Kanonstilling G3 – WWII Gun Battery in the Forest of Dueodde
A vast unfinished WWII gun battery hidden in Bornholm’s pines, where moss-covered concrete, dark bunkers and Baltic history meet just behind Dueodde’s dunes.
Hidden in the pine forest near Dueodde on Bornholm, Kanonstilling G3 is a massive unfinished German World War II coastal gun battery. Built in 1940 to control the southern Baltic, its concrete ring, bunkers and tunnels were meant to hold a gigantic naval gun that was never installed. Today the silent emplacements, mossy walls and dark corridors create a striking contrast with the nearby dunes and holiday cottages, offering a powerful, atmospheric glimpse into the island’s wartime past.
A brief summary to Kanonstilling G3
- H C Møllersvej 6, Nexø, 3730, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a good torch or headlamp if you want to explore the interior bunkers and tunnels; natural light does not reach many of the rooms.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as surfaces can be sandy, uneven and slippery, especially on the concrete edges and in damp underground spaces.
- Combine your visit with time at nearby Dueodde Beach to appreciate the contrast between peaceful dunes and the heavy wartime fortifications.
- In windy or cool weather, pack an extra layer; the bunkers can feel noticeably colder and more humid than the surrounding forest.
- If you are interested in broader context, pair G3 with the Cold War and WWII exhibits at Bornholmertaarnet / Dueodde’s military museum area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Car from Nexø
From central Nexø, driving to the Dueodde forest around Kanonstilling G3 typically takes 15–20 minutes. Expect mainly paved local roads and a short stretch on narrower lanes through woodland. Parking is usually free in designated areas near the bunkers or nearby attractions, but spaces can fill up on sunny summer days. Fuel costs are the main expense; there are no entrance fees for the site itself.
-
Local bus from Rønne via Dueodde area
Public buses operate between Rønne and the south-eastern part of Bornholm, with routes serving the Dueodde and Nexø area. The journey from Rønne bus terminal generally takes 45–70 minutes depending on route and season, and a one-way adult ticket is commonly in the range of 30–60 DKK. Services run more frequently in summer and less often in winter, so check current timetables and be prepared for a short forest walk from the nearest stop.
-
Cycling from Dueodde and nearby holiday areas
Dueodde and the surrounding holiday-home districts are linked by relatively flat local roads and signposted cycle paths, making it realistic to reach Kanonstilling G3 by bike in around 10–25 minutes from many nearby accommodations. Surfaces are a mix of asphalt and compacted sand; some short stretches can be soft after rain. There is no charge for access, but lighting and reflective gear are recommended if you ride outside daylight hours.
Kanonstilling G3 location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Kanonstilling G3
Concrete Giant in the Bornholm Pines
Kanonstilling G3 lies tucked into the sandy woodland south of Nexø, where tall pines sway above one of Bornholm’s strangest wartime relics. From the forest floor, the structure appears almost like a buried fortress: thick concrete walls, a vast circular pit and angular embankments rising subtly from the heather and moss. Built by the German military in 1940, this was intended to be one of four huge coastal batteries guarding the southern Baltic Sea. The scale becomes clear as you step closer. The emplacement stretches roughly 30 metres by 40 metres, a broad platform with a circular opening at its heart. Here, engineers planned to mount a naval gun around 17 metres long, weighing over 100 tonnes and capable of hurling enormous shells far across the Baltic. The weapon never arrived, but the empty ring still suggests how dominant this position would have been over the sea lanes south of Bornholm.Ambitions, Frost and Abandonment
G3 and its twin, G4, were part of an ambitious German plan to fortify Bornholm as a key outpost during World War II. The island’s location made it strategically important as German forces sought to control shipping routes and protect their Eastern Front supply lines. Construction teams began pouring concrete and carving out bunkers in the forest, but the project soon ran into serious obstacles. Labour shortages hampered progress from the start, and the brutal winter of 1940–41 brought record low temperatures that cracked and stalled the works. Faced with technical setbacks and shifting priorities in the wider war, the German command eventually abandoned the scheme. The vast gun pits were left empty; only the stark shells of the emplacements remained, mute reminders of a military vision that never fully materialised.Echoes of War in a Peaceful Landscape
Today, Kanonstilling G3 is freely accessible, a place where nature and history collide. The once-fierce geometry of the concrete has softened around the edges, stained with lichen and framed by trunks and undergrowth. As you move into the central pit, the sounds of the forest dim, replaced by an odd, cave-like hush created by the thick walls and open sky above. It is hard not to imagine the alternate history these structures suggest. Bornholm played a unique role at the end of the war; even as the rest of Denmark marked liberation in May 1945, the island remained under German control until Soviet bombardments forced a surrender. Though G3’s gun was never installed, the emplacement symbolises how close the island came to becoming an even heavier fortified stronghold at the Baltic gateway.Exploring Bunkers, Tunnels and Hidden Corners
For visitors, part of the fascination lies in the site’s rawness. Rough stairways, narrow entrances and low passages lead into adjoining bunkers where light falls in dim bands through doorways and cracks. Inside, you may find graffiti, damp walls and scattered sand, but little interpretation; this is more open ruin than formal museum. A torch is essential if you intend to venture into the darker rooms and corridors. Above ground, the emplacement blends into the forest floor, forming a kind of concrete amphitheatre. Children often clamber along the walls while adults study the structure’s layout, tracing cable channels, ammunition niches and firing positions. The experience is tactile and self-guided, inviting you to reconstruct the missing machinery and routines of a wartime battery from the clues in the architecture.Between Holiday Calm and Wartime Memory
What makes Kanonstilling G3 especially striking is its setting close to Dueodde’s bright dunes and beaches. Within a short distance, you move from soft sand and holiday cottages to stark concrete and shadowy bunkers. The contrast between carefree seaside life and the heavy infrastructure of occupation encapsulates Bornholm’s layered identity. As you leave the gun pit and step back among the trees, the bunker seems to sink once more into its surroundings. Birds call overhead, and the scent of resin and sea air replaces the chill of the underground rooms. G3 lingers as a quiet but powerful memorial: not a battlefield, but a monument to plans that never came to fruition and to an island that has carried the weight of its strategic position long after the war ended.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Snogebæk Havn
3.7 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
5.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Midterpilt
10.3 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.
Klintebakken
12.9 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
15.2 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Melsted Havn
23.5 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
26.0 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
26.3 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
26.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Den russiske bjørn
26.8 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
26.8 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
27.2 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Vang Pier
35.2 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
36.1 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Madsebakke
36.3 km
Northern Europe's most significant Bronze Age rock carving site, revealing 3,000 years of sacred ritual and symbolic expression.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bornholmertarnet
0.5 km
Former top-secret NATO listening post turned Cold War museum, crowned by a 70 m viewing tower with sweeping panoramas over Dueodde and eastern Bornholm.
Dueodde
0.8 km
Bornholm’s southern tip of sugar-fine sand and shallow, clear Baltic waters, framed by pine forest, dunes, a towering lighthouse and quiet wartime relics.
Dueodde Fyr
1.1 km
Denmark’s tallest lighthouse, rising above Dueodde’s white dunes and Baltic horizons, offering sweeping views, coastal nature and a modern chapter of Bornholm’s maritime story.
Dueodde Strand
1.1 km
Fine white sand, whispering pines and a vast Baltic horizon meet at Bornholm’s southern tip, where Dueodde Strand stretches for kilometres of tranquil, windswept coast.
Dueodde, Bornholms sydligste punkt
1.5 km
Vast white dunes, ultra-fine sand and a towering lighthouse meet at Bornholm’s southern tip, where forest and Baltic Sea blend into one luminous coastal landscape.
Snogebæk Strand
3.2 km
White-sand beach escape in a working fishing village with authentic maritime charm and crystal-clear waters.
Ringborgen Rispebjerg
5.1 km
Bornholm’s largest Iron Age ring fort layered over a Neolithic sun temple, where soft ramparts, woodhenge traces and wide valley views bring 5,000 years of ritual and refuge to life.
Bornholm Butterfly Park
7.4 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.
Udforsk Bornholm
7.6 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen on Bornholm's northern coast.
Nexø Museum
7.7 km
Harbourside museum in a 1796 sandstone guardhouse, sharing Nexø’s maritime heritage and dramatic wartime story on Bornholm’s windswept east coast.
Vingården Lille Gadegård
7.8 km
Bornholm’s largest vineyard, blending northern-latitude wine, homely Danish buffets and laid-back farm life in a rustic countryside setting near Aakirkeby.
Nexø Sandskulptur
7.9 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.
Gamleborg i Paradisbakkerne
9.4 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.
Rokkestenen
9.7 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.
Paradisbakkerne
10.5 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
3.5 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.
Snogebæk Røgeri
3.8 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
5.8 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Kadeau Bornholm
7.1 km
Remote, refined and deeply Bornholm at heart, this seaside cottage restaurant turns island gardens, shorelines and smokehouses into an immersive New Nordic tasting journey.
Culinarium
7.8 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
15.5 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
15.5 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
15.6 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Restaurant Pakhuset
15.6 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
15.6 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Svaneke Røgeri
15.9 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
16.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
17.4 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 Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
19.3 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
24.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mollys Verden
3.3 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
12.7 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
12.8 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
12.8 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Reflax
15.5 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
15.6 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Art Box Bornholm
15.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
19.7 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
20.4 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
20.8 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
21.6 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Janne K
24.2 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
24.3 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.
Førder Bornholm
24.5 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
24.6 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sørens Værtshus
3.7 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.
The Golden Rooster
7.6 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Slævasted
7.6 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
12.6 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.
Buddha Bar
12.8 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
12.8 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Madvig
15.5 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Søllings Bodega
15.5 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Provianten
24.5 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
26.2 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
26.6 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
26.6 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.
O'Malley
26.8 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
26.8 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
26.9 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
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