The Brogård Stone
Bornholm’s largest Viking runestone, standing quietly by a country road near Hasle, where clear runes in granite still tell a thousand-year-old story.
Standing quietly in the countryside south of Hasle on Bornholm, the Brogård Stone is the island’s largest Viking runestone, rising around 2.7 meters beside a rural road where Simblegårdsvej and Svalhøjvej meet. Once reused as a bridge stone and rediscovered in the 19th century, it now stands upright again, its remarkably clear runic inscription offering an intimate, tangible link to the island’s late Viking Age and the people who commemorated their dead in carved granite.
A brief summary to The Brogård stone
- Simblegårdsvej 28, Hasle, 3790, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at the Brogård Stone with a wider drive or cycle tour south of Hasle to appreciate how the runestone fits into Bornholm’s rural landscape.
- Bring a short introduction to runes or a printed transliteration if you want to follow the inscription line by line on the stone itself.
- Wear sturdy shoes; you may need to step onto grass or uneven ground at the roadside to get close to the stone after wet or muddy weather.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Car from Rønne on Bornholm
From central Rønne, driving to the Brogård Stone near Hasle typically takes around 15–20 minutes via the main coastal and inland roads. Traffic is usually light, but summer can bring slower-moving holiday traffic through towns. Parking is informal at the roadside near the stone, so be sure to pull well off the carriageway and use hazard lights if needed. There is no fee for visiting or parking.
-
Local bus to Hasle and walk
Several regional bus routes connect Rønne and Hasle in about 20–30 minutes, running more frequently on weekdays and less often in the evening and on weekends. A single adult ticket is typically in the range of 25–40 DKK, depending on zones. From Hasle, you can walk along minor roads through gently rolling countryside for around 30–40 minutes to reach the stone. The walk follows paved and gravel surfaces with mild inclines but limited shade and no dedicated pedestrian paths in some stretches.
-
Cycling from Hasle
Cycling from Hasle to the Brogård Stone is a popular option, taking roughly 10–20 minutes each way along quiet country roads. The route is gently undulating, suitable for most reasonably fit riders, though strong winds can make the ride more demanding. You can rent standard or electric bikes in several Bornholm towns, usually from about 100–250 DKK per day depending on model and season. There are no formal bike racks at the stone, so be prepared to lean and lock your bike against a fence or hedge.
The Brogård stone location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
Discover more about The Brogård stone
A quiet giant of the Viking Age
The Brogård Stone stands in a small clearing by fields and farmsteads just south of Hasle, yet it carries the weight of more than a thousand years of history. Rising to about 2.7 meters, it is the largest known runestone on Bornholm, hewn from local granite and set upright in the landscape like a solitary sentinel. Today it looks almost modest beside the narrow country road, but in the late Viking Age this would have been a deliberate, prominent marker in the terrain, visible to anyone passing along the route. Approaching the stone, you notice its tapering shape and weather-softened edges. Lichen dapples the surface, and on a bright day the grain of the granite catches the light. It is easy to imagine how striking it must have seemed when newly raised, its carving crisp and the stone freshly quarried.Runes that still speak clearly
What makes the Brogård Stone especially compelling is how clearly its runes can still be read. Unlike many weathered stones, the inscription here remains relatively sharp, cut in the younger futhark alphabet used in the Viking Age. The runes follow a band that winds up the face of the stone, forming a memorial text typical of the period: naming the person who commissioned the monument, the person commemorated, and often their kinship or status. Even without mastering runology, you can see how the carver laid out the runes in an even, confident hand. Each character is formed with straight strokes, adapted to the chisel and the hard granite. The inscription turns an otherwise anonymous boulder into a specific story about named individuals, anchoring personal memory in the landscape.From hilltop monument to hidden bridge stone
Originally, the Brogård Stone stood on a small hill nearby, most likely in a more commanding position. In the early 1700s it was removed and reused as building material, ending up as a horizontal capstone in a bridge across the Bagaa stream. For more than a century its inscription was largely out of sight, serving a purely practical purpose as people crossed the water without realizing they were walking over a Viking memorial. In 1868 the stone was rediscovered and recognized as a runestone. It was then raised again near its present spot by the roadside. This journey—from sacred monument to anonymous construction stone and back to protected heritage—illustrates how even important objects can fade from memory, only to be reclaimed later as part of a shared past.Bornholm’s rune landscape
The Brogård Stone is part of a broader constellation of runestones spread across Bornholm. The island hosts several dozen such stones, some at churches, others in fields or village settings. Together they chart the spread of Christianity, shifts in power, and networks of families in the late Viking and early medieval periods. Visiting this particular stone offers a compact introduction to that world. Standing here, you can imagine messengers and traders moving between farmsteads, pausing to trace the runes with their fingers or to invoke the name of the person commemorated. The stone belongs both to its immediate farm landscape and to a larger Scandinavian tradition of carved memorials.Atmosphere of stillness by the roadside
Despite its historical importance, the Brogård Stone’s setting today is simple and unassuming. There is no grand monument, just the stone, the verge, and views across low fields and hedgerows. The soundscape is usually limited to wind in the grass, birdsong, and the occasional car. This understated environment gives you space to linger, read any nearby information, and reflect on the long continuity of human presence on Bornholm. The lack of crowds or elaborate facilities means you experience the stone much as local residents do: as a familiar landmark on a quiet rural road. That everyday quality—an extraordinary artifact in an ordinary setting—is part of its charm and a reminder that the Viking past here is woven into the living landscape rather than confined to museums.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Slemmegrav
6.9 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Vang Pier
7.6 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Den russiske bjørn
8.4 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
8.5 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
8.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
9.0 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
9.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Domen
12.3 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Melsted Havn
16.1 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.
Louisenlund
21.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
24.6 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.
Geografisk knudepunkt
26.0 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Kanonstilling G3
29.6 km
A vast unfinished WWII gun battery hidden in Bornholm’s pines, where moss-covered concrete, dark bunkers and Baltic history meet just behind Dueodde’s dunes.
Snogebæk Havn
29.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hasle Strand
1.8 km
Long west-coast sands, quiet dunes and pine-backed shoreline where Bornholm’s soft side meets big Baltic sunsets just south of the harbor town of Hasle.
Kultippen Hasle
1.9 km
A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
1.9 km
A historic merchant’s house in Hasle transformed into Bornholm’s vibrant hub for contemporary ceramics, glass and design – with galleries, shop and café under one roof.
Jættebolden
2.4 km
A legendary giant’s boulder hidden in Bornholm’s wild Svartingedal ravine, where old forest, rich birdlife and myth-filled geology meet on a quiet hillside.
Svartingedalen
2.6 km
A lush Bornholm fissure valley hidden among farm fields, where cool forest shade, steep rock walls and a winding path create an intimate slice of wild nature.
Bagågraven
3.3 km
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
3.9 km
A quietly dramatic split boulder on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where ancient rock, Baltic light and hints of old sacred landscapes meet above the sea.
Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
4.3 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
New Church
4.8 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.
Jons Kapel
6.3 km
Legend-steeped sea cliffs on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where a dry cave and soaring rock walls create a natural “chapel” above the Baltic.
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
6.4 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.
Blåskinsdalen
6.4 km
A narrow, fern‑lined rift valley near Hasle where blue anemones, twisted roots and ancient rock create one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric short forest walks.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
7.2 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Bornholm Technical Collection
8.3 km
A sprawling farmyard museum where Bornholm’s tractors, radios, toys and even a combat aircraft tell the island’s 20th‑century story through everyday technology.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
8.4 km
A 20‑ton rocking boulder hidden in Rutsker Højlyng’s heathland, where Ice Age geology, quiet woodland and Bornholm folklore come together in a simple, wild setting.
Essential places to dine
Hasle Smokehouse
1.9 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.
The Ranch
4.0 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
7.9 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Râzapâz
8.4 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.
Snurra
8.4 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Texas Bornholm
8.4 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.
Café-Munter
8.5 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
8.7 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
8.7 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Hovedvagten
8.8 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Stammershalle Badehotel
10.9 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
11.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Margeritten
11.9 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
11.9 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
11.9 km
Hearty Bornholm cooking in a former post office, where generous plates, local ingredients and a cosy courtyard turn Allinge’s everyday letters into lingering meals.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.5 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Torvehal Bornholm
7.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
7.7 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
8.3 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.
People-Fashion.dk
8.4 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
8.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
8.6 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
8.7 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.
sNoir
8.8 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
8.8 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
8.8 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Dansk
9.3 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
14.6 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
15.5 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ølhuzed ApS
1.9 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
7.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Cabaret Bornholm
8.1 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.
O'Malley
8.5 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
8.6 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
8.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
8.7 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.
Café Lille Per
8.8 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Penyllan Brewery
10.2 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pilen bar & bodega
11.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.1 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
12.7 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.
Provianten
15.6 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dagligstuen
16.8 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
16.9 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
8.4 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
8.6 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
8.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
After Dark
8.7 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- 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
