Restaurant Ekkodalshuset, Ekkodalen

Forest inn at the edge of Bornholm’s echo valley

Restaurant Ekkodalshuset sits beside the dramatic Ekkodalen, the longest rift valley on Bornholm, wrapped in tall trees and rocky cliffs. The low, traditional buildings feel more like a countryside inn than a formal restaurant, with red-painted facades, gables and a simple, inviting entrance. In summer, outdoor tables spill onto gravel patios and lawns, giving you views toward the forest edge and the soft contours of the valley. This setting makes Ekkodalshuset as much a part of the landscape as a place to eat. Hikers and cyclists drift in from the trails, families step over from the nearby paths and viewpoints, and the rhythm of the day follows the light in the trees. Even on cooler days the surrounding woods and rock walls lend a sense of shelter and seclusion.

Signature tartlets and classic Danish flavors

Ekkodalshuset is best known for its monumental chicken tartlet: crisp pastry filled with a rich, creamy stew of chicken and vegetables, a proud take on a very traditional Danish dish. The menu leans into hearty, recognisable flavors – think burgers, club sandwiches, Caesar salad, smoked fish and open sandwiches – prepared with a focus on freshness and generous portions rather than fine‑dining flourish. Alongside the savory plates, the kitchen is known for homemade lemonade, often singled out as a refreshing counterpoint after time on the forest trails. Desserts and cakes rotate with the season, but you can usually expect simple, comforting sweets that match the inn‑like character of the place. Many guests treat a long lunch here as the main meal of the day before or after exploring Almindingen.

Bornholm traditions and house specialities

Over the years Ekkodalshuset has developed a small repertoire of house specialities that nod to local tastes. The mighty tartlet has become almost a rite of passage for first‑time visitors, and strong cheeses sometimes appear on the menu paired with a generous splash of dark Bornholm rum, a combination that reflects the island’s fondness for full, robust flavors. The restaurant operates seasonally, closing in the colder months and reopening when spring brings life back to the forest. This rhythm reinforces the sense that Ekkodalshuset is intertwined with its surroundings. Dogs are welcomed in the outdoor seating areas, making it an easy stop for walkers bringing four‑legged companions through the valley.

Atmosphere, seating and practical details

Inside, the dining rooms are relatively small and cozy, with closely spaced tables, wooden furniture and an unfussy, homely decor. The compact interior means that at busy times the space fills quickly, and in high season advance reservations are strongly advised. When the weather allows, outdoor seating greatly expands capacity and adds a relaxed garden feel under open sky and forest canopy. Service follows a straightforward, friendly style, reflecting that this is a family‑run place focused on efficiency at lunchtime rather than elaborate ceremony. Prices are moderate by Danish standards: not budget, but accessible enough for families planning a special lunch during a day in Almindingen. Expect counter or table service depending on the season and setup.

Combining lunch with Bornholm’s great outdoors

Most visitors combine a meal at Ekkodalshuset with activities in Ekkodalen or the wider Almindingen forest. Trails begin almost at the doorstep, leading along the rock walls where you can test the valley’s namesake echo, or further into the woods toward viewpoints and towers. After a long walk, the shaded garden and substantial plates feel particularly rewarding. Because the restaurant’s opening season and hours vary through the year, it is important to check current information before planning a visit. In the shoulder months, some days may be closed, while summer brings daily openings at lunchtime and sometimes events. Regardless of timing, the blend of forest atmosphere, local dishes and the sense of an old‑fashioned forest inn makes Ekkodalshuset a distinctive stop in Bornholm’s interior.