Klintebakken
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Klintebakken is a geological landmark in Aakirkeby, Bornholm, Denmark, showcasing a dramatic fault line where granite bedrock from northern Bornholm meets sandstone from the south. This natural wonder spans over a billion years of Earth's history, making it one of the island's most scientifically significant sites. Visitors can explore the striking geological formations and learn about the tectonic forces that shaped the landscape.
A brief summary to Klintebakken
- Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather to best observe the rock formations and geological features. The contrast between different stone types is most visible in good light.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. The landscape is natural and not heavily manicured.
- Allow time to explore the fault line carefully. The geological features reward close observation and contemplation of the landscape's deep history.
- Bring a camera for landscape and geological photography. The dramatic rock formations and geological contrasts create compelling visual subjects.
- Consider visiting during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for exceptional lighting that highlights the texture and color variations in the rock formations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Aakirkeby town centre
Drive towards Klintebakken following local signage from central Aakirkeby. The journey takes approximately 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. Parking is available at NaturBornholm's dedicated parking lot adjacent to the site, or along the roadside near the entrance. No entrance fee is required.
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Bicycle from Aakirkeby
Cycle from Aakirkeby town centre to Klintebakken via local roads, a journey of approximately 3–5 kilometres taking 15–25 minutes depending on route and fitness level. Bornholm has a well-developed cycling network. Bicycle parking is available at the site.
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Walking from Aakirkeby
Walking from Aakirkeby town centre to Klintebakken is feasible for those with moderate fitness, covering approximately 3–4 kilometres and taking 45–60 minutes. The route follows local roads; wear comfortable walking shoes as terrain varies. No dedicated pedestrian path exists for the entire route.
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Bus from Aakirkeby
Local bus services operate in the Aakirkeby area. Journey time from town centre is typically 10–15 minutes depending on service and stops. Check current Bornholm public transport schedules for frequency and fares, as services vary seasonally. Verify that your chosen service stops near Klintebakken.
Klintebakken location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Klintebakken
A Billion Years Written in Stone
Klintebakken stands as one of Bornholm's most geologically remarkable sites, offering a tangible window into Earth's deep history. The landscape here reveals a fault line—a boundary where two fundamentally different rock formations meet. To the north lies ancient granite bedrock, part of the Scandinavian shield that formed over a billion years ago. To the south stretches younger sandstone, creating a stark visual and geological contrast. Walking across Klintebakken means literally stepping across geological time, from the oldest rocks visible on the island to relatively younger stone formations.The Tectonic Drama Beneath Your Feet
The fault line at Klintebakken represents far more than a simple boundary between rock types. It tells the story of immense tectonic forces that have shaped northern Europe over hundreds of millions of years. The collision and movement of continental plates created the geological structures visible today. This dramatic geological event, frozen in the landscape, makes Klintebakken essential for understanding Bornholm's unique position as a window into Scandinavian geology. The visible rock formations and terrain variations reflect the power of these ancient forces.Landscape Design and Natural Interpretation
The site has been thoughtfully developed as part of the "Lines in the Landscape" initiative, which uses landscape architecture to help visitors understand and appreciate the geological features. Rather than obscuring the natural environment, the design enhances interpretation and access while respecting the integrity of the geological formations. Pathways and viewpoints guide visitors to the most significant features, allowing for both casual observation and deeper geological study. The integration of design with nature creates an experience that educates without overwhelming the landscape.Bornholm's Geological Significance
Bornholm occupies a unique position in northern Europe, serving as an exposed section of the ancient Scandinavian bedrock. Klintebakken exemplifies why geologists and earth science enthusiasts consider the island invaluable for understanding continental geology. The fault line here is not merely a local curiosity but a significant feature in the broader geological narrative of the Baltic region. The visible rocks and formations provide direct evidence of processes that shaped an entire continent, making the site important for both scientific research and public education.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Klintebakken
0.0 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Geografisk knudepunkt
9.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Midterpilt
12.0 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.
Louisenlund
13.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Slemmegrav
13.1 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
13.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
13.8 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
14.0 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Den russiske bjørn
14.0 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
14.2 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
14.6 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Melsted Havn
16.4 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Vang Pier
23.3 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
25.3 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Madsebakke
25.5 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
Boderne Bornholm
1.5 km
A quiet ribbon of pale sand, dunes and harbour life on Bornholm’s south coast, where a former fishing hamlet now offers relaxed, low-key Baltic beach days.
Bornholm Automobilmuseum Aakirkeby
1.5 km
Bornholm's award-winning automobile museum preserving over 80 classic vehicles and automotive heritage.
Dronningestenen
4.8 km
Forest-framed viewpoint on a high Bornholm plateau, where the "Queen’s Stone" opens to sweeping vistas over southern fields and the far Baltic horizon.
Jægergrotten
4.9 km
A modest historic grotto and garden on Bornholm, offering a quiet glimpse of Aakirkeby’s 19th‑century leisure life amid trees, stonework and gentle calm.
Ekkodalen
4.9 km
Bornholm’s Echo Valley: a dramatic rift of cliffs, forest and meadow where geology, folklore and gentle walking paths meet in the heart of Almindingen.
Baptist Stein
5.2 km
A raw clifftop terrace above Sose Bay where gravel, grass and sea meet, offering wide Bornholm coastal views, salty wind and simple, unfiltered Baltic scenery.
Vingården Lille Gadegård
5.3 km
Bornholm’s largest vineyard, blending northern-latitude wine, homely Danish buffets and laid-back farm life in a rustic countryside setting near Aakirkeby.
Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
5.3 km
Step through Bornholm’s forest edge into a dramatic green corridor of cliffs, meadows and echoing rock walls at the main entrance to Ekkodalen.
Rytterknægten
5.6 km
Bornholm’s modest summit in Almindingen Forest, where a royal memorial tower, whispering pines and modern trail facilities meet in a quietly atmospheric hilltop clearing.
Kongemindet
5.6 km
Royal memorial, forest lookout and Bornholm’s highest point in one – a granite-and-steel tower rising above Almindingen with sweeping island and Baltic views.
Gamleborg
5.6 km
Snogebæk Strand delivers classic Bornholm seaside charm, with safe swimming, soft white sands, undulating dunes, and local flavors near a lively holiday village.
Bisonskoven, Bornholm
5.8 km
Walk into a living rewilding experiment in Almindingen, where European bison shape Bornholm’s forest and quiet paths invite close, careful encounters with wild nature.
Lundestenen Jættestue
6.1 km
Quietly resting in a Bornholm field, Lundestenen Jættestue invites you into one of Denmark’s largest Stone Age passage graves for a brief, evocative step back in time.
Hans Rømer Memorial Park
6.1 km
Ekkodalen—Bornholm’s iconic echo valley—seduces with dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and lush woodlands forming Denmark’s most mythical rift valley.
Nylars Church
6.1 km
Discover Bornholm’s dramatic maritime, wartime, and everyday history in a harborside museum filled with evocative exhibitions and authentic local stories.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
5.3 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
6.5 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Kadeau Bornholm
7.5 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
8.3 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Bakkarøgeriet
8.6 km
Historic smokehouse with white chimneys, signature smoked fish, and panoramic sea views on Bornholm's southern coast.
Restaurant Den Lille Havfrue Bornholm
13.9 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.
Hovedvagten
13.9 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Snogebæk Røgeri
13.9 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.
Café-Munter
14.1 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Texas Bornholm
14.1 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Snurra
14.1 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Râzapâz
14.1 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.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
14.1 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Det Røde Pakhus
14.2 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Culinarium
14.4 km
Fresh harbor seafood and German-Danish hospitality at Bornholm's working waterfront
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
0.6 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sparloppan
1.1 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
1.5 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.2 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
12.5 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Dansk
13.0 km
Relaxed, value-focused clothing outlet in Rønne offering practical Danish fashion and everyday basics for the whole family, with a cosy coffee corner on site.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
13.5 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Mollys Verden
13.7 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
14.0 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
14.0 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.
William Dams Bookstore
14.1 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
14.1 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
14.1 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.
People-Fashion.dk
14.1 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
14.1 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dagligstuen
1.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
1.2 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
13.4 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Café Lille Per
13.9 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
13.9 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.
Sørens Værtshus
14.0 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.
O'Malley
14.1 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.
The Golden Rooster
14.1 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Krystal Bodega
14.1 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
14.2 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Slævasted
14.4 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
15.8 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.
Madvig
16.8 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
16.9 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Provianten
17.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
13.5 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
14.1 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
14.1 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
14.3 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
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly