Planning a trip to Bornholm and unsure where to stay? Then you’ve landed in exactly the right place.
Bornholm is a magical island with dramatic rocky coastlines, idyllic fishing villages and small, cosy towns full of charm.
- I’m Danish, live in Copenhagen, and my girlfriend’s family lives in Bornholm, so I go there all the time. I’m not lying when I say this is the best holiday island in Denmark – you’re in for a treat 😎
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of the best areas to stay, whether you prefer charming cobblestone streets, fantastic gastronomy or the raw power of nature.
I have stayed on the island several times and am sharing my best tips on where to get the most authentic Bornholm experience and the best value for money.
Let’s get the guide started: where to stay in Bornholm?
Best Areas in Bornholm
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Bornholm:
- Gudhjem – Charming fishing village with world-class gastronomy 🍽️
- Svaneke – Denmark’s most beautiful market town with unique atmosphere 🏛️
- Allinge – Perfect base with beach and shops 🏖️
- Sandvig – Scenic area near Hammershus 🌳
This guide thus gives you the very best starting point for choosing accommodation in Bornholm that suits your preferred way of holidaying, whether it’s an active holiday, a holiday with children, or if you have a weakness for history or art.
1. Gudhjem – Gastronomy and Cosiness by the Sea 🍽️
Gudhjem is simply the epitome of Bornholm’s charm. This hilly fishing village, practically built into the cliff, offers a unique combination of gastronomy, art and maritime traditions.
The town is perfectly located on Bornholm’s northeast coast, approximately 30-40 minutes by car from Rønne.
The atmosphere in Gudhjem is relaxed and authentic. Here, local fishermen, food enthusiasts and artists meet in a wonderful mix.
The pace is calm, and especially outside the high season, you can really feel the special tranquillity that characterises the town.
The ambience is somewhat reminiscent of what you find in small coastal towns in Crete or Cyprus – just with a unique Nordic twist.
See the best hotels in Gudhjem here.
The main attractions include the famous smoked herring (try the traditional “Sun over Gudhjem“), Gudhjem Museum and the many art galleries.
Shopping is limited to a few exquisite shops with local crafts and delicacies. The restaurant scene is absolutely exceptional, with the Michelin-starred Kadeau as the flagship (though it’s only open from April to September).
One of my personal favourite things to do near Gudhjem is to eat cake at Mrs Petersen’s café.
Price levels are generally high, particularly in high season, but the quality matches. The area is very safe, but be mindful of the steep streets, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Places to stay in Gudhjem
Hotel Klippen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This boutique hotel sits with panoramic views over the Baltic Sea and combines modern Nordic design with historic details. The rooms are individually decorated, and the breakfast with local specialities is nothing short of fantastic.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The view from the terrace at sunset is indescribably beautiful, and the service is top-class”
Hotel Gudhjem ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Centrally located hotel with maritime atmosphere and cosy courtyard. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant focusing on local ingredients. Perfect base for exploring the town on foot.
A guest recently wrote: “Felt like staying with family – so homely and cosy”
Check out my video from Bornholm, where I also visit Gudhjem:
2. Svaneke – Denmark’s Most Beautiful Market Town 🏛️
Svaneke has not been named Denmark‘s most beautiful market town without reason.
This architectural gem on Bornholm’s east coast is like something out of a fairy tale, with its perfectly preserved half-timbered houses and charming square.
The eastern location gives you Denmark’s first sunrise and a perfect base for exploring eastern Bornholm.
See the best hotels in Svaneke here.
The atmosphere in Svaneke is characterised by an active artist and craftsman community. The town buzzes with life around its many speciality shops, galleries and workshops, while maintaining a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of the atmosphere in Skagen in Northern Jutland, just on a more intimate scale.
Must-sees include the old sweet boiling house, Svaneke Brewery and the Johannes Larsen Museum.
Shopping opportunities are exceptional with a focus on crafts, ceramics and local delicacies. The restaurant scene offers everything from gourmet to cosy cafés.
Price levels are moderate to high, but the quality is correspondingly high. The area is very safe and suitable for all age groups.
Places to stay in Svaneke
Hotel Siemsens Gaard ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charming hotel in historic surroundings in the town centre. Spacious rooms with classic décor and a lovely restaurant focusing on Bornholm ingredients.
A guest recently wrote: “The historic atmosphere and location are absolutely top-notch”
3. Allinge – The Perfect Family Base 👨👩👧👦
Allinge offers the perfect balance between town life and nature.
This former fishing town has evolved into a modern holiday destination with plenty of facilities, while maintaining its authentic charm.
The location on the north coast provides easy access to both Hammershus and the best bathing beaches.
You’re about 30 minutes by car from Rønne, and the bus network is well-developed from here, although public transport can generally be challenging on the island.
The cycle paths along the coast are fantastic with stretches suitable for most people.
See the best hotels in Allinge here.
The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, especially in summer when the People’s Meeting (Folkemødet) attracts visitors from across the country (that’s when hotels in Allinge are extremely expensive).
The rest of the year, the pace is more relaxed, and you get a genuine sense of Bornholm life.
The main attractions include the cosy harbour, the fine sandy beaches and the charming town square. Shopping options are good with both supermarkets and speciality shops. The restaurant selection is broad with particular emphasis on seafood.
Price levels are moderate, and you generally get good value for money. The area is very family-friendly and safe.
Places to stay in Allinge
Nordlandet Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Luxurious design hotel with spectacular location on the rocks. Modern Nordic décor, gourmet restaurant and rooms with sea views.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The most fantastic sunset from the restaurant’s terrace”
Hotel Allinge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Classic seaside hotel with a central location. Cosy rooms with sea views and a popular restaurant focusing on local ingredients.
A guest recently wrote: “Perfect location and very helpful staff”
4. Sandvig – Scenic and Peaceful 🌳
Sandvig is the perfect choice for nature lovers.
This little gem is located in the northernmost part of Bornholm, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and close to Hammershus.
The town is about 30 minutes by car from Rønne. Bus connections from here are OK, and the area is perfect for hiking and cycling. The remote location provides a special tranquility, especially outside high season.
See the best hotels in Sandvig here.
The atmosphere is authentic and unpolished. Here local fishermen meet with nature enthusiasts, and the pace is notably slower than in the larger towns. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the atmosphere in small Norwegian fishing villages.
Must-sees include Hammerknuden, the Opal Lake and of course Hammershus. The Hammerknuden hiking trail includes a visit to all three.
Shopping is limited to the basics, but the restaurants serve excellent seafood – though there aren’t an overwhelming number of restaurants to choose from.
Price levels are moderate, and the area is very safe, but be prepared to travel for major shopping.
Places to stay in Sandvig
Sandvig Havn Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charming hotel by the harbour with maritime atmosphere. Comfortable rooms and a popular fish restaurant.
A guest recently wrote: “Felt like being in another world – so peaceful and beautiful”
Where NOT to Stay in Bornholm ❌
Although Rønne is the island’s “capital” and arrival town for most visitors, I would recommend choosing another area to stay in.
The town lacks much of the charm and idyll that characterises the other Bornholm towns, and the atmosphere is more “ordinary Danish provincial town” than “magical holiday island”.
Rønne of course has its own history and some nice old streets, but as a tourist, you’ll get a much better experience staying in, for example, Gudhjem or Svaneke. Here you’re closer to the most popular attractions, and you’ll take home the genuine Bornholm atmosphere.
Particularly the area around the harbour and the industrial quarters can seem a bit dull and lifeless in the evening. Instead, choose one of the charming fishing villages where you get more value for money and a more authentic experience.
Smaller towns such as Tejn and Hasle often offer cheaper accommodation options but have little else to offer tourists.
The towns have few restaurants, cultural offerings and with poor bus connections, I therefore recommend choosing one of the towns that has more to offer in the local area.
How do you get to Bornholm?
Getting to Bornholm is straightforward, with several convenient transport options available.
The most popular and cost-effective way to reach the island from Copenhagen is the combined bus and ferry service.
- Check out my guide on where to stay in Copenhagen
Express buses depart regularly from Copenhagen, taking you directly to Ystad in Sweden, where you’ll seamlessly transfer to the ferry to Rønne.
The entire journey takes approximately 4.5 hours, and tickets can be purchased as a single journey through Kombardoexpressen.dk.
The buses are comfortable, equipped with Wi-Fi, and your luggage is handled throughout the journey. This is the way I usually travel from Copenhagen to Bornholm.
The fastest option is flying from Copenhagen Airport, with a flight time of just 35 minutes.
But then you have to get to Copenhagen Airport, go through security and Rønne Airport isn’t well connected with public transport – so the bus and ferry is pretty much as fast and way cheaper.
There’s also a ferry service from Sassnitz in Germany, taking around 3.5 hours to reach Bornholm.
If you’re travelling from Sweden, you can independently take the ferry from Ystad to Rønne, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route is particularly popular during summer months, and it’s advisable to book in advance during peak season.
- Check out my review of the popular spa hotel in Ystad
Remember that during summer, especially around the Folkemødet festival in June, transport to Bornholm can get fully booked weeks in advance, so early planning is essential.
I hope you could use this guide to where to stay in Bornholm and have now chosen an area for your holiday on the sunshine island.
If you’re still unsure about where to book your hotel, write a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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