Salene Graveyard
Ancient Iron Age burial ground with 35 stone cairns overlooking a windswept Bornholm bay.
An atmospheric Iron Age burial ground on Bornholm's northeastern coast, Salene Graveyard features 35 distinctive crater-shaped cairns scattered across a windswept bay landscape. Dating to around 500 BC–850 AD, these ancient stone mounds offer a haunting glimpse into prehistoric funerary practices and the island's rich archaeological heritage. Accessible via a scenic coastal drive, the site combines historical significance with raw natural beauty.
A brief summary to Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
- Bobbevej 5, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather and daylight hours to fully appreciate the cairns' forms and the surrounding landscape. Winter storms and poor visibility significantly diminish the experience.
- Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing; the terrain is uneven and rocky, and the coastal location exposes visitors to wind and salt spray.
- Allow time to walk between the cairns and observe their distribution across the bay. The site rewards slow exploration and contemplation rather than quick visits.
- Bring water and snacks; there are no facilities at the site or nearby. The nearest services are in Gudhjem, approximately 3 kilometers away.
- Respect the archaeological significance of the site by staying on established paths and avoiding disturbance to the cairns or surrounding vegetation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking Areas
Getting There
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Car via Bobbevej
From central Gudhjem, follow the coastal road northward and turn onto Bobbevej, a side road that descends toward Salene bay. The drive takes approximately 5–8 minutes from Gudhjem town center. Parking is available at the bay. This is the most practical option for most visitors. No entrance fee required.
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Walking from Gudhjem
A coastal walking route connects Gudhjem to Salene bay, following the shoreline for approximately 3 kilometers. The walk takes 45–60 minutes depending on pace and terrain. The path is scenic but uneven in places; sturdy footwear is essential. This option is suitable for experienced walkers comfortable with coastal terrain.
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Cycling from Gudhjem
Bornholm has an extensive cycling network. From Gudhjem, cycling to Salene bay via Bobbevej takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The route is relatively flat but involves some narrow roads. Bike rental is available in Gudhjem. No entrance fee required.
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Local bus service
Regional bus services operate from Gudhjem, though service frequency is limited and schedules vary seasonally. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. Check local timetables in advance, as service may be infrequent during winter months. Fares are approximately 25–35 DKK per journey.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid) location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
Ancient Stones and Iron Age Burials
Salene Graveyard is one of Bornholm's most evocative archaeological sites, featuring 35 kraterrøser—distinctive crater-shaped cairns that rise from the rocky terrain of the Salene bay. These burial mounds date to the Iron Age, spanning approximately 500 BC to 850 AD, and represent a crucial window into the funerary practices and social structures of prehistoric Bornholm. Excavations conducted in 1880 of ten graves confirmed the site's Iron Age origins and provided valuable insights into the burial customs of the period.Landscape and Setting
The graveyard occupies a dramatic coastal location on Bornholm's northeastern shore, where the landscape transitions between rocky outcrops and open heathland. The site's exposure to Atlantic winds and proximity to the sea create a contemplative atmosphere that feels removed from modern life. The bay of Salene itself has long held cultural significance for the island, serving as both a practical harbor and a place of spiritual importance. The terrain is relatively open, allowing visitors to move between the cairns and appreciate their distribution across the landscape.Access and Practical Considerations
The graveyard is reached via Bobbevej, a side road that descends from the coastal highway near Gudhjem toward the Salene bay, where parking is available. The site remains largely undeveloped and unmarked, preserving its archaeological character while requiring visitors to navigate the uneven terrain independently. Weather conditions can be challenging, particularly during winter months and stormy periods, when wind and exposure are pronounced. The site is free to visit and accessible year-round, though seasonal variations significantly affect the visitor experience.Historical Context and Cultural Heritage
The presence of such a substantial burial ground reflects the importance of the Salene area during the Iron Age. The concentration of 35 cairns suggests a community of considerable size and social organization. The site's preservation over millennia, despite coastal erosion and agricultural pressures, underscores its archaeological value. In more recent history, the Salene bay area became associated with cultural preservation efforts; a half-timbered building from Gudhjem's harbor, demolished in 1923, was relocated to Salene by the Danish Journalists' Association and reconstructed in 1925, adding a layer of modern heritage to the ancient landscape.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visiting Salene Graveyard is a solitary, introspective experience rather than a conventional tourist attraction. The site offers no visitor facilities, interpretation boards, or guided services, leaving visitors to contemplate the cairns and imagine the lives and deaths of those buried beneath them. The raw, windswept character of the location—combined with the knowledge that these stones have stood for over 2,000 years—creates a powerful sense of connection to deep time. The site is best appreciated during clear weather and calmer seasons, when the landscape's beauty and the cairns' forms are most visible.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
2.1 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
11.1 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Domen
12.6 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
14.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Midterpilt
15.7 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
16.6 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Slemmegrav
17.8 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
19.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
19.7 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
St Nicholas Church
20.3 km
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Ronne Lighthouse
20.3 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
20.4 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
20.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
23.2 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
23.6 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hestestenene
0.5 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Røverborgen
0.7 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
0.9 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Oluf Høst Museum
1.1 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
1.3 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
2.0 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Kobbeådalen
3.0 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Helligdomsklipperne
3.1 km
Dramatic granite cliffs, sea-carved caves and centuries of pilgrimage history meet art, light and Baltic horizons at Bornholm’s atmospheric Sanctuary Cliffs.
Dry Oven CAVE
3.5 km
A narrow sea cave tucked into Bornholm’s dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs, where ancient granite, crashing Baltic waves and old legends meet in a dark, echoing chamber.
The Sanctuary Rocks
3.6 km
Dramatic granite sea cliffs, myth-tinged caves and coastal paths above the Baltic, making Helligdomsklipperne one of Bornholm’s most unforgettable natural landmarks.
Våde Ovn
3.6 km
A deep, wave-filled sea cave carved into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, echoing surf and shifting light reveal the drama of the Baltic coast.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
3.6 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Black Pot
3.7 km
A narrow, echoing sea cave cut deep into Bornholm’s Sanctuary Cliffs, where granite walls, crashing Baltic waves and island legends meet in cool, cavernous darkness.
Bornholms Middelaldercenter
3.8 km
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Bornholms Kunstmuseum
3.9 km
Modern Danish architecture meets Bornholm’s coastal light at this clifftop museum, where island art, crafts and dramatic Baltic Sea landscapes come together.
Essential places to dine
Norresan
1.1 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Spektakel-bar
1.4 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
1.4 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.
Stammershalle Badehotel
6.2 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
9.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
10.2 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
11.5 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
11.7 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Restaurant Margeritten
11.9 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Restaurant Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
11.9 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.
Terrassen
12.0 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.
The Ranch
12.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
14.0 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
14.1 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Svaneke Røgeri
14.5 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Førder Bornholm
1.3 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
1.3 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
1.3 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.
Baltic Sea Glass
3.8 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
4.4 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
6.0 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.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
12.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Art Box Bornholm
14.7 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
14.7 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
14.8 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
My Home Furniture Ronne
15.4 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
15.6 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
16.1 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Torvehal Bornholm
19.0 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
1.4 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Penyllan Brewery
8.6 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
10.2 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
12.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.2 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
13.4 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.
Søllings Bodega
14.7 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Madvig
14.7 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Buddha Bar
15.6 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
15.6 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Ølhuzed ApS
15.8 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.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
16.8 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
18.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
19.9 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
19.9 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
19.6 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
19.8 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
20.0 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
20.2 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
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Solo Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly