Hammershus Castle Ruins
Northern Europe's largest castle ruin crowning a clifftop fortress with Baltic views, free and open 24/7.
Northern Europe's largest castle ruin crowns a dramatic clifftop on Bornholm's northwestern coast, commanding sweeping views of the Baltic Sea. Built in the late 13th century by Archbishop Jens Grand, this medieval fortress served as the island's administrative stronghold for over 450 years before its abandonment in 1743. Today, the restored ruins stand as Bornholm's most visited landmark, accessible 24/7 and entirely free to explore, complemented by a modern visitor center with exhibitions, café, and panoramic viewing terraces.
A brief summary to Hammershus Castle Ruins
- Langebjergvej 26, Allinge, 3770, DK
- +4556481140
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late evening for solitude and exceptional photography, as the castle is accessible 24/7 while most visitors arrive during daytime hours.
- Combine your visit with the Stonecutters' Path, a marked 5.5-kilometer trail nearby that reveals Bornholm's quarrying heritage through dramatic rock formations and crevasse valleys.
- Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing; the clifftop location experiences variable weather, and pathways can be uneven or slippery in wet conditions.
- Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore the ruins, visit the exhibition at the visitor center, and enjoy the panoramic terrace views without rushing.
- Check visitor center opening hours before visiting in winter months, as the center operates weekends only from November through Easter, though the castle ruins remain accessible.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car
From Rønne (Bornholm's main town), drive north on Route 16 toward Allinge, following signs for Hammershus. The journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes covering roughly 35 kilometers. Ample parking is available at the large P2 parking lot near the visitor center; parking costs DKK 30 for 6 hours (approximately EUR 4) from Easter through autumn break. Winter parking is typically free.
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By Bus
From Rønne, take bus lines 1, 2, or 7 heading toward Allinge; journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on route and stops. From Nexø, bus line 7 serves the route. Buses operate year-round with reduced frequency in winter months. Single fares cost approximately DKK 40–50 (EUR 5–7). Journey times vary by route; confirm current schedules with local transport operators.
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By Bicycle
The Rønne–Allinge cycle route offers a scenic 35-kilometer journey through Bornholm's countryside, taking 2.5–3.5 hours depending on fitness level and terrain. The route is well-marked and suitable for recreational cyclists. Bike rentals are available in Rønne and other towns. This option is most practical during warmer months (May–September) when weather is favorable.
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Guided Tour
Several tour operators on Bornholm offer guided visits to Hammershus, typically departing from Rønne or other towns. Tours usually include transportation, entrance to the visitor center, and guided interpretation of the castle's history. Journey times from central Bornholm range from 30–50 minutes. Prices typically range from DKK 300–500 (EUR 40–67) per person; book through local tourism information or accommodation providers.
Hammershus Castle Ruins location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Hammershus Castle Ruins
A Medieval Fortress Shaped by Power and Conflict
Hammershus Castle Ruins represent one of the most significant medieval fortifications in Northern Europe, with roots extending back to the late 13th century. Recent archaeological research and excavations from 2015 suggest the fortress was completed around 1300, built by Archbishop Jens Grand of Lund to consolidate ecclesiastical control over Bornholm Island. The castle's strategic position on a steep rocky prominence at the island's northern tip made it an ideal defensive stronghold, overlooking the Baltic Sea and controlling vital maritime routes between Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. The fortress emerged during a turbulent period of Danish history marked by power struggles between the Crown and the Catholic Church. When the archbishop's forces destroyed the rival fortress of Lilleborg in the island's center in 1259, Hammershus became the undisputed seat of authority on Bornholm. For the next five centuries, the castle served as the headquarters of successive rulers, undergoing multiple expansions and renovations that reflected changing military technologies and political circumstances.Centuries of Occupation and Transformation
Hammershus endured a complex history of foreign occupation and shifting allegiances. From 1525 to 1575, the fortress fell under the control of the City of Lübeck, the powerful Hanseatic League merchant federation. Swedish forces occupied the castle twice—briefly from 1643 to 1645 and again in 1658—before local resistance movements restored Danish sovereignty. The castle even served as a prison; notably, in 1660–1661, King Christian IV's daughter Leonora Christina and her husband Corfitz Ulfeldt were imprisoned within its walls for treason, though their dramatic escape attempt down the fortress walls and cliffs ultimately failed. By the late 17th century, Hammershus's military importance had diminished as Denmark's eastern defenses shifted to the fortress on nearby Christiansø and fortifications at Rønne. The castle was finally abandoned as a stronghold in 1743, and for nearly 80 years, local residents freely quarried its bricks for building materials. This practice ended in 1822 when the Danish State granted Hammershus protected status as a national monument, recognizing its historical and cultural significance during the era of Danish nationalistic revival.The Ruins Today: Scale and Preservation
Today, Hammershus stands as Northern Europe's largest castle ruin, its restored stone walls and towers rising majestically above the surrounding landscape. A distinctive medieval stone bridge—the only surviving example of its kind in Denmark—leads across a dramatic gorge to the fortress entrance. The ruins themselves remain largely inaccessible for climbing, as preservation measures restrict visitors to designated pathways and viewing areas, allowing safe exploration while protecting the ancient stonework. The 2018 opening of the Hammershus Visitor Center transformed the visitor experience without compromising the site's historical integrity. Positioned approximately 200 meters east of the castle and separated by a natural gorge, the modern facility blends seamlessly into the landscape through thoughtful architectural design. Large panoramic windows frame spectacular views of the fortress and Baltic Sea, creating a visual dialogue between contemporary architecture and medieval ruins. Inside, comprehensive exhibitions chronicle the castle's rich history, from its construction through its role as an administrative center, fortress, and prison.A Living Landscape of History and Nature
The setting itself contributes profoundly to Hammershus's appeal. Perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Baltic, the ruins command one of Bornholm's most dramatic natural landscapes. The surrounding area reveals traces of the island's industrial past through the Stonecutters' Path, a 5.5-kilometer marked trail that winds through quarries and crevasse valleys, following routes once used by granite workers transporting stone from Sandvig to Hammerhavn. Nearby attractions including Hammeren Fyr lighthouse (built 1872) and opportunities for rock climbing, zip-lining, and stand-up paddleboarding make the region a hub for both cultural and outdoor experiences. The castle's accessibility—open 24/7 and entirely free—ensures that visitors can experience its majesty at any hour, whether bathed in summer sunlight, softened by autumn mist, or dusted with winter snow. The visitor center's seasonal operations (extended summer hours, weekend-only winter access) accommodate varying travel patterns while the ruins themselves remain perpetually open to those seeking solitude or dramatic photography at dawn or dusk.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
2.8 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
3.3 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
16.2 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
17.5 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Den russiske bjørn
18.9 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
19.1 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
19.3 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
19.5 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.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
20.0 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
24.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
25.2 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
29.0 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
33.4 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
33.9 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
35.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Løvehovederne
0.2 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Den Våde Ovn
0.4 km
A dramatic 70 m sea cave hidden in Bornholm’s granite cliffs beneath Hammershus, Den Våde Ovn is reached only by boat and reveals the island’s wild Baltic coastline up close.
Opal Lake
1.3 km
A flooded granite quarry turned emerald lake, Opal Lake on Bornholm blends raw cliffs, deep clear water and coastal views with swimming, cliff jumps and rugged trails.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.4 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Ravnedalen
1.4 km
A rugged rift valley of granite, heath and quiet history on northern Bornholm, where narrow rocky paths, shelters and rare wildlife create an intimate wild escape.
Hammeren
1.5 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Slotslyngen
1.7 km
A rugged sweep of heather, forest and granite cliffs on Bornholm’s northwest coast, where cliff-edge paths reveal wide sea views and the distant silhouette of Hammershus.
Hammeren Lighthouse
1.8 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Pissebækken
2.2 km
A steep ravine, a playful name and one of Denmark’s highest waterfalls tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic west coast between Vang and the Baltic Sea.
Madsebakke
2.4 km
Denmark’s largest Bronze Age rock carving field, where ships, sun symbols and ancient footprints emerge from a quiet Bornholm hillside of weathered granite.
Bornholm Technical Collection
2.4 km
A sprawling farmyard museum where Bornholm’s tractors, radios, toys and even a combat aircraft tell the island’s 20th‑century story through everyday technology.
Salomons kapel
2.5 km
Remote medieval chapel ruins beneath Hammerknuden’s granite cliffs, where Baltic herring history, stone walls and sweeping sea views meet on Bornholm’s wild north coast.
Hammer Odde Lighthouse
3.2 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Æggehønen
3.7 km
A smooth, egg-shaped granite boulder on Bornholm’s north coast, Æggehønen is a tiny but memorable landmark for coastal walkers, photographers and boulderers.
Blåskinsdalen
4.5 km
A narrow, fern‑lined rift valley near Hasle where blue anemones, twisted roots and ancient rock create one of Bornholm’s most atmospheric short forest walks.
Essential places to dine
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
2.3 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.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
2.8 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Restaurant Margeritten
3.0 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Terrassen
3.1 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 Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
3.1 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
3.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
The Ranch
6.6 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Stammershalle Badehotel
7.9 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.
Hasle Smokehouse
10.7 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.
Norresan
14.8 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
15.2 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
15.4 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
17.3 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Râzapâz
18.9 km
Natural wine, seasonal plates and bohemian charm come together at this intimate Rønne spiseri, where Bornholm’s culinary energy is poured by the glass.
Snurra
19.0 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
11.9 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Førder Bornholm
15.2 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
15.3 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
15.3 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
17.2 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
17.5 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Baltic Sea Glass
17.9 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Torvehal Bornholm
18.0 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
18.2 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
18.9 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
18.9 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
19.1 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
19.2 km
One of Denmark’s oldest family-run bookshops, blending 19th‑century heritage, live culture and 20,000+ books in the heart of Rønne’s main square.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
19.2 km
A small, colorful universe of Scandinavian-designed gifts, gadgets and creative essentials in the heart of Rønne, perfect for playful souvenirs and practical finds.
Snellemark Centret
19.3 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Underbar
2.7 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
2.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
3.0 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Cabaret Bornholm
4.4 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.
Penyllan Brewery
5.6 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Ølhuzed ApS
10.2 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.
Provianten
15.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
18.5 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
19.1 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.
Krystal Bodega
19.2 km
No‑frills local pub in central Rønne, serving cold beers, bar games and late‑night Bornholm atmosphere in classic Danish bodega style.
Café 18
19.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
19.2 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
19.3 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Buddha Bar
24.7 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
24.7 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
