Ølstauan Travel Guide

Ølstauan sits directly on Allinge’s harbourfront, where fishing boats, pleasure craft and Baltic ferries glide in and out within sight of your table. The low, unpretentious building opens onto the quay, so you step almost straight from cobbles and moored boats into a warmly lit room of wood, brass and glass. It feels more like a local living room than a formal restaurant, a place where regulars greet the staff by name and visitors are quickly folded into the easy rhythm of the room.Large windows frame the changing light over the Baltic, from pale morning skies to deep orange summer sunsets. On calmer days the doors stand open and sea air drifts across the tables, carrying the faint scent of salt and tar from the harbour. In the cooler months, the cosy interior becomes the main draw, a snug refuge after windy walks along Bornholm’s dramatic cliffs.

The menu is rooted in classic Danish pub and inn cooking, served without fuss but with a clear respect for good ingredients. Expect hearty staples such as pan‑fried fish fillets, open sandwiches piled high on dense rye bread, generous portions of biksemad hash and occasionally steak or schnitzel, all plated in straightforward, satisfying portions. Dishes often nod to Bornholm’s maritime traditions, with fish and seafood naturally prominent.This is food designed to go well with beer: crisp frying, rich gravies, tangy pickles and creamy sauces that stand up to a hoppy IPA or a malty lager. Daily or seasonal special plates make use of what is best at the moment, and the kitchen leans toward honest flavour rather than elaborate presentation. It is the kind of place where a simple fish fillet or a well‑seasoned hash can be the highlight of a day exploring the island.

What truly sets Ølstauan apart is its focus on local beer. The bar is known for carrying a broad line‑up of Bornholm brews on tap, representing all three of the island’s main microbreweries with an unusually large number of draught lines dedicated to them. For a relatively small venue, the selection is remarkably deep, spanning crisp pilsners, rich dark ales, experimental small‑batch styles and seasonal one‑offs.Taps line the back of the bar, each clearly labelled, and staff are used to helping guests navigate the choices, suggesting pairings with food or small tasters if you are unsure. Alongside beer, the shelves hold an array of rum, gin and whisky, again with an eye for character rather than sheer quantity. The result is a bar that works both as a place to discover Bornholm’s brewing culture and as a relaxed spot for a single well‑poured pint at the end of the day.

Despite the impressive beer list, Ølstauan is not a rowdy night‑time hangout. It cultivates a calm, adult environment where conversation is the main soundtrack and music, if present, stays comfortably in the background. The space suits couples lingering over an unhurried dinner, friends catching up around a high table, or solo travellers settling in at the bar with a book and a local brew.Families do appear, especially earlier in the day, but the overall feel is more grown‑up than playground. The harbour setting and the steady movement of boats provide all the entertainment needed. As the evening progresses, candles and low lighting enhance the intimate mood, while the kitchen keeps service pleasantly informal. It is a place where you can dress casually, relax completely and still feel you are somewhere distinctly local and special.

Ølstauan forms one strand in Bornholm’s broader food story, which celebrates local producers and small‑scale craftsmanship. From smokehouses and farm restaurants to microbreweries and speciality shops, the island has developed a reputation for combining tradition with quality, and this harbour bar embodies that approach. By pouring only Bornholm beers on tap and serving solid Danish classics, it acts as an easy gateway into the island’s flavours.Sitting here, with a plate of simple, well‑made food and a glass of beer brewed only a few kilometres away, you get a concentrated taste of what draws many to Bornholm: authenticity, coastal charm and a strong sense of place. Whether you drop in for a quick lunch between walks, a lingering dinner at sunset or just a single draught brew on your way along the harbour, Ølstauan offers a memorable pause in the rhythm of the island.