Madsebakke Rock Carvings
Northern Europe's most significant Bronze Age rock carving site, revealing 3,000 years of sacred ritual and symbolic expression.
Denmark's largest and most significant Bronze Age rock carving site, Madsebakke features extensive petroglyphs dating back approximately 2,500–3,000 years. Located near Allinge in northern Bornholm, this protected archaeological site displays ships, sun crosses, and footprints carved into granite cliffs. The carvings are marked with red paint for visibility and represent one of Northern Europe's most important prehistoric ritual landscapes, offering insight into ancient ceremonial practices and symbolic expression.
A brief summary to Madsebakke
- Stadionvej 1, Allinge, 3770, DK
- +4556959500
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon when low-angle sunlight enhances the visibility of carved details. The red paint markings help identify main carvings, but many additional petroglyphs require careful observation to locate.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the granite surface can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths and avoid stepping directly on carved areas to protect the ancient petroglyphs.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to document details, as photographing the carvings from different angles and lighting conditions helps reveal patterns that may be difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Allow at least 45 minutes to explore the main field and surrounding areas. The site rewards patient observation—many visitors initially miss carvings that become apparent with closer inspection and time.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions in northern Bornholm, including the coastal villages of Sandvig and Allinge, which are within walking distance via scenic routes and cycling paths.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Stadionvej 1, Allinge (3770). The site is accessible by private vehicle with limited roadside parking near the entrance. Travel time from Allinge town center is approximately 5–10 minutes. The final approach involves a short walk through residential areas and past summer houses to reach the cliff face. No formal parking facility exists; visitors must park considerately on nearby roads.
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Bicycle
Cycle via the well-maintained network of Bornholm cycling routes. The site is accessible from Allinge and Sandvig via dedicated cycle paths that pass through the surrounding countryside. Journey time from Allinge is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. The cycling route is relatively flat and suitable for standard bicycles. Bike parking facilities are not formally designated but the site is accessible to cyclists.
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Walking
Walk from Allinge town center or the nearby coastal village of Sandvig. The distance is approximately 1.5–2 kilometers from Allinge center, requiring 20–30 minutes on foot. The route follows local roads and cycling paths through residential and agricultural areas. Terrain is generally flat with some gentle slopes. The final approach involves navigating past summer houses and private properties to reach the cliff face.
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Guided Tour
Join organized archaeological or heritage tours departing from Allinge or Bornholm Museum. Tour operators in the region offer guided visits that provide expert interpretation of the carvings and site history. Tours typically last 1.5–2 hours including travel time. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak summer season. Contact local visitor information centers for current tour schedules and pricing.
Madsebakke location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Madsebakke
An Ancient Sacred Landscape
Madsebakke stands as Denmark's largest concentration of rock carvings, a granite cliff face situated northwest of Allinge in northern Bornholm. The petroglyphs date from the later Bronze Age, spanning approximately 2,500 to 3,000 years of history. Unlike many other carving sites on Bornholm, Madsebakke was never quarried for industrial use because the granite at this location is of poor quality. This fortunate circumstance has preserved one of Northern Europe's most important archaeological treasures intact for modern visitors to experience. Archaeologists believe Madsebakke functioned as a sacred ceremonial center for the local Bronze Age population. The carvings were not created simultaneously; evidence suggests a span of roughly 400 years separates the oldest from the youngest ritual markings. The site's significance extends beyond the visible carvings themselves—excavations beneath the cliff face have revealed evidence of human activity including fire-damaged stones, stone pavements, and structures interpreted as ritual spaces.Symbols of Bronze Age Ritual and Belief
The rock carvings at Madsebakke display most of the major motifs found across Bornholm's Bronze Age petroglyphs. Ships are among the most prominent symbols, with some of the oldest examples dating to around 1,000–900 BCE. The sun cross—a circle with a cross inscribed within it—appears frequently and likely held deep spiritual significance. Footprints, both human and animal, are also carved into the stone, though their precise symbolic meaning remains subject to scholarly interpretation. The actual carving technique likely involved stone tools rather than metal implements, with artisans using pecking and scraping motions to create the designs. The granite's natural weathering, accelerated in recent decades by air pollution and lichen growth, gradually erodes these ancient patterns. To aid visibility and protect the carvings from further damage, the most prominent petroglyphs have been marked with a special red conservation paint that does not obscure the original carved surfaces.Ritual Functions and Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological investigation has revealed that Madsebakke was far more than a carving site. A palisade once marked the boundaries of the sacred precinct, defining where priests and ritual specialists conducted ceremonies. Long hearths discovered nearby are interpreted as ritual cooking areas where sacrificial animals were prepared as offerings. A burnt dwelling structure found immediately adjacent to the carvings contained human remains resting on a layer of flint chips, suggesting mortuary practices intertwined with the site's sacred functions. The rituals performed here likely included offerings, communal feasting, music, dance, and possibly invocations of spiritual forces. These ceremonies would have reinforced social bonds, transmitted cultural knowledge, and connected the community to the spiritual realm. The deliberate placement of carvings on exposed rock faces suggests they served as permanent records of these sacred acts, visible to all community members and enduring across generations.Preservation and Modern Challenges
Madsebakke was placed under legal protection in 1943, recognizing its exceptional historical and cultural value. The site is now owned and managed by Foreningen Bornholm, a heritage organization that has acquired approximately 8 hectares of protected land surrounding the main carving field. Despite this protection, the site faces ongoing threats from natural weathering, lichen growth, and visitor impact. Granite, though appearing durable, is vulnerable to environmental degradation. Weather cycles, moisture infiltration, and airborne pollutants gradually break down the stone's surface. Visitor behavior also poses risks—walking on the carvings, pulling on rock surfaces, and leaving debris accelerate deterioration. Conservation efforts include periodic repainting of the red markers and public education about respectful site visitation. Visitors are asked to avoid stepping on carved areas, refraining from touching the stone, and leaving no trace of their presence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Domen
0.5 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
5.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Melsted Havn
15.0 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Slemmegrav
19.0 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
20.6 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
20.7 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
21.0 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
21.1 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
21.6 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Louisenlund
24.0 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Klintebakken
25.5 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Midterpilt
28.4 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
32.8 km
Explore Udforsk Bornholm, a captivating tourist attraction in Nexø, where history and culture of the island come alive through engaging exhibits.
Geografisk knudepunkt
34.1 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Snogebæk Havn
35.4 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
1.2 km
Working granite quarry museum on Bornholm’s Hammerknuden, where industrial heritage, hands-on tools and dramatic cliffside scenery tell the story of stone.
Opal Lake
1.8 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.
Hammeren Lighthouse
1.9 km
Compact granite lighthouse on Bornholm’s highest headland, offering free summer access, sweeping Baltic views and heather-clad coastal walking trails.
Salomons kapel
2.0 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
2.1 km
A working coastal lighthouse on Bornholm’s northern tip, where granite shores, Baltic horizons, and historic navigation meet along scenic walking trails.
Hammeren
2.2 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Æggehønen
2.3 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.
Den Våde Ovn
2.3 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.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
2.4 km
Bornholm’s great clifftop fortress, where vast medieval ruins, Baltic Sea panoramas and a striking modern visitor centre bring 800 years of history to life.
Løvehovederne
2.5 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Ravnedalen
2.7 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.
Slotslyngen
3.6 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.
Bornholm Technical Collection
3.9 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.
Pissebækken
4.4 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.
Blåskinsdalen
6.7 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
Terrassen
1.0 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
1.0 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.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
1.1 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
1.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
1.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
4.9 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Stammershalle Badehotel
6.8 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.
The Ranch
8.2 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
12.6 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
13.5 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
14.0 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
14.1 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
17.4 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
19.3 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
20.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
12.1 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
13.9 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
14.0 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
14.1 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
16.5 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
16.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
18.3 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
19.0 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.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.6 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
19.9 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
20.5 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
20.6 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
20.7 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
20.8 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
20.9 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Underbar
0.5 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.
Ølstauan
0.8 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
1.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Penyllan Brewery
4.6 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Cabaret Bornholm
4.7 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.
Ølhuzed ApS
12.1 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
13.9 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
20.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
20.7 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
20.8 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
20.8 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
20.9 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.
Café Lille Per
20.9 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Buddha Bar
24.9 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
25.0 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
20.5 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
20.7 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.
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
20.8 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
After Dark
20.9 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
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- 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
