The Sanctuary Rocks (Helligdomsklipperne), Bornholm

Granite Walls Above the Baltic

The Sanctuary Rocks, known in Danish as Helligdomsklipperne, form one of Bornholm’s most striking stretches of coastline. Here, hard granite rises in almost vertical walls, reaching around 20–22 metres above the Baltic Sea. Over thousands of years, wind, waves and ice have carved the rock into columns, ledges and deep clefts so narrow that the sky becomes a thin strip of light overhead. From the clifftop you look out over an open sweep of sea, often ruffled by wind, while below, boulders and slabs lie scattered where the waves break. The rock faces shift in colour with the weather, from soft greys to almost golden tones in low evening light, and in places a thin skin of lichen and moss softens the hard geometry of the stone.

Caves, Chasms and Story-filled Names

Much of the fascination here lies in the details hidden in the cliffs. Several caves cut deep into the rock, including Sorte Gryde, the “Black Pot”, where you can venture far inside when sea conditions are calm. Other hollows and fissures carry names such as Våde Ovn and Tørre Ovn, hinting at their damp, echoing interiors and long history of local lore. Along the coastline individual pillars and viewpoints are also named. Libertsklippen recalls a 19th-century landscape painter who was drawn to the drama of this spot, while places like Kærlighedsbænken, or Lovers’ Bench, suggest quieter moments watching the sea. Combined, these named outcrops form a kind of granite alphabet telling stories of art, romance and the island’s relationship with the sea.

From Holy Springs to Protected Coast

Despite its rugged appearance, this coast has long been a place of pilgrimage and healing. In the Middle Ages a chapel, Trefoldighedskapellet, stood in the fields above the rocks, drawing visitors to a nearby holy spring whose water was carried up to those seeking cures, especially at midsummer. The surrounding cliffs, already impressive, gained an aura of sanctity that survives in the English name Sanctuary Rocks. In more recent centuries, as tourism developed on Bornholm, local efforts ensured that this area remained open to everyone. The coastal strip was protected, footpaths were established and today the entire shoreline here is part of a wider nature conservation zone. Walking the marked trails, you move through a landscape where medieval devotion, early holidaymaking and modern conservation all leave their traces.

Coastal Paths, Boat Landings and Art Next Door

Exploring the Sanctuary Rocks is as much about movement as it is about views. Well-trodden paths run along the clifftops, sometimes threading through heather, sometimes skirting the very edge of the drop. In several places wooden stairways lead down towards the waterline, allowing you to stand closer to the foot of the cliffs and feel spray and wind funnelled between the walls of stone. In summer, a traditional tour boat links Gudhjem harbour with a small landing beneath the rocks, offering the chance to see the formations from sea level before climbing up to the paths above. Just inland sits Bornholm’s art museum, housed in a light-filled modern building that frames sea and cliffs through broad windows. The pairing of art and raw geology makes this corner of Bornholm particularly rich for both contemplation and photography.

Seasons, Light and the Feel of the Place

The character of Helligdomsklipperne changes with the weather and season. On bright, calm days the Baltic can be a sheet of blue glass, seabirds circling around the cliff faces and sun warming the rock ledges. In windier conditions, waves hammer the base of the cliffs and spray rises in bursts, underlining how these formations were carved in the first place. Even in high summer there are pockets of quiet along the paths where you hear little more than waves and the rustle of vegetation. At other times, especially near the stairways and viewpoints, the site can feel lively and social as walkers, families and photographers pause to admire the outlook. Early morning and late evening often bring softer light and longer shadows, highlighting every groove in the granite and giving the rocks an almost sculptural presence.

A Natural Landmark of the Danish Islands

Within Denmark’s relatively gentle landscapes, the Sanctuary Rocks stand out as something rare: a rugged, vertical shoreline that feels almost out of scale with the small island that hosts it. The combination of geological drama, layers of history, easy walking paths and the nearby art museum has made this one of Bornholm’s signature sights. For travelers, it offers a flexible experience. You can simply pause at a clifftop viewpoint for half an hour, follow a longer hike linking Gudhjem or Tejn, or combine a boat trip, cave visit and museum stop into a full day out. Whatever the choice, the constant is the sense of granite meeting water, and the feeling of standing at the edge of both land and story.