Svaneke Gamle Fyr (Old Lighthouse)
A modest 19th‑century lighthouse on Bornholm’s rocky shore, offering open Baltic horizons, weather‑worn masonry and a quietly atmospheric coastal vantage point.
Perched on the rocky coast just east of Svaneke, Svaneke Gamle Fyr is a compact 19th‑century lighthouse that now serves as a quiet lookout over Bornholm’s dramatic granite shoreline. The whitewashed tower and low keeper’s house stand above heather and scrub, with paths leading to sea cliffs, rock pools and wind‑battered viewpoints. It is a simple, atmospheric stop: no big exhibits, just weathered masonry, Baltic horizons and the sense of ships once guided past these treacherous rocks.
A brief summary to Svaneke Gamle Fyr
- Skovgade 30, Svaneke, 3740, DK
- +4527112057
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; the most rewarding viewpoints involve walking over uneven granite slabs and occasionally slippery rocks near the shoreline.
- Come early in the morning or late in the day for softer light and a calmer atmosphere, especially if you want to photograph the lighthouse against the sea.
- Bring windproof layers even in summer; the exposed headland can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the sheltered streets of Svaneke.
- If visiting with children, agree clear boundaries near the cliff edges and rock pools; waves and wet seaweed can make footing treacherous.
- Combine a short stop at the lighthouse with a coastal walk and a visit to Svaneke’s harbour for food, ice cream or local craft shops.
Getting There
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Local bus from Nexø or Gudhjem
From nearby Bornholm towns such as Nexø or Gudhjem, regional buses run to Svaneke in around 20–35 minutes, depending on the route and season. Services are reasonably frequent in summer but can be less regular outside peak months, so check the timetable in advance. A single adult ticket typically costs about 25–40 DKK within this part of the island. From Svaneke’s centre, expect a short uphill walk on paved streets to reach the lighthouse area, with some gradients that may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
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Car or rental car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne across Bornholm to Svaneke usually takes 40–50 minutes along main island roads. The route is straightforward and well signposted, and there is usually free street or informal roadside parking within walking distance of the lighthouse, though spaces can fill up on busy summer days. Fuel and rental prices vary, but expect a small additional cost if your hire agreement charges per kilometre. Once parked in or near Svaneke, the lighthouse is reached on foot via short town streets and a brief walk towards the rocky headland.
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Cycling on Bornholm’s coastal routes
Bornholm is well known for cycle‑friendly roads and signed routes, and Svaneke lies on attractive coastal sections from both Nexø and Gudhjem. Depending on your starting point, the ride can take 30–60 minutes and involves rolling hills rather than steep climbs. There is no fee to use the routes, but if you need to rent a bicycle locally, expect to pay roughly 90–150 DKK per day for a standard bike. Near the lighthouse, you will need to leave your bicycle along a suitable street or rack in town and continue on foot over short, sometimes uneven paths.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Svaneke Gamle Fyr
Light on a rugged corner of Bornholm
Svaneke Gamle Fyr sits just outside the harbour town of Svaneke, on a low granite headland lashed by Baltic winds. Built in the 19th century to guide shipping along Bornholm’s rocky eastern coast, the modest white tower and adjoining keeper’s cottage look out across open water where countless coasters and fishing boats once passed. The site is small, informal and largely uncommercial, which only adds to its quietly authentic feel. Stand beside the tower and you sense how crucial even a relatively low light like this would have been in heavy seas or winter darkness. The rocks below are jagged and unforgiving; stories survive of vessels that struck here and never made harbour, their crews lost in the surf. The present lantern is no longer central to navigation, yet the building remains a clear coastal marker and a compact piece of maritime heritage.Architecture shaped by wind and stone
The lighthouse itself is a sturdy, almost austere structure, more functional than decorative. Its squat proportions, thick masonry and narrow openings reflect a design focused on stability in storms and insulation against long, cold seasons. The adjoining keeper’s house, with its low roofline and sheltered yard, hints at a self‑contained life lived at the edge of town but very much at the mercy of the weather. Surrounding the buildings, short grass, wildflowers and low shrubs cling to thin soil over the granite bedrock. In places the rock breaks through in sculpted ridges and rounded boulders, shaped by ice and waves over millennia. Simple paths thread between them towards the sea, where you can look back to see the lighthouse framed against the sky, a classic Bornholm silhouette for photos and quiet sketching alike.Sea views, sky moods and coastal walks
This is above all a place of views. On clear days the Baltic stretches in layered blues and greys, with fishing boats and small craft dotted along the horizon. Cloudier weather brings more drama: low fronts racing in from the east, whitecaps hammering the rocks, seabirds wheeling in the gusts. Sunrises can be spectacular from this coast, with the lighthouse catching the first warm light while the town behind is still soft and muted. From the site you can follow informal tracks along the shoreline, picking your way over rock slabs and pockets of heather. It is easy to combine a short visit here with a longer coastal stroll, pausing on flat stones to watch waves boom into clefts below. Children often enjoy exploring the rock formations and tide‑line pools, though supervision is essential near the drop‑offs and in strong winds.Everyday atmosphere at the edge of town
Despite its maritime history, Svaneke Gamle Fyr feels more like a neighbourhood lookout than a formal museum. Locals pass on dog walks or evening runs, and it is common to find someone sitting on a bench or boulder simply watching the light change over the sea. There are no large interpretive displays; the story here is carried by the setting itself – the salt on the air, the crack of waves on stone, the faded paint on the old tower. Practical comforts are limited, so it is wise to arrive with water and anything you might want for a short pause outdoors. The town is close enough that cafés, ice‑cream stalls and facilities are within easy reach before or after your visit, yet the headland still feels distinctly separate and slightly wilder than the cobbled streets below.Reflections on a working coastline
Spending time at Svaneke Gamle Fyr invites a quiet appreciation of how tightly Bornholm’s history is woven with the sea. From the vantage point by the tower you can trace shipping routes, imagine storm‑bound nights listening for fog signals, and picture the careful routines of light‑keepers tending the lens. Even now, with modern navigation reducing the lighthouse’s practical role, the building stands as a reminder of the risks once faced by every small vessel rounding this point. Whether you stay a brief half hour or linger longer with a camera or notebook, the combination of simple architecture, raw geology and open horizon makes this a rewarding little stop. It is not a grand attraction, but a compact, characterful corner of the island where sea, stone and story meet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Louisenlund
5.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
5.8 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
12.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Melsted Havn
13.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
17.3 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
17.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Slemmegrav
27.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Domen
28.1 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
28.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
28.9 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
29.1 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
29.3 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
29.5 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Vang Pier
29.7 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Opal Lake
30.0 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
Svaneke Havn
0.7 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
The Swan / Svanen
0.8 km
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Hallebrøndshøj
1.9 km
Explore the evocative WWII coastal battery at Kanonstilling G3 in Nexø—where stark history and sweeping Baltic Sea views create a unique Bornholm experience.
Brændesgårdshaven
3.0 km
Low‑key family amusement park in the Bornholm countryside, blending rides, water fun, animals and gardens into a relaxed full‑day outing near Svaneke.
Aarsdale Mølle
3.1 km
A brick‑built windmill queen above Aarsdale, where working machinery, Baltic views and Bornholm’s milling heritage come together in a single evocative hilltop landmark.
Paradisbakkerne
5.1 km
Rocky Ice Age hills, deep forest ravines and ancient fort ruins create a near‑wilderness escape in eastern Bornholm, laced with waymarked trails and quiet forest lakes.
Rokkestenen
6.0 km
Bornholm’s most famous rocking stone: a 35‑ton Ice Age boulder you can set in motion, hidden in the rugged forested hills of Paradisbakkerne near Svaneke.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
7.0 km
Iron Age refuge hidden in Bornholm’s rocky Paradisbakkerne, where low ramparts, steep slopes and heather‑clad forest reveal a quiet but powerful story of defence.
Nexø Sandskulptur
7.5 km
Ephemeral masterpieces in sand rise between old harbor silos and Baltic light, turning Nexø’s working waterfront into Bornholm’s most unexpected open-air art park.
Nexø Museum
7.7 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Udforsk Bornholm
7.8 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
7.9 km
A steamy tropical hothouse on the edge of Nexø, where hundreds of exotic butterflies, koi ponds and lush gardens create a vivid island-of-summer on Bornholm.
Randkløve Skår
8.4 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Almindingen
9.4 km
Vast reforested heart of Bornholm, where granite cliffs, echoing valleys, castle ruins and European bison meet a web of trails under a deep green canopy.
Kobbeådalen
12.5 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
0.8 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Restaurant Pakhuset
0.9 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
0.9 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
0.9 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Røgeri
1.1 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Culinarium
7.7 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Snogebæk Røgeri
11.9 km
Traditional Bornholm smokehouse and seafood buffet in the seaside village of Snogebæk, combining casual dining with a well‑stocked shop of freshly smoked fish.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
12.1 km
Cosy seaside dining in Snogebæk, where hearty Danish dishes, Baltic seafood and a leafy summer courtyard capture the laid-back charm of Bornholm’s south coast.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
14.4 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.
Spektakel-bar
14.5 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
15.0 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Christianshøjkroen
15.7 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 Ekkodalshuset
15.9 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
16.6 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Karamelleriet ApS
0.8 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Reflax
0.8 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Art Box Bornholm
0.9 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
9.6 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
11.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Mollys Verden
12.2 km
A cosy Bornholm interiors haven in Snogebæk, where playful Nordic design, colourful homewares and quirky gifts turn casual browsing into a gentle little adventure.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.9 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Janne K
14.4 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.
Lifestone
14.5 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.
Førder Bornholm
14.6 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.8 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.2 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
16.8 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
19.9 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
20.7 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Madvig
0.9 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
0.9 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
2.7 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.
The Golden Rooster
7.8 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
7.9 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
Sørens Værtshus
12.0 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.
Provianten
14.6 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Buddha Bar
16.2 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
16.3 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Penyllan Brewery
24.1 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
25.5 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
27.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
27.7 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
28.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Underbar
28.9 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
