brightens with new growth and birdsong; summer brings lush foliage and cool shade on hot days. Autumn lays down coppery leaves and opens fleeting views between thinning branches, while winter can feel stark and meditative, with bare trunks, frost and perhaps a dusting of snow. Even when the tower structure is partially closed for renovation, the surrounding hill and forest remain inviting. Benches, picnic spots and clearings provide places to pause, listen to the wind in the trees and experience Bornholm from a quieter, more reflective vantage point than the island’s famous cliffs and beaches.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
5.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
10.3 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
11.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Louisenlund
11.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Den russiske bjørn
11.9 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Melsted Havn
12.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
12.1 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
12.3 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
12.5 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Midterpilt
13.1 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.
Geografisk knudepunkt
14.3 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
17.6 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Vang Pier
17.9 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
19.8 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Opal Lake
20.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Opal Lake in Allinge, Bornholm, where adventure and tranquility meet in a stunning natural setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongemindet
0.1 km
Royal memorial, forest lookout and Bornholm’s highest point in one – a granite-and-steel tower rising above Almindingen with sweeping island and Baltic views.
Jægergrotten
0.8 km
A modest historic grotto and garden on Bornholm, offering a quiet glimpse of Aakirkeby’s 19th‑century leisure life amid trees, stonework and gentle calm.
Dronningestenen
0.8 km
Forest-framed viewpoint on a high Bornholm plateau, where the "Queen’s Stone" opens to sweeping vistas over southern fields and the far Baltic horizon.
Ekkodalen
0.8 km
Bornholm’s Echo Valley: a dramatic rift of cliffs, forest and meadow where geology, folklore and gentle walking paths meet in the heart of Almindingen.
Lilleborg
1.0 km
Step into the heart of Bornholm's history at Erichsens Gård, where 19th-century interiors and a tranquil garden reveal the island’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
1.1 km
Step through Bornholm’s forest edge into a dramatic green corridor of cliffs, meadows and echoing rock walls at the main entrance to Ekkodalen.
Gamleborg
1.2 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
1.4 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Bornholms Sommerrevy
1.7 km
Denmark's most local summer revue—where island wit meets musical artistry beneath Bornholm's summer sky.
Rokkestenen i Almindingen
1.7 km
A quietly curious glacial boulder hidden in Almindingen Forest, Rokkestenen invites you to step off the path, brace your hands and feel ancient granite gently move.
Bornholms Brand Park
2.7 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
3.7 km
Walk into a living rewilding experiment in Almindingen, where European bison shape Bornholm’s forest and quiet paths invite close, careful encounters with wild nature.
Bison På Bornholm
3.8 km
Denmark's only bison sanctuary—witness Europe's wild giants in an ancient forest after 2,000 years.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
5.2 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Rø Transmitter
5.4 km
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
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
1.2 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
1.6 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
2.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Hovedvagten
11.9 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Râzapâz
12.0 km
Natural wine, seasonal plates and bohemian charm come together at this intimate Rønne spiseri, where Bornholm’s culinary energy is poured by the glass.
Texas Bornholm
12.0 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Snurra
12.0 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Café-Munter
12.0 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
12.1 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.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
12.1 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Det Røde Pakhus
12.1 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Spektakel-bar
12.3 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.
Norresan
12.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Kadeau Bornholm
13.0 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
13.9 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Bornholm Farm Shop
3.9 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
5.0 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
5.0 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
5.3 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.9 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
8.1 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
11.1 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
11.1 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Dansk
11.3 km
Relaxed, value-focused clothing outlet in Rønne offering practical Danish fashion and everyday basics for the whole family, with a cosy coffee corner on site.
Torvehal Bornholm
11.6 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
11.7 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
11.9 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
12.0 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
William Dams Bookstore
12.0 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
12.0 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
Buddha Bar
5.0 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
5.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
11.1 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
11.9 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
11.9 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
12.0 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.
Krystal Bodega
12.1 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
12.1 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Provianten
12.4 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Ølhuzed ApS
14.1 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.
Cabaret Bornholm
15.4 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.
Penyllan Brewery
15.7 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.3 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.
Madvig
16.4 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
16.4 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
11.5 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
12.0 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
12.0 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
12.3 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
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly