Salomons Kapel, Hammerknuden, Bornholm
Remote medieval chapel ruins beneath Hammerknuden’s granite cliffs, where Baltic herring history, stone walls and sweeping sea views meet on Bornholm’s wild north coast.
Salomons Kapel is a haunting medieval chapel ruin tucked beneath the granite cliffs of Hammerknuden on Bornholm’s far north coast. Built in the early 14th century to serve herring fishermen and traders along this once-bustling stretch of the Baltic, its roofless stone walls now frame big skies, crashing waves and sweeping sea views. Reached on foot along coastal trails, it blends island history, raw coastal scenery and a quietly contemplative atmosphere.
A brief summary to Salomons kapel
- Allinge, 3770, DK
- +4556959500
- 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: access is via coastal and hill paths with uneven rocks, roots and occasional muddy patches, especially after rain.
- Bring windproof layers, even in summer, as the exposed shoreline and plateau above can be breezy and noticeably cooler than inland.
- Combine your visit with a loop around Hammerknuden to take in nearby viewpoints and lighthouses for a half‑day coastal hike.
- Pack water and snacks; there are no facilities directly at the ruin, and services are found back in Sandvig or Allinge.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
From Rønne, driving to the Hammerknuden area near Sandvig typically takes around 30–40 minutes, following the main northbound road across Bornholm. There is no fee for using the roads, but parking near the Hammeren car parks can be limited in high season, so allow extra time to find a space. Fuel costs will depend on your rental, but expect roughly 30–60 DKK in fuel for a return trip.
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Bus from Rønne to Allinge/Sandvig
Local buses connect Rønne with Allinge and Sandvig in about 45–60 minutes, running several times per day, with more services in summer. A one‑way adult ticket on regional buses on Bornholm usually costs in the range of 30–50 DKK depending on distance. From the bus stop in Sandvig or Allinge you continue on foot along marked paths to reach the Hammerknuden trails and the chapel.
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Bicycle from Allinge or Sandvig
Cycling from Allinge or Sandvig to the Hammerknuden trailheads is a practical option in good weather, often taking 10–20 minutes each way on local roads and paths with some gentle climbs. Standard bike rentals in the area generally cost about 80–150 DKK per day, with higher prices for e‑bikes. Surfaces are mostly paved, but the final access to the ruin is on foot via uneven coastal paths.
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On foot from Hammerknuden trailheads
From the main Hammerknuden walking access points, reaching Salomons Kapel typically takes 20–40 minutes each way along waymarked coastal and hillside paths, depending on your chosen route. Trails include rocky sections, steps and occasional steeper slopes, so active footwear is recommended and the route may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility, especially in wet or windy conditions.
Salomons kapel 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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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Salomons kapel
Medieval chapel at the edge of the Baltic
Salomons Kapel is a small medieval church ruin clinging to the rocky shoreline on the Hammeren headland, the wild granite peninsula at the very tip of Bornholm. Once a functioning chapel for seafarers and fishermen, it now stands roofless and exposed, its rough fieldstone walls weathered by centuries of wind and salt spray. The ruin sits just above the waves on the northwest side of the headland, beneath a granite plateau that rises around 50 metres behind it, adding a dramatic backdrop to this compact historic site. Step inside the low doorway and you can still read the simple floor plan: a rectangular nave, the remains of a small porch on the south side, and traces of the gable that once supported a wooden roof. There is no preserved interior decoration, but the proportions are intimate, almost domestic, giving a sense of how modest rural churches looked in the far reaches of the medieval Danish realm.Fishermen’s faith and the herring boom
Salomons Kapel grew out of the great herring fisheries that transformed Bornholm’s north and east coasts between the 13th and 15th centuries. At the foot of Hammeren there was a natural landing place and seasonal market where fishermen landed vast shoals of Baltic herring. The chapel, founded in the early 1300s, offered mass, blessings and a spiritual anchor for the transient community of fishers, traders and boatmen who worked the waters here. The site was chosen not only for its proximity to the landing place, but also because a holy spring rose nearby, adding a layer of sacred landscape to an already important economic hub. Over time a small settlement grew up around the chapel and the fish market, but as herring landings shifted to larger harbours elsewhere on Bornholm, the community declined. With the Reformation in the 16th century, both spring and chapel quickly lost their importance, and the building slipped into disuse.From Dominican influence to quiet ruin
The name Salomons Kapel is believed to honour Salomon of Cologne, a distinguished 13th-century Dominican whose reputation carried far across medieval Europe. Church lands on Bornholm, including this northern tip, were controlled from Lund, and the chapel’s dedication likely reflected the political and spiritual influence of the Dominicans at the papal court. Aligning a modest seafarers’ chapel with a powerful order may have been a strategic choice as much as an expression of devotion. Little of the original furnishings survives. A single smaller bell, now hanging in the church at Allinge, is thought to have come from Salomons Kapel, offering a rare physical link to its working past. The rest of the interior has long vanished, leaving only the stony shell. Yet this simplicity is part of the site’s appeal: there is nothing to distract from the meeting of history, rock and sea.Coastal setting on the Hammerknuden trails
The chapel stands directly on the circular walking route that loops around Hammerknuden, one of Bornholm’s most striking landscapes. As you approach along the path, the ruin appears suddenly against the horizon, with the Baltic stretching away behind it and the angular cliffs stepping down into the water. In clear weather, the light over the sea can be dazzling; on rough days, waves erupt against the rocks just below, sending spray into the air. Around the chapel, the ground is uneven and rocky, with low coastal vegetation and views along the coastline to nearby lighthouses and headlands. The open surroundings mean you are almost always aware of the wind, the calls of seabirds and the distant sound of surf. Despite its accessibility on the marked paths, the place can feel surprisingly remote, more like a fragment of wild coastline than a manicured monument.Experiencing the ruin today
Visitors are free to wander through the chapel remains, step into the nave and look out through window openings now framing slices of sea and sky. The ruin is protected, so the stonework should be treated with care, but the atmosphere is relaxed: there are no barriers or formal displays, only the quiet presence of the building itself. Many people pause here during longer hikes to rest on nearby rocks, take photographs or simply sit and listen. Salomons Kapel works equally well as a short contemplative stop or a scenic waypoint on a half‑day exploration of Hammerknuden’s cliffs, heaths and viewpoints. The combination of layered history, coastal drama and modest scale makes it an evocative place to reflect on how life, faith and work once revolved around the rhythms of the sea on Bornholm’s rugged northern shore.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
2.5 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
5.8 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
17.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
20.0 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Den russiske bjørn
21.4 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
21.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
21.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
22.0 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
22.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
26.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
27.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
30.4 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
34.8 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
35.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
37.4 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammeren Lighthouse
0.8 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
0.8 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Hammeren
1.1 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Opal Lake
1.2 km
A flooded granite quarry turned emerald lake, Opal Lake on Bornholm blends raw cliffs, deep clear water and coastal views with swimming, cliff jumps and rugged trails.
Madsebakke
2.0 km
Denmark’s largest Bronze Age rock carving field, where ships, sun symbols and ancient footprints emerge from a quiet Bornholm hillside of weathered granite.
Den Våde Ovn
2.2 km
A dramatic 70 m sea cave hidden in Bornholm’s granite cliffs beneath Hammershus, Den Våde Ovn is reached only by boat and reveals the island’s wild Baltic coastline up close.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
2.3 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Løvehovederne
2.5 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
2.5 km
Bornholm’s great clifftop fortress, where vast medieval ruins, Baltic Sea panoramas and a striking modern visitor centre bring 800 years of history to life.
Ravnedalen
3.6 km
A rugged rift valley of granite, heath and quiet history on northern Bornholm, where narrow rocky paths, shelters and rare wildlife create an intimate wild escape.
Slotslyngen
4.2 km
A rugged sweep of heather, forest and granite cliffs on Bornholm’s northwest coast, where cliff-edge paths reveal wide sea views and the distant silhouette of Hammershus.
Æggehønen
4.3 km
A smooth, egg-shaped granite boulder on Bornholm’s north coast, Æggehønen is a tiny but memorable landmark for coastal walkers, photographers and boulderers.
Pissebækken
4.7 km
A steep ravine, a playful name and one of Denmark’s highest waterfalls tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic west coast between Vang and the Baltic Sea.
Bornholm Technical Collection
4.8 km
A sprawling farmyard museum where Bornholm’s tractors, radios, toys and even a combat aircraft tell the island’s 20th‑century story through everyday technology.
Blåskinsdalen
7.0 km
A narrow, fern‑lined rift valley near Hasle where blue anemones, twisted roots and ancient rock create one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric short forest walks.
Essential places to dine
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
1.0 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.
Terrassen
3.0 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.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
3.1 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
3.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
3.3 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
5.3 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Stammershalle Badehotel
8.8 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
9.1 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
13.2 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.
Norresan
15.6 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
16.0 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
16.2 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
19.2 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
21.1 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Râzapâz
21.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
13.9 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
16.0 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
16.1 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
16.1 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
18.5 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
18.8 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
19.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Torvehal Bornholm
20.5 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
20.8 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.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
21.1 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
21.4 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
21.5 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
21.6 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
21.7 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
21.8 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
Underbar
1.7 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.
Ølstauan
2.9 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
3.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Cabaret Bornholm
6.4 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
6.6 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Ølhuzed ApS
12.7 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.
Provianten
16.0 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
21.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
21.6 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.
Krystal Bodega
21.7 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
21.7 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
21.8 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.
Café Lille Per
21.8 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
26.7 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
26.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
21.4 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
21.6 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
21.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
After Dark
21.8 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
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
