The Brogård Stone
Bornholm’s tallest and clearest runestone, the Brogård Stone quietly anchors a Viking Age story in the peaceful countryside just south of Hasle.
Set in the quiet countryside just south of Hasle on Bornholm, the Brogård Stone is the island’s largest runestone and one of its clearest windows into the Viking Age. Rising around 2.7 metres beside a rural road, its sharply carved runes are unusually easy to read, recalling a time when stones like this served as memorials, markers and messages in the landscape. Today it offers a compact but evocative stop for anyone tracing Bornholm’s early medieval past.
A brief summary to The Brogård stone
- Simblegårdsvej 28, Hasle, 3790, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a short explanation of runes or a translated text so you can better understand the inscription while you stand next to the stone.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the ground around the stone can be uneven or muddy after rain, especially along the field edges.
- Combine your visit with nearby Hasle and other Bornholm rune stones to turn this brief stop into a broader historical circuit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rønne
From central Rønne, driving to the Brogård Stone near Hasle typically takes 15–20 minutes along the main coastal and inland roads. Traffic is light, but some stretches are narrow rural lanes. There is informal roadside parking near the stone’s field entrance, though spaces are limited and unmarked. Fuel is available in Rønne and Hasle, and there are no tolls or entrance fees for visiting the site.
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Local bus plus short walk
Regional buses run between Rønne and Hasle several times a day, with journey times around 20–25 minutes and standard single tickets in the range of 25–40 DKK depending on route and concessions. From Hasle you can walk on quiet country roads for roughly 30–40 minutes to reach the Brogård Stone area. The walk is on paved and gravel surfaces with gentle gradients but limited shade and no dedicated sidewalks, so it suits reasonably fit visitors comfortable with rural traffic.
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Cycling on Bornholm’s roads and paths
Cycling from Hasle to the Brogård Stone usually takes 15–25 minutes each way, following a mix of minor roads and signed bike-friendly stretches. Bornholm is known for its cycle network, but there are short sections shared with cars and occasional hills. This is a good option in mild, dry weather for visitors used to road cycling. There is no cost beyond bicycle rental, which on Bornholm commonly ranges from about 100–200 DKK per day depending on bike type and season.
The Brogård stone location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about The Brogård stone
A Viking voice in the Bornholm landscape
The Brogård Stone stands in a modest clearing near the meeting of Svalhøjvej and Simblegårdsvej, just south of Hasle on Bornholm. At about 2.7 metres tall, it is the largest runestone on the island, immediately catching the eye in an otherwise gentle patchwork of fields and farmsteads. Its broad granite face is inscribed with runes that remain strikingly legible, even after a millennium of Baltic weather. Runestones like this were raised in the late Viking Age, when Bornholm was shifting from pagan beliefs towards Christianity. They were often set beside important paths or crossings, intended to be read in passing as both memorial and statement of status. Here, in the quiet of the countryside, it is easy to imagine travellers pausing to trace the lines of the text, just as you do today.From hilltop monument to hidden bridge stone
Originally, the Brogård Stone stood on a small hill, asserting itself in the landscape. Around 1700 it was moved and eventually ended up as a horizontal capstone in a bridge over the Bagaa stream. For more than a century its runes were turned away from curious eyes, serving a purely practical purpose as part of local infrastructure. In 1868 the stone was rediscovered when the bridge was altered. Its carved surface came to light again, and antiquarians quickly recognised its importance. The stone was raised upright near its present position by the rural road, returning it to a more monumental role, though now as a protected relic rather than an active marker in everyday life.Reading the runes and what they reveal
The inscription belongs to the tradition of Viking Age commemorative runestones that flourished across Denmark between the 10th and 11th centuries. While the exact text follows runic conventions of the period, it fits the broader pattern of stones erected to honour relatives, allies or local leaders at a time when Bornholm was entwined with Baltic trade routes. Runes were the primary written script of the Germanic peoples for centuries, and Bornholm preserves dozens of such stones. The Brogård Stone’s size and clarity make it a key reference point for understanding how these messages once punctuated the island’s paths, churchyards and bridges, forming a network of inscribed memory across the landscape.A brief but rewarding stop on a wider island circuit
Visiting the Brogård Stone is usually a short, contemplative experience rather than a long outing. There is no visitor centre or large infrastructure on site, just the stone, simple information signage and the surrounding fields. The setting invites a few unhurried minutes to walk around the monument, examine the runes from close range and take photographs in the soft Bornholm light. Because the site is open and accessible year-round, it fits neatly into a wider day of exploring Bornholm’s churches, coastal paths and other prehistoric and medieval remains. Many travellers combine a stop here with nearby Hasle, its harbour and smokehouse, before continuing on to other archaeological highlights around the island.Bornholm’s runestone heritage in context
The Brogård Stone is part of a broader constellation of about three dozen rune stones scattered across Bornholm. Some stand in church porches, others in village edges or wooded clearings, collectively testifying to the island’s strategic and cultural importance in the late Iron Age and Viking Age. Seen in this context, the Brogård Stone becomes more than a solitary monument. It is one voice among many, yet distinguished by its height and legibility. Pausing here offers a compact introduction to Bornholm’s runic landscape and a tangible link between the island’s tranquil present and its complex early medieval past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Slemmegrav
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Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Vang Pier
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Den russiske bjørn
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Bornholms Ø-arkiv
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Destination Bornholm ApS
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Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
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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
9.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Domen
12.3 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Melsted Havn
16.1 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
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A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
21.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
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A modest stone cairn marking the highest point of Paradisbakkerne, Midterpilt is a quiet waypoint on Bornholm’s wildest woodland and heathland hiking routes.
Geografisk knudepunkt
26.0 km
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Kanonstilling G3
29.6 km
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.
Snogebæk Havn
29.8 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hasle Strand
1.8 km
Long west-coast sands, quiet dunes and pine-backed shoreline where Bornholm’s soft side meets big Baltic sunsets just south of the harbor town of Hasle.
Kultippen Hasle
1.9 km
A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
1.9 km
A historic merchant’s house in Hasle transformed into Bornholm’s vibrant hub for contemporary ceramics, glass and design – with galleries, shop and café under one roof.
Jættebolden
2.4 km
A legendary giant’s boulder hidden in Bornholm’s wild Svartingedal ravine, where old forest, rich birdlife and myth-filled geology meet on a quiet hillside.
Svartingedalen
2.6 km
A lush Bornholm fissure valley hidden among farm fields, where cool forest shade, steep rock walls and a winding path create an intimate slice of wild nature.
Bagågraven
3.3 km
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
3.9 km
A quietly dramatic split boulder on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where ancient rock, Baltic light and hints of old sacred landscapes meet above the sea.
Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
4.3 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
New Church
4.8 km
Historic seafaring heritage and coastal resilience at an evocative museum on Nexø’s bustling harbor, revealing Bornholm’s maritime stories and post-war rebuilding.
Jons Kapel
6.3 km
Legend-steeped sea cliffs on Bornholm’s wild west coast, where a dry cave and soaring rock walls create a natural “chapel” above the Baltic.
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
6.4 km
Immersive birds-of-prey shows and evolution-themed encounters on Bornholm, where owls, falcons, reptiles and farm animals turn science into a full, family-friendly day out.
Blåskinsdalen
6.4 km
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Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
7.2 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Bornholm Technical Collection
8.3 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.
Rokkestenen i Rutsker Højlyng
8.4 km
A 20‑ton rocking boulder hidden in Rutsker Højlyng’s heathland, where Ice Age geology, quiet woodland and Bornholm folklore come together in a simple, wild setting.
Essential places to dine
Hasle Smokehouse
1.9 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.
The Ranch
4.0 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
7.9 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Râzapâz
8.4 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
8.4 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Texas Bornholm
8.4 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.
Café-Munter
8.5 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.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
8.7 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
8.7 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Hovedvagten
8.8 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Stammershalle Badehotel
10.9 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.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
11.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
11.9 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.5 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Torvehal Bornholm
7.5 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
7.7 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
8.3 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
8.4 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
8.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
8.6 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
8.7 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.
sNoir
8.8 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
8.8 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
8.8 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.8 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Dansk
9.3 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.
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
14.6 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Janne K
15.5 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ølhuzed ApS
1.9 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.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
7.9 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Cabaret Bornholm
8.1 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.
O'Malley
8.5 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
8.6 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
8.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
8.7 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
8.8 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Penyllan Brewery
10.2 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pilen bar & bodega
11.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
12.1 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
12.7 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.
Provianten
15.6 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dagligstuen
16.8 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
16.9 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Palæcafeen
8.4 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
8.6 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
8.6 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
8.7 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- 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
