The Swan (Svanen) of Svaneke
A modest maritime monument in a quiet Svaneke street, The Swan keeps the memory of Bornholm’s once-vital Baltic trading harbour quietly afloat.
Tucked just inland from Svaneke’s harbour on Bornholm, The Swan (Svanen) is a modest yet evocative maritime monument marking the town’s era as a vital Baltic trading port. This small outdoor landmark, set among simple greenery and low buildings, commemorates Svaneke’s seafaring heritage rather than offering grand architecture. A quick but rewarding stop, it invites you to pause, read the story of the port’s past, and picture the days when ships and cargo defined life here.
A brief summary to The Swan / Svanen
- Gruset 7, Svaneke, 3740, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 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
- Combine a quick stop at The Swan with a loop down to Svaneke Harbour so you can connect the monument’s story to the working waterfront below.
- Plan 10–20 relaxed minutes here; bring a short note or guide about Svaneke’s port history, as there is no staffed information on-site.
- Use the soft morning or late-afternoon light for more atmospheric photos of the monument and its surrounding houses.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Local bus from Nexø
From Nexø, take a regional bus toward Svaneke; typical journey times are around 20–30 minutes, with services running several times a day. A single adult ticket usually costs in the range of 30–50 DKK depending on distance and fare type. Buses stop in central Svaneke, from where you continue on foot through town streets to reach The Swan. Services can be less frequent on weekends and in winter, so check the timetable in advance.
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Bus connection from Rønne
From Rønne, use the island’s intercity buses that run toward Svaneke, often with a change in a larger village such as Aakirkeby or Nexø. Total travel time generally falls between 60 and 80 minutes. Expect to pay roughly 60–90 DKK for a one-way adult ticket depending on route and discounts. Buses arrive at Svaneke’s central stops; from there, you walk through the compact town centre to the monument. Service frequency is higher in summer and lower outside peak season.
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Car travel on Bornholm
Travelling by car from Rønne to Svaneke usually takes around 35–45 minutes via the island’s main roads. There is no dedicated car park at The Swan, but you can use public parking areas in and around central Svaneke at little or no cost, then walk into the residential streets. In peak summer, parking near the harbour fills quickly, so allow extra time to find a space slightly further from the waterfront.
The Swan / Svanen 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
Discover more about The Swan / Svanen
A quiet tribute to Svaneke’s seafaring past
The Swan, or Svanen, sits unassumingly in a residential corner of Svaneke, a short walk from the harbour that once buzzed with ships and trade. Rather than a towering monument, you find a compact, human-scale landmark that feels woven into the everyday fabric of the town. Its simple form, often accompanied by a plaque or modest stonework, nods to the era when Svaneke’s fortunes rose and fell with the winds and tides of the Baltic Sea. Standing here, it is easy to imagine the coastline crowded with masts and sails. Svaneke’s name itself is linked to swans, and this symbol became closely associated with the harbour and its merchant fleet. The Swan distils that long maritime story into a single point of focus, offering a quiet counterpoint to the more obviously picturesque waterfront just downhill.Life around an important Bornholm harbour
In earlier centuries, Svaneke’s harbour was a crucial stop in the web of Baltic trade routes. Ships carried grain, timber, herring and other goods between Bornholm, mainland Denmark and neighbouring coasts, with Svaneke functioning as a lifeline for the surrounding countryside. The Swan commemorates this role, acting as a kind of anchor for local memory even as the town has shifted towards craft production and tourism. Today the nearby harbour is more about fishing boats, pleasure craft and ice creams than heavy cargo, but this small site keeps the commercial past in view. It ties together stories of merchants, sailors and shipbuilders who depended on this port in an age before ferries and bridges. For visitors, it adds an extra layer of context to Svaneke’s pretty streets and red roofs.Atmosphere of a small Bornholm neighbourhood
Unlike many monuments placed on grand plazas, The Swan is lodged in a residential setting at Gruset, a modest street slightly removed from the shoreline. The ambience is relaxed and everyday: low houses, gardens, the sound of distant gulls rather than the bustle of crowds. You can step up to the monument without queues or barriers, inspect any inscriptions at your own pace, and then linger for photographs. This setting makes the stop feel almost like discovering a local secret. It is a pleasant detour on a stroll through Svaneke, especially if you enjoy seeing how history is embedded in ordinary corners rather than only on postcard views. The scale is intimate, ideal for a reflective pause rather than a long visit.Experiencing The Swan on a short visit
Most travellers spend only a brief time at The Swan, often combining it with the harbour, the town square and Svaneke’s smokehouses and glass workshops. The site itself is free, accessible at any hour, and easy to experience in 10–20 minutes, including time for reading, photography and orientation. Because it is small and outdoors, it suits flexible itineraries: you can stop by between other sights, on a loop walk through town, or as a quiet moment at the edge of the day. There is no formal visitor centre on-site, so it helps to arrive with a basic sense of Svaneke’s history, or to pair the visit with the local museum and harbourfront information boards.Stories carried by a simple symbol
What makes The Swan engaging is not dramatic design but what it represents. The swan has long served as a visual emblem for Svaneke, appearing on signs, artworks and local branding. Here, it crystallises the connection between the town’s name, its maritime orientation and its identity as a Bornholm port town. By pausing at this quiet monument, you tap into that thread of continuity: from wooden sailing ships to modern ferries, from exporters and fishermen to today’s artists and holidaymakers. It is a small reminder that even compact villages can have outsized roles in the broader geography of sea routes and island life, and that those roles are often preserved in symbolic corners like this one.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Louisenlund
4.9 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
6.0 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
12.5 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
17.2 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
17.8 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Slemmegrav
26.9 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Domen
27.4 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
28.2 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
28.5 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
28.8 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Ronne Lighthouse
28.9 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
29.1 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
29.2 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Unmissable attractions to see
Svaneke Havn
0.1 km
A compact Bornholm harbour where granite rocks, fishing boats and gourmet treats meet in one of Denmark’s most charming little market towns.
Svaneke Gamle Fyr
0.8 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
1.9 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
2.6 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
3.7 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
5.4 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
6.2 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
7.1 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
8.1 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
8.3 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Udforsk Bornholm
8.3 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
8.3 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.
Almindingen
9.3 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
0.1 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Restaurant Pakhuset
0.3 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
0.3 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 Røgeri
0.3 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
0.3 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Culinarium
8.2 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Snogebæk Røgeri
12.4 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
12.7 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
15.3 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
15.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
16.2 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
0.1 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
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.
Reflax
0.2 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
8.9 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
11.1 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
12.7 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
13.8 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
13.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.7 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
16.1 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
16.6 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
20.3 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
0.3 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
0.3 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
3.3 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
8.4 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
8.4 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
12.5 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
16.1 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
16.1 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
24.9 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
27.7 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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