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Ekkodalen: Bornholm's Mysterious Echo Valley

Denmark’s Grandest Rift Valley, Ekkodalen entices with echoing cliffs, forest walks, bison, wildflowers, and timeless Bornholm folklore in the heart of Almindingen.

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Ekkodalen, near Aakirkeby in the heart of Bornholm, is Denmark's largest rift valley and a beloved natural landmark. Its dramatic cliffs, lush forest and famous “echo” have made it a favorite spot for walkers, families, and nature lovers for centuries. With roots dating to the Ice Age and folklore that echoes along the rocks, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Bornholm.

A brief summary to The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder

  • Bornholm, DK
  • 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

  • Try your echo at the marked echo stone near the main entrance—it carries especially well on still days.
  • Spring and autumn are especially beautiful, with wildflowers and vibrant foliage brightening the trail.
  • Pack a picnic—seating areas are available, and there are no food vendors directly inside the valley.
  • Look for the ruins of the historic sanatorium partially hidden among the trees, a quiet reminder of the valley’s past.
  • Wear sturdy shoes; although main paths are well maintained, some side trails can be muddy after rain.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Buses run from Rønne’s central bus terminal towards Almindingen, with stops near Ekkodalen’s entrance by Aakirkeby. The ride passes through scenic stretches of inland Bornholm and typically takes about 30–40 minutes. Standard adult fare ranges from 24–36 DKK. From the stop, it’s a short walk into the valley amid open fields and stands of pine.

  • Driving

    Arriving by car, travelers can use the dedicated parking lot located at Ekkodalen’s main entrance just outside Aakirkeby. Parking is free, but spaces can fill up quickly in good weather and during peak holiday periods. The site is well-signposted from major island roads, with forest and farmland framing the approach.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from central Rønne to Ekkodalen typically takes 20–30 minutes, passing small villages and rolling countryside before arriving at the main entrance. Expect fares in the range of 250–350 DKK for the one-way journey.

  • Bicycle

    Cyclists can enjoy a mostly gentle ride from Rønne or Aakirkeby, using Bornholm’s well-developed cycle network. The approach includes long stretches beside meadows and forest. Secure bicycle stands are located by the entrance.

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Discover more about The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder

Ekkodalen, literally “Echo Valley,” is a striking geological formation stretching through the heart of Bornholm. Winding for more than 12 kilometers, it forms part of the Almindingen Forest – the largest on the Baltic island. The valley’s drama comes from basalt cliffs and rugged escarpments carved by nature, offering both shelter and spectacle at various points along its course. Visitors are greeted at the most famous entrance near Aakirkeby by a gently undulating forest path, leading into the deep green of the valley. Here, under the imposing faces of the cliffs, the namesake echo phenomenon can be experienced: stand by the marked “echo stone” and call out – your voice returns, clear and sometimes even mischievous, from the rock face, a favorite thrill for kids and adults alike. Throughout the centuries, Ekkodalen has featured both in island myths and the daily lives of Bornholmers. The valley has provided refuge, pastureland and even an old sanatorium, whose ruins still stand hidden among the trees and are now a haunt for explorers and photographers. During spring and summer, Ekkodalen’s floor is transformed by wildflowers, and its edges come alive with butterflies; autumn brings a golden carpet of falling leaves. The forest that surrounds the valley harbors deer, rare birds, and – if you’re lucky and quiet – the sight of Bornholm’s famous bison herd grazing nearby. Inviting picnic tables, accessible walking tracks, and links to Almindingen’s larger trail network make it easy to plan anything from a quick visit to a full-day hike. With its unique echoes, ancient rock faces, and ever-changing woodland palette, Ekkodalen is not only a geological wonder but also a place of memories, new and old, for generations of locals and visitors.

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