Jons Kapel Cliffs
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.
Jons Kapel is a dramatic cliff formation on Bornholm’s wild west coast, about 7 km north of Hasle. Here, steep rock walls plunge up to 40 m above the Baltic, framing sea stacks, ledges and a dry cave known as “Jon’s Chapel”. Rooted in medieval legend, the site is reached by forest paths and a long staircase down to the rocky shoreline, offering rugged coastal scenery, birdlife and a powerful sense of solitude.
A brief summary to Jons Kapel
- Hasle, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; the forest paths can be uneven and the long staircase to the shore is steep and sometimes slippery in wet weather.
- Bring water and snacks, especially outside the main summer season, as facilities nearby are limited and the setting invites longer pauses by the cliffs.
- Allow extra time if you plan to descend the steps to the cave and shore; the climb back up is strenuous and may not suit all fitness levels.
- Check wind and sea forecasts before visiting; strong onshore winds can make the stairway and shoreline feel exposed and increase wave spray.
- Keep a careful eye on children near the cliff edge and on the staircase, as railings do not eliminate the risks posed by steep drops and rocks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Hasle
From Hasle town centre, driving to the Jons Kapel parking area typically takes 10–15 minutes along the coastal road. The final approach is on smaller country lanes, which are paved but narrow. Parking at the trailhead is usually free, but spaces are limited in peak summer and on sunny weekends. From the car park, expect a 10–20 minute walk on forest paths to reach the cliff edge and the top of the staircase.
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Bus and walk from Rønne
From Rønne, regional buses towards Hasle and the north coast run several times a day, with a journey time of about 20–30 minutes to stops near Hasle. A seasonal or connecting service may bring you closer, but you should still plan on a 30–40 minute walk on rural roads and forest trails from the nearest convenient stop to the Jons Kapel paths. Standard single bus tickets on Bornholm are typically in the range of 25–40 DKK, depending on distance.
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Cycling the west coast
Jons Kapel is a popular stop on Bornholm’s cycling routes along the west coast. From Hasle, cycling north to the access point normally takes 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The route follows quiet roads with some gentle hills and occasional traffic. Bicycles can be left at informal stands or locked near the parking area before continuing on foot through the forest to the cliffs. There is no fee for bicycle access.
Jons Kapel location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Jons Kapel
Clifftop Sanctuary Above the Baltic
Jons Kapel is one of Bornholm’s most striking stretches of coastline, where sheer rock walls rise abruptly from the Baltic Sea just north of Hasle. The cliffs form part of the island’s western granite spine, carved and sculpted over millennia by waves, ice and wind into ledges, pillars and deep vertical fractures. Standing at the top, you look down on a raw meeting of rock and water, far removed from the soft beaches on other parts of Bornholm. From the forested approach, the landscape suddenly opens to sweeping sea views. On clear days, the horizon forms a crisp line of blue, with seabirds circling in the updrafts below. The air is often filled with the sound of surf echoing off the rock face, even when the water appears calm from above. The transition from quiet woodland to exposed cliff edge is one of the defining experiences of Jons Kapel.Legends of Jon and His Cliffside Chapel
The name “Jons Kapel”, or “Jon’s Chapel”, comes from a medieval legend of a hermit or preacher named Jon who is said to have lived here in seclusion. According to the story, Jon used a natural rock ledge as his pulpit, preaching to local fishermen and farmers who gathered on the shore below. The dry cave and its overhanging rock became imagined as a chapel, with the cliff itself likened to a church façade. While there is no evidence of an actual built chapel, the rock formations fit the tale remarkably well. The main cave lies at the base of a free-standing cliff known as Jons Kirke, “Jon’s Church”, whose near-vertical walls and flat top suggest a massive stone tower. Scattered boulders, clefts and narrow terraces earn names like nave, pulpit and pews in local storytelling, blurring the line between geology and folklore.Rock Formations and a Stairway to the Shore
Geologically, Jons Kapel is a classic west Bornholm cliffscape, with granite and other hard rocks exposed by erosion into a rugged vertical profile. In places the walls rise up to around 40 m above the water, cut by joints and fissures that create narrow gullies and detached blocks. Sea stacks and isolated pillars stand just offshore, especially noticeable when the tide and light are low, lending the scene a sculptural quality. Access to the shoreline is via a long wooden staircase that drops from the clifftop down to the base of Jons Kirke. The steps are steep and can feel demanding on the way back up, but the reward is an intimate encounter with the rock. At the bottom, you can walk along a strip of rounded stones, inspect the dry cave, and look back up at the towering walls that seemed almost modest from above. Waves sometimes drive spray high onto the boulders, underlining how exposed this coast can be in rough weather.Coastal Nature and Birdlife
Beyond its dramatic geology, Jons Kapel is an attractive spot for nature lovers. The combination of sea cliffs, open water and adjacent woodland supports a variety of bird species. Gulls and cormorants are common, and at times you may see birds of prey riding the thermals along the cliff line. The vegetation shifts from wind-twisted trees and scrub near the edge to denser forest farther inland, echoing the gradual transition from open sea to sheltered island interior. Light changes rapidly along this coast. Late afternoon and evening often bring warm tones to the rock, enhancing the subtle color differences between weathered surfaces and freshly exposed fractures. In overcast conditions the scene turns more monochrome and moody, emphasizing the stark forms of the cliffs and the restless sea.Experiencing the Atmosphere of the West Coast
A visit to Jons Kapel is as much about atmosphere as it is about individual viewpoints. The path through the woods, the first glimpse of the sea far below, the feel of the stair rails under your hands, and the thud of waves on stone all build a sense of being on the island’s wild edge. The absence of urban noise makes smaller sounds stand out: wind in the trees, shingle shifting underfoot, distant calls of seabirds. Many visitors linger simply to sit on a bench or rock and watch the horizon. The west-facing location makes it particularly evocative later in the day, when the sun drops toward the sea and casts long shadows across the cliff faces. Whether you stay at the top or descend to the shoreline, Jons Kapel offers a powerful, quietly dramatic glimpse of Bornholm’s rugged side.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vang Pier
1.5 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
7.2 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Slemmegrav
13.1 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
14.4 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
14.6 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Destination Bornholm ApS
14.7 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Ronne Lighthouse
14.9 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
15.4 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Melsted Havn
16.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Klintebakken
22.4 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Louisenlund
24.5 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
28.2 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.
Geografisk knudepunkt
31.4 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Bornholmertarnet
34.1 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Bornholmertarnet, a unique landmark and museum in Nexø, Denmark.
Snogebæk Havn
34.3 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Blåskinsdalen
0.3 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.
Pissebækken
2.6 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.
The Broken Boulder of Helligpeder
2.8 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.
Slotslyngen
3.3 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
3.4 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.
Svartingedalen
4.3 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.
Ravnedalen
4.4 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.
Jættebolden
4.7 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.
Hammershus Castle Ruins
4.8 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
4.8 km
Dramatic granite cliffs on Bornholm’s wild north coast, where weathered rock profiles resemble lions gazing out over the Baltic Sea.
Den Våde Ovn
5.1 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.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
5.6 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.
Moseløkken Stenbrudsmuseum
5.8 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
6.1 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
6.2 km
Wild granite cliffs, heather hills and Baltic Sea vistas meet lakes, quarries and a historic lighthouse at Bornholm’s rugged northern headland.
Essential places to dine
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
2.1 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
The Ranch
2.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Hasle Smokehouse
6.0 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.
Restaurant Margeritten
7.1 km
Casual Danish family restaurant on Allinge’s church square, serving generous classics, pizzas and a salad bar in relaxed, central surroundings.
Ellas Restaurant og Konditori
7.1 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 Det Gamle Posthus,Allinge
7.2 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.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
7.2 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Terrassen
7.2 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.
Stammershalle Badehotel
9.3 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.
Râzapâz
14.3 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
14.4 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
14.4 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
14.5 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
14.6 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
14.7 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bornholmsk Pileflet
10.2 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
13.5 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
13.7 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
14.4 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.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
14.4 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
People-Fashion.dk
14.4 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
14.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
14.6 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.
Snellemark Centret
14.7 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
sNoir
14.7 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
14.7 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
14.7 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.
Dansk
15.4 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.
Førder Bornholm
16.1 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Lifestone
16.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cabaret Bornholm
5.0 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
5.5 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.
Pilen bar & bodega
7.0 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
7.2 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
7.4 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.
Penyllan Brewery
7.4 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
14.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
14.5 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
14.6 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
14.6 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Den Marinerede Sild
14.7 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
14.8 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Provianten
16.1 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dagligstuen
22.1 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
22.1 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
