Spellinge Mose

A quiet marsh in a dramatic rift valley

Spellinge Mose sits beautifully in a narrow rift valley, part of the same geological cleft that continues out to the coastal gorge of Døndalen and further southwest towards the rocky defile of Kløven. Steep rock walls, patches of forest and open heathland frame a low-lying wetland, giving this small area a surprisingly dramatic setting for such a tranquil place. The marsh itself covers around four hectares, with water rarely deeper than a couple of metres. Broad swathes of reeds and willow scrub fringe the open water, creating a dense, almost impenetrable green belt in summer. From the edges, you look across a mosaic of shallow pools, tussocky hummocks and mirror-like channels where light and sky are reflected between the reed stems.

Shaped by peat, war and conservation

Although it appears timeless, Spellinge Mose’s present-day look is the result of intensive peat cutting, especially during the two World Wars when peat was an important fuel. The shallow basins and scattered ponds you see today are the scars left behind from those excavations, gradually filling with water, reeds and bog plants. What was once a utilitarian landscape has since become a protected nature area, part of the wider Rutsker Højlyng conservation zone. Here, grazing and careful management maintain a varied mosaic of wetland, heath and woodland. The area offers an instructive snapshot of how human use and later protection can together create a rich habitat for birds, amphibians and wetland flora.

Iron Age stronghold above the reeds

At the southern end of the marsh, a rocky knoll holds the remains of Storeborg, an Iron Age refuge fort also known as Grønneborg. Perched above the valley, it once offered a defensible lookout over the surrounding highland and wetland. Although part of the rock was blasted away in the early 1900s when a railway was constructed through the valley, the site still preserves traces of walls and ramparts. Storeborg is among the older legally protected heritage sites on Bornholm, safeguarded since the 19th century. Clambering up to the knoll rewards you with fine views over the marsh, the rift valley and the surrounding Rutsker Højlyng – a strong sense of the strategic value this vantage point once held.

Trails, bikes and Bornholm’s wild corridor

Running through the valley is the former railway line between Klemensker and Rø, now a beloved cycle and walking route regarded as one of Bornholm’s most scenic. The even gravel surface and gentle gradients make it accessible for a wide range of visitors, while side paths lead closer to the water’s edge and into the surrounding heath. Spellinge Mose also lies close to the long-distance Højlyngsstien trail, which crosses Bornholm from Hammerknuden in the north to Årsdale on the eastern coast. Hikers can use the marsh as a quiet pause along a multi-day trek, linking it with wild heather uplands, forests and rocky valleys. Shorter local circuits combine the marsh with Kløven and the wider Rutsker Højlyng landscape for a compact but varied outing.

Seasonal moods and subtle wildlife

The experience of Spellinge Mose changes markedly with the seasons. On cool autumn mornings, mist often rises from the water, creating the classic “witch’s brew” effect over the reeds. Spring brings birdsong and fresh green growth, while summer is dominated by the rustle of reeds and the hum of insects. In winter, thin ice can pattern the shallow pools, and the bare rock walls of the valley feel even more prominent. Botanically, the marsh belongs to the family of highland bogs once more widespread in this part of Bornholm, with specialist wetland plants tucked among the hummocks and in the clearer pools. You are unlikely to encounter dramatic large mammals, but patient observers may spot dragonflies, frogs, waterfowl and small woodland birds that thrive in this mosaic of wet and dry habitats.

A peaceful pause between island highlights

Despite its modest size, Spellinge Mose works well as a contemplative stop amid a busy Bornholm itinerary. It offers a calm, low-key counterpoint to the island’s coastal cliffs and beach towns, and its blend of geology, cultural history and nature makes it more than just a pretty wetland. Whether you arrive by bike along the old railway, on foot from Rø, or as part of a longer hike along Højlyngsstien, the marsh invites you to slow your pace. Spend a little time simply listening to the reeds, watching the play of light on the water and imagining the long arc from Iron Age stronghold and peat cutters to today’s protected landscape.