Slaus Stene – Story-Carved Stones of Bornholm
A whimsical forest of granite faces and folklore near Rønne, where local craftsman Slaus carved myths, trolls and stories into the Bornholm woods.
Tucked in a small woodland outside Rønne on Bornholm, Slaus Stene is a quirky open-air collection of hand-carved stones created over decades by local character Slaus. Faces, trolls, figures from Norse myths and Danish fairytales peer from boulders scattered along a forest path, turning a quiet patch of trees into an informal sculpture garden. It is free to visit, low-key and atmospheric, rewarding slow wandering and a curious eye.
A brief summary to Slaus Stene
- Vellensbyvejen, Rønne, 3700, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 forest floor is uneven, with roots, stones and mud after rain, and many carvings sit just off narrow dirt paths.
- Bring a phone torch or visit when light is good; raking light from the side makes the subtle faces and engravings much easier to spot.
- Combine your visit with a bike ride along the old railway cycle path between Rønne and Aakirkeby to turn this into a scenic outing.
- Respect the artwork and nature: avoid climbing on the stones or scraping moss, and carry out any rubbish you bring into the woods.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bicycle from central Rønne
From central Rønne, cycling to the Slaus Stene area along the signed cycle path on the former railway line towards Nylars or Aakirkeby typically takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is mostly flat and family-friendly, with a well-marked asphalt or gravel surface. Bike rental in Rønne generally costs around 100–200 DKK per day depending on type and season. The final approach is on forest tracks, so standard city or trekking bikes are best.
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Bus and short walk from Rønne
Regional buses running between Rønne and villages such as Nylars or Aakirkeby provide access to stops within walking distance of the forest near Slaus Stene. The bus ride usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on route and timetable, with single fares commonly in the range of 25–50 DKK. From the nearest stop you should expect up to 20–30 minutes of walking on country roads or paths, including sections on unpaved terrain that may be challenging for wheelchairs and prams.
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Car or taxi from Rønne
Driving from Rønne towards the rural area around Vellensbyvejen takes roughly 10–15 minutes under normal traffic. There is no formal car park at the forest, so visitors rely on limited roadside space and must avoid blocking farm access. Taxi journeys of this length on Bornholm typically cost about 120–220 DKK one way, varying with time of day and company. The final access is along simple forest paths without lighting, so plan to arrive during daylight if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Slaus Stene location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Slaus Stene
A hidden forest of carved stone characters
Slaus Stene sits in a modest patch of woodland along a former railway line near Rønne, where moss, roots and leaf litter mingle with dozens of carved stones. At first glance it feels like a regular Bornholm forest, but as your eyes adjust you start picking out faces in the granite: a long nose here, a grinning mouth there, eyes half-covered in lichen. The setting is deliberately informal, more like a secret discovered on a walk than a conventional sculpture park. The stones stand at different heights and angles, some emerging from the ground like buried giants, others propped along old boundaries. There are no paved paths or fences; instead, a network of simple tracks winds through the trees, inviting you to wander at your own pace, pause, and circle each rock to see how the contours of the stone have been used.The man behind the mythic carvings
The carvings are the life’s work of Slaus, a local stonecutter and eccentric craftsman who transformed ordinary boulders into a personal gallery. Working with basic tools and a feel for Bornholm granite, he slowly populated the woods with an ever-growing cast of characters. The project was never a formal commission; it was a private obsession that gradually became a public curiosity. Many stones blend the natural shape of the rock with subtle cuts and grooves, as if Slaus believed the figures were already inside the stone waiting to be revealed. Over time the forest and the carvings have grown together: tree trunks lean over expressive faces, while moss softens sharp chisel marks, giving the impression that the sculptures have always been part of the landscape.Myths, trolls and underground creatures
Look closely and you will recognise themes drawn from Norse mythology, Danish folk tales and the island’s own stories. Troll-like heads with heavy brows and tusk-like teeth hint at the underground beings said to roam Bornholm’s countryside. Other figures, with flowing hair or stern expressions, recall gods and heroes from northern sagas. Not every carving is grand or fearsome. Some are playful, almost cartoonish, while others feel melancholic or contemplative. Part of the appeal lies in this mix of moods; the forest becomes a three-dimensional storybook where every turn reveals another scene. Children often enjoy spotting faces, animals and imaginary monsters, while adults may be drawn to more abstract shapes and symbols.Exploring the site at your own rhythm
Visiting Slaus Stene is a relaxed, self-guided experience. There is no ticket booth or formal entrance; instead, you simply step from the cycle path or track into the trees and start noticing stones. A leisurely circuit typically takes less than an hour, but those who linger over details can easily stay longer, especially if using the grove as a quiet rest stop on a longer ride or walk. The ground is uneven forest floor with roots, rocks and patches of mud after rain, so sturdy footwear is useful. Because there are no barriers, you can approach the carvings closely, though the stones are best treated with care to preserve both the artwork and the thin layer of moss and lichen that gives them such character.Atmosphere through seasons and light
The mood of Slaus Stene changes noticeably with the seasons and time of day. On bright summer days, dappled sunlight picks out chisel marks and casts sharp shadows across the faces. In autumn, fallen leaves gather in eye sockets and crevices, adding rich colour to the grey stone. Winter’s low light can make the carvings feel more mysterious, especially when dusted with frost. Birdsong, the crunch of twigs and the rustle of wind through the canopy form a constant backdrop. Because the site is informal and outdoors, it rarely feels crowded; you can often pause in complete quiet between the trees, studying a single stone without distraction. For many visitors, that combination of gentle woodland and imaginative art is the real charm.A small stop with lasting impressions
Slaus Stene is not a large attraction, but it leaves a vivid impression. It works well as a brief detour on a Bornholm cycling route or as a short nature break from Rønne. Those interested in outsider art, folklore or local stories will find layers of meaning in the carvings, while others may simply enjoy the whimsical surprise of a face in the moss. The site encapsulates something very Bornholm: a strong sense of place, granite underfoot, and a creative spirit that turns the island’s raw materials into something quietly memorable. Long after leaving the woods, many people recall particular expressions or shapes, as if the forest’s stone residents are still watching from beneath their green, mossy brows.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Slemmegrav
5.7 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
5.7 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
5.8 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Den russiske bjørn
6.1 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
6.2 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
6.6 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Klintebakken
8.0 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
16.2 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Melsted Havn
18.8 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Vang Pier
19.0 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
19.1 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
19.5 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.
Snogebæk Havn
22.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Domen
22.7 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Hammeren Lighthouse
23.3 km
Experience breathtaking views and maritime history at Hammeren Lighthouse, a stunning coastal attraction in Allinge, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nylars Church
1.9 km
Discover Bornholm’s dramatic maritime, wartime, and everyday history in a harborside museum filled with evocative exhibitions and authentic local stories.
Lundestenen Jættestue
2.5 km
Quietly resting in a Bornholm field, Lundestenen Jættestue invites you into one of Denmark’s largest Stone Age passage graves for a brief, evocative step back in time.
Bornholm Airport
2.5 km
Denmark's state-operated island gateway connecting Bornholm to Copenhagen and beyond.
Baptist Stein
5.0 km
A raw clifftop terrace above Sose Bay where gravel, grass and sea meet, offering wide Bornholm coastal views, salty wind and simple, unfiltered Baltic scenery.
Bornholms Museum
5.9 km
Bornholm’s cultural heart in Rønne, where gold hoards, island clocks, and wartime stories trace 10,000 years of Baltic island history under one roof.
St Nicholas Church
6.1 km
Historic hilltop parish church above Rønne’s harbour, blending 13th‑century roots, Bornholm granite craft and a living musical tradition in a serene Baltic setting.
Erichsens Gård
6.3 km
Step through a low timbered doorway into 19th‑century Bornholm life, where a merchant’s home and secret garden in Rønne quietly preserve stories of art, family and island culture.
Hjorths Fabrik
6.3 km
Step into a 19th‑century ceramics factory in central Rønne where kilns still glow, clay still turns on the wheel, and 150 years of Bornholm stoneware come to life.
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
6.7 km
Immersive birds-of-prey shows and evolution-themed encounters on Bornholm, where owls, falcons, reptiles and farm animals turn science into a full, family-friendly day out.
New Church
6.9 km
Historic seafaring heritage and coastal resilience at an evocative museum on Nexø’s bustling harbor, revealing Bornholm’s maritime stories and post-war rebuilding.
Dronningestenen
7.4 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.
Rytterknægten
7.5 km
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.
Kongemindet
7.6 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
7.7 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.
Ekkodalen
7.7 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.
Essential places to dine
Hovedvagten
6.0 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Café-Munter
6.2 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.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
6.2 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.
Texas Bornholm
6.2 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
6.2 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Snurra
6.2 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Râzapâz
6.2 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.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
8.5 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
9.1 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.4 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.5 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.
Kadeau Bornholm
14.2 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.
The Ranch
15.1 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Bakkarøgeriet
15.6 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Stammershalle Badehotel
18.7 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dansk
5.0 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
5.3 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
6.1 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.
William Dams Bookstore
6.1 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
6.1 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.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
6.2 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
People-Fashion.dk
6.2 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
6.3 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
6.4 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
sNoir
6.4 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
6.4 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
6.5 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
8.3 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sparloppan
8.6 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
9.0 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
5.6 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
5.9 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
6.0 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
6.2 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
6.2 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
6.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Dagligstuen
8.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
8.7 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
12.9 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
18.0 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.
Provianten
19.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
19.3 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Sørens Værtshus
22.0 km
Casual seaside pub in Snogebæk serving deep-pan stone-oven pizza, cold drinks and live summer music a short stroll from Bornholm’s sandy beaches.
The Golden Rooster
22.1 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Pilen bar & bodega
22.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
5.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Musikhuzet
6.2 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.
Palæcafeen
6.2 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.
After Dark
6.4 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.
BAR 24
96.5 km
Discover Sassnitz's nightlife at BAR 24, a vibrant night club and gastropub offering great drinks, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
