Våde Ovn at Helligdomsklipperne
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.
Hidden within Bornholm’s dramatic Helligdomsklipperne, **Våde Ovn** is a sea cave carved deep into the granite coast between Gudhjem and Tejn. Roughly 18 m long, 6 m wide and 5 m high, with water plunging to around 11 m in depth, this “wet oven” is best appreciated from the coastal path or by boat, where sheer rock walls, echoing waves and shifting light create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere along one of Denmark’s most striking shorelines.
A brief summary to Våde Ovn
- Helligdomsvej 14, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 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 footwear with good grip; paths and rocks around Helligdomsklipperne can be uneven and very slippery in wet weather.
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker even in summer; the exposed north coast and shade near the caves can feel markedly cooler than inland.
- If you plan to see Våde Ovn from the sea, check boat or tour schedules in advance and allow time to combine the trip with a walk along the coastal path.
- Stay well back from unfenced cliff edges and supervise children closely; the drop to the sea is steep and the rock can crumble at the margins.
- Photographers should aim for early morning or late afternoon, when low-angle light enhances textures in the granite and reveals more detail inside the cave mouth.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Gudhjem or Tejn
From Gudhjem or Tejn, Våde Ovn is reached via the Helligdomsklipperne visitor area near Bornholms Kunstmuseum. Driving from either town typically takes 8–12 minutes along the coastal road. Parking at the museum and nearby lots is generally free, but spaces can fill in peak summer midday. From the parking area, expect a short walk on signed paths with some stairs and uneven ground; this section is not ideal for visitors with limited mobility.
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Local bus along the north coast
Bornholm’s regional buses connect Gudhjem and Allinge/Tejn with a stop near Bornholms Kunstmuseum on Helligdomsvej during the day. The ride from Gudhjem normally takes around 10–15 minutes, and from Allinge or Tejn around 15–25 minutes. Standard single tickets on Bornholm buses are typically in the range of 25–40 DKK per adult, with discounts for children and multi-trip cards. Service is less frequent in the evening and outside the main summer season, so check the timetable in advance. From the bus stop, you walk on marked paths and stairways down toward the cliffs.
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Coastal walk from Gudhjem
Strong walkers can follow the coastal path from Gudhjem to Helligdomsklipperne, a scenic route of roughly 6 km that usually takes about 1.5–2.5 hours one way depending on pace and photo stops. The trail includes rocky sections, roots and some short, steep parts, and can be muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is important. There is no entrance fee for accessing Våde Ovn from this path, but the walk is not well suited to pushchairs or those with balance difficulties.
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Summer boat trip with walking return
In the summer months, a small tour boat commonly runs between Gudhjem harbour and the Helligdomsklipperne area, passing close to cliffs and caves such as Våde Ovn. The cruise usually lasts 40–60 minutes round trip, with the option on some departures to disembark near the cliffs and walk back along the coastal path. Typical adult fares are in the range of 120–180 DKK, with reduced prices for children. Sailings depend on weather and sea conditions, and can be cancelled in strong wind or heavy swell.
Våde Ovn 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
Discover more about Våde Ovn
A Sea-Carved Chamber in Bornholm’s Granite Coast
Våde Ovn is one of the best-known grottoes along the Helligdomsklipperne, a wild stretch of cliff coastline between Gudhjem and Tejn on Bornholm’s north shore. Here the Baltic has bitten into the ancient granite for thousands of years, creating deep clefts, freestanding pillars and caverns locals call “ovne” – ovens. Våde Ovn, the “wet oven,” is a sea cave where water still fills the chamber, so the waves remain the sculptor. Unlike the narrower Tørre Ovn (“dry oven”) higher up the rocks, Våde Ovn opens directly to the sea. It measures about 18 m in length, 6 m across and 5 m high, with water depths reaching roughly 11 m. Even on calm days the sound of the swell rolling in and out turns the cave into a resonant echo box, reminding you that everything here is shaped by the rhythm of the Baltic.Part of the Sanctuary Cliffs Story
Våde Ovn is only one feature in a dense cluster of rock formations that together are known as Helligdomsklipperne, or the Sanctuary Cliffs. Names like Lyseklippen, Helligdomsklippen, Sorte Gryde and the Apostlene add a sense of drama and folklore to the landscape. Walking the coastal path, you move between viewpoints high above the water and sections where the trail drops closer to the sea, giving shifting angles on the caves and their churning inlets. In earlier times this coastline was associated with holy springs and local pilgrimage traditions, which helped give the area its “sanctuary” name. Today, the sacred feeling comes more from the raw meeting of rock, water and weather. On clear days the granite glows warm against the blue sea; in mist or overcast light, the cliffs feel brooding and elemental.Experiencing Våde Ovn from Land and Sea
From the clifftop paths you mostly experience Våde Ovn by looking down into its dark mouth as the sea surges in. Boat trips along the coast edge in closer to the cave and nearby formations, offering a low, sea-level perspective on the sheer walls. From this angle you see just how sharply the rock drops into deep water, and how the entrance frames shifting patterns of light and shadow inside the chamber. More adventurous visitors sometimes explore the grottoes by kayak or on guided snorkelling excursions in suitable conditions, gaining an intimate feel for the underwater contours that mirror the cliffs above. This is strictly weather-dependent coast, and the same forces that make Våde Ovn impressive also demand respect: swell, slippery rocks and sudden changes in conditions are all part of the experience.Wild Coast Atmosphere beside the Art Museum
One of the curiosities of Våde Ovn’s setting is how close this rugged coastline lies to Bornholms Kunstmuseum on the plateau above. Within a short walk you move from clean-lined architecture and curated galleries to rough-hewn cliffs and sea caves. Many artists have drawn inspiration from this meeting of culture and nature, painting the Sanctuary Cliffs in every season. As the day fades, the area around Våde Ovn becomes particularly atmospheric. When the low sun strikes the cliff faces, the granite takes on coppery tones and the cave mouths turn into dark apertures in the glowing rock. Even after the light has gone, you still hear the waves working in the unseen spaces below, continuing the slow process that created Våde Ovn in the first place.Seasons, Light and the Mood of the Cave
Våde Ovn’s character shifts with the seasons. In calm summer weather the cave can seem almost inviting, its water a deep green-blue mirroring the sky. In autumn and winter, with stronger winds and heavier seas, the same space feels inhospitable and powerful, spray blowing high against the cliff and the entrance seething with foam. Fog or low cloud can draw the landscape inward, muting colours so that texture and sound become the main impressions. On bright, clear days visibility along the coast is superb, and you can trace the line of rock formations in both directions. No matter when you come, the appeal of Våde Ovn lies in watching and listening: a single, focused encounter with the long dialogue between stone and sea on Bornholm’s north coast.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
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
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly