Background

Kanonstilling G3: A WWII Coastal Cannon Emplacement on Bornholm

Discover Kanonstilling G3 on Bornholm, an atmospheric WWII coastal bunker offering panoramic Baltic views and immersive wartime history near the town of Nexø.

4.6

Kanonstilling G3 is a striking World War II-era coastal artillery bunker near Nexø on Bornholm. Visitors encounter dramatic concrete fortifications, authentic guns, and interpretive features that offer a rare, close-up insight into Denmark’s war history. Immersed in windswept scenery beside the Baltic Sea, it vividly connects the island’s tranquil present with its tumultuous past.

A brief summary to Evolution Museet

  • Knuthenborg Park 6, Bandholm, 4941, DK
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring a flashlight or use your phone torch for exploring the bunker’s interior passages—they can be quite dark even on sunny days.
  • The site is open-air and exposed; pack a windbreaker or jacket, especially during autumn and spring.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby Baltic coastline for excellent photo opportunities.
  • Interpretation signs are available in Danish and English, but guided tours are rare—reading about Bornholm’s WWII history beforehand adds context.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Nexø’s lively harbor area and central square, head toward the coastal path where the sea breeze is strong and the shoreline opens up. The bunker is set on the open ground near the eastern edge of town—expect a walk of approximately 20–25 minutes from the main hub, with terrain alternating between paved and gravel tracks. It’s an easy, atmospheric stroll past small gardens and stretches of wild grass, with clear views of the coastline as you approach.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect Rønne (the island’s main town) with Nexø in about 35–45 minutes; tickets are typically 40–50 DKK for a single journey. From Nexø’s main bus stop, the bunker can be reached on foot by following the coastline, a journey of around 20 minutes. Timetables vary on weekends and holidays—plan ahead.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from both Nexø center and Rønne. A ride from Nexø’s harbor area is short and convenient, typically costing 60–90 DKK depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis can drop you directly at the edge of the site; there are no entry or parking fees.

  • Driving/Parking

    For those with a car, limited free parking is available along the access lane near the bunker. The final approach from Nexø’s main streets is well signposted with bunker symbols. Parking spaces may fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so early or late visits are more relaxed. There are no tolls, and access is always free.

Unlock the Best of Evolution Museet

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Evolution Museet

On the scenic outskirts of Nexø, Kanonstilling G3 stands as a formidable relic from Bornholm’s turbulent wartime years. Built during the German occupation in World War II, this coastal gun battery was part of a series of defensive installations designed to control strategic shipping lanes through the Baltic Sea. The fortress-like complex, constructed mainly of reinforced concrete, houses one of the impressive original cannons—still looming over the rocky shoreline with a silent authority. Exploring Kanonstilling G3, you’ll step inside a stark world echoing with whispers of military life: low-lit ammunition chambers, cramped crew quarters, sightlines tailored for defense, and rusting steel fixtures frozen in time. Outside, interpretation panels provide context in both Danish and English, revealing stories of forced labor, tense occupiers, and the pivotal role Bornholm played in the closing chapters of WWII. Given the bunker’s preserved authenticity, little has been softened for modern tourism—making for a powerfully immersive experience. What strikes many visitors is the juxtaposition: panoramic coastal views stretch across serene Baltic waters while the heavy artillery and battered fortifications evoke persistent reminders of conflict. The site is atmospheric year-round, but particularly evocative on days when brisk winds sweep in from the sea. Kanonstilling G3 rarely feels crowded, lending an air of solitary reflection. There’s no formal admission, though respectful behavior is expected, and sturdy footwear is advisable for uneven terrain. With free, open access around the clock, it is both a historical landmark and a contemplative monument to peace.

Popular Experiences near Evolution Museet

Popular Hotels near Evolution Museet

Select Currency