Where to Stay in Bornholm, Denmark 🇩🇰: Complete Travel Guide to Neighborhoods

Choosing where to stay on Bornholm, Denmark, is the key to unlocking this magical Danish island in the Baltic Sea. After a recent trip exploring its dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages, and white sandy beaches, I’ve learned that each town offers a unique base for your adventures. This guide cuts through the fluff to give you the practical, firsthand advice you need to find the perfect place to stay.

Best Hotels in Bornholm🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Stammershalle Badehotel
• 🏨 4-Star: The Fig Studio Apartment
  
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Nexø Modern Hostel 
• 💸 Cheap: Nordliv Strand
• 🏢 Apartment: Pyttegården
• 👪 For Families: Solhjem Bornholm
• 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Nordlandet

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

1. Rønne: The Historic and Convenient Capital

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Excellent transport links, shops, and restaurants, making it a very convenient base.
• Con: It can feel more like a functional town than a quaint holiday village. Solution: Stay in the old quarter near the church for the most atmospheric streets.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for first-time visitors and those relying on public transport. Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, seaside village experience.

Best Hotels in Rønne

💎 Luxury hotels

• Stammershalle Badehotel — The premier spa hotel on the island, offering extensive wellness facilities and stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
• Hotel Nordlandet — A charming boutique hotel with stylish, individually decorated rooms located in the heart of Rønne’s old town.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Griffioen Spa Hotel — A classic seaside hotel featuring a private jetty for swimming and rooms with fantastic sea views.
• Hotel Skovly — A comfortable and modern hotel known for its friendly staff, excellent breakfast, and central location.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• BB-Hotel Rønne Bornholm — Offers a simple, clean, and convenient self-service concept, perfect for a no-fuss stay close to the ferry terminal.

2. Allinge-Sandvig: A Seaside Stay on the Rocky North Coast

The twin towns of Allinge and Sandvig on the northern tip of Bornholm are defined by dramatic granite cliffs and a rich history. This area is the perfect accommodation choice for active travelers planning a trip to Bornholm who want to combine stunning coastal hikes with beach relaxation. It’s also the gateway to one of the Danish island of Bornholm’s most significant historical sites and offers a comfortable stay with easy access to Sandvig Beach.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
The main attraction is the magnificent Hammershus castle ruins, Northern Europe’s largest medieval fortress. The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails, including the popular path around the Hammerknuden headland with panoramic views of the Baltic. For a glimpse into the Bronze Age, seek out the Madsebakke rock carvings, a fascinating site that many tourists overlook. To avoid crowds at Hammershus, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and a more peaceful experience, with many accommodation options in Bornholm nearby offering rooms with sea views and breakfast with local ingredients.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Breathtaking scenery and immediate access to top attractions like Hammershus and fantastic hiking trails.
• Con: The coastline is rugged and the beaches are smaller than in the south. Solution: Embrace the rocky coast for dramatic walks and take a bus or car to the southern sandy beaches for a dedicated beach day.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for hikers, history buffs, and active travelers. Skip if your priority is a large, sandy beach right outside your door.

Best Hotels in Allinge-Sandvig

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Holiday home Allinge XXII — Located between Allinge and Sandvig, it features both indoor and outdoor pools and easy access to the coastal path.
• Pension Sandbogaard — A cozy and historic guesthouse with a beautiful garden, praised for its charming atmosphere and friendly owners.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Heidi's Residence Sandkaas Bornholm — A clean and friendly hostel offering both private rooms and dorms, perfect for budget-conscious travelers and families.

3. Gudhjem: The Picturesque Hillside Gem

Nestled on a steep, rocky hillside overlooking the Baltic Sea, Gudhjem is arguably Bornholm’s most picturesque town. Its winding streets, vibrant arts scene, and active harbour create an energetic and charming atmosphere on the northern coast of Bornholm Island. It’s a fantastic place to stay for those looking for the best combination of beautiful views and artistic flair.

Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Life in Gudhjem revolves around its lively harbour, the departure point for ferries to the island of Christiansø. Stroll up the steep Brøddegade to explore artisan shops and galleries. A visit to a traditional smokehouse like Gudhjem Røgeri is essential to try local Bornholm ingredients in the specialty Sol over Gudhjem. For a stunning panoramic view, locals climb the path to the Bokul viewpoint. Parking in the small town is limited; it’s best to use the free car parks at the top of the town and walk down the scenic paths to the harbour, with many accommodation options in Bornholm offering a wide selection of hotels with breakfast and wifi and free private parking.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Incredibly charming with a vibrant, artistic atmosphere and stunning views.
• Con: The steep hills can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Solution: Stay closer to the harbour to minimize uphill walks for daily activities.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for couples and art lovers seeking a quintessential Bornholm village experience. Skip if you have difficulty with steep inclines or prefer a larger town with more amenities.

Best Hotels in Gudhjem

💎 Luxury hotels

• Melsted Badehotel — A classic seaside hotel offering refined elegance, direct beach access, and a highly acclaimed restaurant.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Jantzens Hotel — A historic hotel in the heart of Gudhjem with individually decorated rooms and stunning views over the harbour.
• Hotel Klippen — A charming and cozy guesthouse with a lovely garden and a reputation for warm hospitality and a delicious breakfast.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Holiday home Gudhjem IV — Offers simple, comfortable rooms in a historic building with a prime location right by the harbour.

4. Svaneke: Denmark’s Best-Preserved Market Town

On the island’s east coast, Svaneke is famous for its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and thriving artisan food scene. The town exudes a cozy, creative, and high-quality feel, making it a wonderful base for foodies and those who appreciate historic architecture and craftsmanship while exploring northern Bornholm. It’s also a great area for visitors looking for a variety of attractions and accommodation in Bornholm that offer a wonderful stay.

Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
The town’s social centers are Svaneke Torv (the main square) and the harbour. Here you’ll find everything from the Svaneke Bryghus brewery to handmade candy at Svaneke Bolcher and glassblowing at Pernille Bülow’s studio. A hidden local favorite is Hullehavn, a small beach nestled between cliffs with a seasonal cafe that creates a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere. Visit the main square on a Saturday morning to experience the bustling market, where local artisans sell their crafts, and enjoy nearby options for bed and breakfast or hotels in Bornholm that provide breakfast was delicious and free wifi.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A beautiful, well-preserved town with an exceptional food and arts scene.
• Con: It’s a popular spot, and the small streets can get crowded in high season. Solution: Explore the quieter side streets away from the main harbour and square to discover hidden courtyards.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a polished, historic atmosphere. Skip if you’re looking for dramatic, wild landscapes.

Best Hotels in Svaneke

💎 Luxury hotels

• Nybygget hus i Svaneke — A historic merchant’s house turned hotel, offering charming rooms and a beautiful terrace right on the harbour.

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Panoramic Retreat in Svaneke — A unique stay in a cultural center, offering simple rooms and access to beautiful grounds and art events.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Cafebrumman — A delightful and welcoming bed & breakfast known for its delicious coffee, homemade breakfast, and prime location in the heart of Svaneke.

5. Dueodde & the South: For the Ultimate Beach Hotel Experience

The southern tip of Bornholm is home to Dueodde Beach, the island’s most famous stretch of sand. The vibe here is relaxed, natural, and entirely focused on beach life, making it an ideal spot for a hotel stay or to choose to stay at one of the wide selection of bornholm hotels. If your idea of the perfect Danish holiday involves endless dunes, fine white sand, and the sound of the waves, this is the place to stay for 2 or for a longer stay while exploring the Danish island of Bornholm.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The main attraction is the expansive Dueodde Beach, known for its ultra-fine sand. Climb the Dueodde Fyr (lighthouse) for spectacular panoramic views of the coastline. The area is connected by a series of wooden walkways that make accessing the vast beach easier. For a slightly less crowded but equally beautiful sandy beach experience, locals often head to nearby Balka Beach, which offers calmer, shallower water and options for a walk from Balka Beach or a cheap hotel stay, making it perfect for visitors looking to find the perfect stay on Bornholm.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Access to one of the most magnificent sandy beaches in all of Europe.
• Con: The area is more of a holiday settlement than a traditional town and can feel very quiet outside of the summer season. Solution: A car is highly recommended for exploring other parts of the island and for dining options beyond your hotel.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for beach lovers and families seeking a quiet, nature-focused holiday. Skip if you want the lively atmosphere and amenities of a town within walking distance.

Best Hotels in Dueodde & the South

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Balka Strand — A family-friendly option with modern apartments set in a peaceful garden just a short walk from the calm waters of Balka Beach.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• BEACH ROOM — A stylish and modern guesthouse offering rooms with private terraces and direct access to the beautiful sands of Dueodde Beach.
  

6. Hasle: Authentic Harbour Life on the West Coast

Located on the west coast just north of Rønne, Hasle offers a more down-to-earth and authentic Bornholm experience. Once a major industrial and fishing port, it now has a relaxed pace of life, a working harbour, and some unique natural landscapes created by its industrial past, making it a wonderful spot for visitors looking to find hotels in Bornholm or explore best hotels in Bornholm.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
The heart of the town is Hasle Havn (harbour), where you can visit Hasle Røgeri, one of the island’s last traditional smokehouses and its accompanying museum. A must-visit is Grønbechs Gård, a large center for Bornholm’s arts and crafts housed in a historic merchant’s building. Locals love the Hasle Havnebad, a modern sea bath platform perfect for a swim, and the nearby jewel lakes like Rubinsøen and Safirsøen, former clay pits that are now beautiful swimming spots.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A quieter, more authentic town with unique industrial landscapes and beautiful sunsets.
• Con: Lacks the picturesque, polished charm of towns like Svaneke or Gudhjem. Solution: Embrace its authentic character and use it as a peaceful base for exploring the dramatic west and north coasts.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers looking to get off the main tourist trail and experience a more local side of Bornholm. Skip if you are looking for a bustling town with lots of shops and restaurants.

Best Hotels in Hasle

⭐ Best Value Hotels

• Hasle Camping & Cottages — A family-friendly holiday park offering a range of self-catering cottages and access to an outdoor swimming pool, located close to the coast.

💶 Smart Budget Hotels

• Hasle Camping & Hytteby — Offers simple and practical cabins in a holiday park setting, making it a great budget-friendly choice for families exploring the west coast.

FAQ

What is the best area to stay in Bornholm for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors to Bornholm, Rønne is an excellent choice. As the main town, it offers the best transport connections for exploring the rest of the island, a wide variety of shops and restaurants, and a charming old town, providing a perfect introduction to Bornholm and easy access to bornholm airport.

What are the unmissable things to do in Bornholm?

The essential things to do in Bornholm include visiting the Hammershus castle ruins, relaxing on the white sands of Dueodde beach and nearby Næs Beach, exploring the charming towns of Gudhjem and Svaneke, visiting one of the iconic round churches (like Østerlars), and experiencing the island’s culture at attractions like the Bornholm Art Museum.

Where should you stay on Bornholm for the best beaches?

If your priority is beaches, the best place to stay on Bornholm is in the south, near Dueodde. This area gives you direct access to the island’s most famous and expansive sandy beach, with other beautiful beaches like Balka and Sømarken just a short drive away, offering a variety of attractions along the coast.

How many days do you need to see Bornholm?

To comfortably see the main highlights of Bornholm, you should plan for at least 3 to 4 full days. This allows enough time to explore the different coastal towns, visit Hammershus, enjoy the beaches in the south, and experience some of the island’s unique culture and nature, ensuring that Bornholm has something for every traveler without feeling rushed.

Is it easy to get around Bornholm without a car?

Getting around Bornholm without a car is possible thanks to the efficient BAT bus system, which connects all major towns and attractions. However, renting a car or bicycle provides much more flexibility, allowing you to explore more remote areas, hidden beaches, and inland sights at your own pace, and easily reach popular hotels or 4-star hotels in Bornholm.