The Sanctuary Rocks (Helligdomsklipperne), Bornholm
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
The Sanctuary Rocks, or Helligdomsklipperne, are dramatic granite sea cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast between Gudhjem and Tejn. Rising around 20–22 metres above the Baltic, this protected stretch of coastline is carved into pillars, caves and narrow clefts with evocative names like Sorte Gryde and Lovers’ Bench. A coastal path threads along the clifftops, stairways lead down towards the water, and in season a tour boat links the rocks with Gudhjem, making this one of Denmark’s most atmospheric coastal landscapes.
A brief summary to The Sanctuary Rocks
- Helligdomsvej 14, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- 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
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; paths and stairways can be uneven, steep and slippery in wet or windy conditions.
- Bring an extra layer, even in summer, as wind on the exposed clifftop and at the waterline can feel surprisingly cold.
- Allow time to explore both the clifftop paths and at least one stairway down towards the caves for different perspectives.
- If you plan a boat trip from Gudhjem, check seasonal schedules and sea conditions in advance as sailings are weather-dependent.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Bornholm Art Museum for a half-day of nature and culture in the same small area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Gudhjem
From Gudhjem, take the regional bus that runs along the north coast towards Allinge and ask for the stop near Helligdomsvej by the art museum; the ride typically takes 10–15 minutes. Buses usually run at least hourly in high season and less frequently in winter, and a one-way ticket within the island generally costs around 25–40 DKK per adult. Services may be reduced on weekends and public holidays, so check the timetable in advance.
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Car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne to the Sanctuary Rocks via the island’s main roads to Gudhjem and on towards Tejn typically takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and season. There is a parking area near Helligdomsvej close to the cliffs and the art museum, but it can fill up on sunny summer days and during school holidays. Fuel costs vary, and some parking areas may have time limits, so always check local signs when you arrive.
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Bicycle along the coastal route
Experienced cyclists can follow Bornholm’s signed cycle routes between Gudhjem and Tejn, detouring to Helligdomsvej for the Sanctuary Rocks; from Gudhjem the ride is around 20–30 minutes each way, depending on fitness and wind. The roads and paths include short hills and mixed surfaces, so this option suits confident riders rather than very young children. If you rent a bike in a nearby town, expect daily rental prices in the range of 100–200 DKK, with helmets and locks often included.
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Seasonal boat from Gudhjem
In the warmer months, a tour boat operates from Gudhjem harbour along the rocky coast to a small landing beneath the Sanctuary Rocks, with the sailing taking roughly 45–60 minutes including coastal sightseeing. Disembarkation depends on sea conditions and is via steps, which may not suit those with limited mobility. Adult tickets for such coastal cruises are commonly priced in the region of 120–180 DKK, with departures several times a day at peak season and fewer outside midsummer.
The Sanctuary Rocks location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Sanctuary Rocks
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
5.8 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Domen
9.1 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Vang Pier
10.9 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Louisenlund
14.4 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
16.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Klintebakken
17.8 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
18.1 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.2 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
18.8 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.
Destination Bornholm ApS
18.8 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Midterpilt
18.9 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
19.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Udforsk Bornholm
23.3 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
25.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
26.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Våde Ovn
0.0 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Dry Oven CAVE
0.2 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
0.2 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Black Pot
0.2 km
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Helligdomsklipperne
0.7 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Døndalen
0.9 km
Wild rift valley, towering trees and Denmark’s highest waterfall come together in this quietly dramatic forest walk on Bornholm’s rugged north coast.
Døndalen Vandfald
1.0 km
Lush rift valley, changing 20 m waterfall and sweeping Baltic views combine in one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric forest walks just west of Gudhjem.
Spellinge Mose
3.2 km
Quiet Bornholm wetland in a rocky rift valley, where Iron Age ruins, an old railway trail and protected bog habitats meet in a serene pocket of wild nature.
Storeborg
3.2 km
Explore the dramatic rift valley of Ekkodalen on Bornholm—where echoing cliffs, lush trails, and legendary stories meet in a uniquely Danish natural setting.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
3.3 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.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
3.6 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Hestestenene
3.9 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Røverborgen
4.1 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
4.3 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Rø Plantage
4.5 km
Ancient forests, hidden fortresses, and serene lakes in Bornholm's tranquil woodland sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Stammershalle Badehotel
2.7 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.
Norresan
4.4 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
4.8 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.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
4.9 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
8.3 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
8.5 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
8.5 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.
Terrassen
8.6 km
Wine, cocktails and Nordic comfort food on a wide harbour-view deck in historic Høiers Gaard, where Allinge’s sea air, granite coast and easygoing buzz meet.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.6 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
The Ranch
9.6 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
10.5 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
10.6 km
Cozy Danish restaurant and konditori in seaside Allinge, pairing nostalgic “mormor” charm with hearty comfort dishes, cakes and coffee just steps from Bornholm’s harbor.
Christianshøjkroen
11.3 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
12.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Hasle Smokehouse
13.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
4.8 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
4.9 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.
Janne K
4.9 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
5.7 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
7.1 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
7.4 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
16.8 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
17.0 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
17.3 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
17.4 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
17.6 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
18.1 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
18.2 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
4.8 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
5.0 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
6.6 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
8.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
8.7 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
9.9 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
12.9 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.
Buddha Bar
17.0 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
17.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.4 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Søllings Bodega
18.2 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
18.2 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
O'Malley
18.3 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
18.4 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
18.5 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
18.1 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.2 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
18.4 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
18.6 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
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
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
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly