Svaneke Havn – Characterful Harbour of Denmark’s Easternmost Town
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
Svaneke Havn is the compact, granite-framed harbour of Svaneke on Bornholm’s east coast, where working fishing boats, visiting yachts and Baltic swells meet half-timbered merchants’ houses and cobbled lanes. The basin is wrapped by quays, smokehouses, cafés and ice-cream stalls, with views to the low cliffs and the nearby lighthouse. It’s an easy place to linger: watch the fishing fleet, dip in the small bathing spots tucked between rocks, or wander straight from the moored boats into one of Denmark’s prettiest market towns.
A brief summary to Svaneke Havn
- Peter F. Heerings Gade 7, Svaneke, 3740, DK
- +4556922330
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- For a quiet visit with soft light for photography, aim for early morning or late evening outside peak summer when the harbour is calm and shadows are long.
- Combine a harbour stroll with a dip at nearby rocky bathing spots or the sandy cove at Hullehavn; pack swim shoes for the uneven granite seabed.
- Sample local specialities right by the water: smoked fish, craft beer, sweets and ice cream are all within a short walk of the quays.
- If you are sensitive to wind or spray, bring an extra layer; the exposed outer quays can feel significantly cooler than the sheltered streets behind.
- Use the harbour as a starting point for short coastal walks towards the lighthouse or nearby villages for changing views and quieter corners.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus from Rønne
From Rønne, use the island bus routes that run to Svaneke via the east coast; depending on the line, the journey typically takes about 50–70 minutes. Buses operate more frequently in summer and less often in winter, so check the timetable in advance. A one-way adult ticket usually falls in the range of 50–80 DKK, and the bus stops a short walk from the harbour on fairly level streets that are manageable for most visitors.
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Car from Rønne and central Bornholm
Driving from Rønne across Bornholm to Svaneke generally takes 35–45 minutes, passing through rolling countryside and small villages. Roads are paved and well maintained, and standard cars are sufficient year-round, though speeds are modest and cyclists are common in summer. Parking directly by the harbour can be busy in peak season; additional free parking areas slightly uphill in town offer an alternative, with a short downhill walk to the water.
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Cycling from nearby east-coast towns
Svaneke Havn is linked to neighbouring villages like Listed and Årsdale by scenic coastal roads and cycling routes. Rides from these towns usually take 20–40 minutes one way at a leisurely pace. The terrain undulates gently with some short climbs and occasional traffic, so basic cycling fitness is helpful. There is no fee to use the routes, and in summer several places in the region rent bicycles, typically from about 100–200 DKK per day.
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Leisure boat or yacht
For those arriving by private boat, Svaneke Havn serves as a small marina on Bornholm’s east coast. Approach requires attention to charts, weather and visibility, as currents and rocky shallows in the area can be challenging in poor conditions. Berthing fees for visiting yachts are usually charged per night based on vessel length, commonly in the range of 150–300 DKK, sometimes including access to basic facilities. Space is more limited during peak summer weeks.
Svaneke Havn location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Svaneke Havn
Harbour Heart of a Historic Baltic Town
Svaneke Havn sits snug on Bornholm’s rocky east coast, the maritime focus of Denmark’s easternmost market town. The basin is small and intimate, enclosed by granite quays that tell of centuries of herring fishing, shipbuilding and coastal trade. Low red roofs and timbered merchants’ houses rise just behind the masts, a reminder that Svaneke grew rich in the 18th and 19th centuries from the sea. Unlike many ports that have been radically rebuilt, the setting here still feels traditional. Old warehouses and smokehouses stand side by side with newer cafés and workshops, and the scale remains resolutely human. Fishing boats, leisure craft and the occasional classic wooden vessel share the moorings, giving the harbour a quietly industrious air rather than a purely decorative one.Granite Cliffs, Rock Pools and Sea Air
The harbour is cradled by Bornholm’s characteristic rocky coastline, with granite ledges stepping down into the Baltic on either side of the entrance. From the outer quays you can look along the shoreline towards Svaneke Lighthouse and the small sandy cove of Hullehavn, a favourite summer bathing spot framed by boulders and low pines. Close to the harbour you find small bathing ladders and sheltered corners where locals slip into the clear, often bracing water. On fresh days the wind whips spray over the breakwater; on still evenings the sea flattens into polished steel, reflecting mastheads and the pastel facades behind the quay. Gulls wheel overhead, and the smell of seaweed mingles with smoke from the fish ovens.Smokehouses, Sweet Treats and Local Craft
Just back from the water, Svaneke’s culinary reputation is on full display. Traditional smokehouses serve platters of hot-smoked herring and salmon, while nearby you can find microbrewed beers, handmade chocolates, fudge, and the island’s famous sweets and liquorice. Many visitors turn a simple harbour stroll into a grazing circuit, moving from ice cream to fish to a glass of locally brewed beer. Small galleries, craft shops and design studios occupy historic buildings around the harbour and up towards the town square. Window displays showcase glasswork, ceramics and textiles inspired by the sea and the island’s light. In summer, street musicians and small stalls sometimes cluster near the water’s edge, adding to the gentle bustle without overwhelming the space.Lighthouse, Water Tower and Coastal Walks
From the harbour, paths fan out along the coast and into town. Following the shore brings you towards the early 20th-century lighthouse standing on the rocks southeast of the basin, once a crucial aid to navigation in these sometimes misty, current-swept waters. Inland, Svaneke’s distinctive modernist water tower by architect Jørn Utzon punctuates the skyline, a stark contrast to the red church and half-timbered houses. Short walks link Svaneke Havn with neighbouring fishing hamlets strung along the coast, passing viewpoints, rocky outcrops and occasional tiny beaches. Even a modest stroll offers shifting perspectives on the harbour itself: first a working marina, then a picture-book cluster of gables and masts framed by sea and sky.Experiencing the Harbour Throughout the Year
In high summer the harbour feels lively but still relaxed, with visiting yachts, children with ice creams, and swimmers drying off on warm rocks. Spring and autumn bring softer light and fewer people, ideal for photography or quiet contemplation by the water. In winter the scene is more austere: wind-tossed waves, trimmed-down rigging and a town that lives at a slower, more local rhythm. Whatever the season, Svaneke Havn works best at an unhurried pace. Sit on a bench with a takeaway coffee, watch a fishing boat unload its catch, trace the town’s history in the varied architecture, and let the rhythm of this small Baltic harbour reveal itself.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Louisenlund
4.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
5.9 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
12.4 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Melsted Havn
12.8 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
17.0 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
17.7 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Slemmegrav
26.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Domen
27.3 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
28.1 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
28.4 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
28.7 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
28.8 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.
Vang Pier
29.0 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
29.0 km
Discover the allure of the Broken Boulder of Helligpeder, a remarkable natural formation steeped in legend, nestled in the serene landscapes of Bornholm, Denmark.
Destination Bornholm ApS
29.1 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Swan / Svanen
0.1 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.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
0.7 km
A modest 19th‑century lighthouse on Bornholm’s rocky shore, offering open Baltic horizons, weather‑worn masonry and a quietly atmospheric coastal vantage point.
Hallebrøndshøj
1.8 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
2.5 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
3.6 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
5.3 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
6.1 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.
Randkløve Skår
7.7 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.
Nexø Sandskulptur
8.0 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
8.2 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
8.2 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
8.2 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Almindingen
9.2 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
11.8 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
0.0 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Pakhuset
0.1 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
0.2 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 Bryghus Restaurant
0.2 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Svaneke Røgeri
0.4 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Culinarium
8.1 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Snogebæk Røgeri
12.3 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
12.6 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
13.6 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
13.8 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
14.2 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Christianshøjkroen
15.2 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
15.4 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
16.1 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
0.0 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Reflax
0.1 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Art Box Bornholm
0.1 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
8.8 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
11.0 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.2 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Mollys Verden
12.6 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.
Janne K
13.7 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
13.7 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
13.8 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.6 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.0 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
16.5 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
19.3 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
20.2 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
Søllings Bodega
0.2 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
0.2 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
3.2 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
8.3 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
8.3 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
12.4 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
13.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Buddha Bar
15.9 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
16.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Penyllan Brewery
23.4 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
24.8 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
26.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
26.9 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
27.6 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Underbar
28.1 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
28.0 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
28.5 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
28.6 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.
After Dark
28.8 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
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly