Ekkodalen: Bornholm’s Legendary Echo Valley

Tucked into the heart of Bornholm, Ekkodalen—meaning 'the Echo Valley'—is a place where nature, myth, and playful curiosity converge. Carved deeply into the island’s rolling landscape, Ekkodalen stretches for nearly 12 kilometers, but it is best known for a dramatic, cliff-flanked section just north of Aakirkeby. The towering, light-hued rock walls create a natural acoustic amphitheater, where even the softest voice is flung back with uncanny clarity. Tradition holds that the best echoes can be heard at 'H.C. Ørsted’s Kilde', a spring marked by the famous scientist’s name, which has drawn generations to test the laughter and calls of the valley’s peculiar voice. The landscape here is a rolling patchwork of woodland, wildflowers in spring, and, in spots, open grassland grazed by sheep. Paths meander beneath ancient trees, while the cliffs themselves offer shelter for rare ferns and mosses. Ekkodalen is steeped in lore: old tales describe outlaws using the echo’s confusion to evade pursuers, and local legends claim that hidden treasures lie somewhere amid the stones. Today, children and adults alike come to clap, sing, and shout, while hikers admire the geological lineage that dates back nearly 1.7 billion years. Wildlife lovers may spot deer, foxes, and many kinds of birds drifting between birches and spruces. Along the footpaths, several springs offer refreshment. Visits are free and possible year-round, though the woods are most vibrant between April and October. Benches and picnic areas invite lingering, and several marked routes lead from Ekkodalen through to Almindingen—the largest forest on Bornholm—connecting with ancient ruins and lookout towers along the way. For both families and explorers, Ekkodalen offers a compelling blend of natural spectacle, historical mystery, and the delightful, mysterious fun of hearing your own echo chase you through the valley.