Bornholm – Our Insider Tips for Denmark’s Most Family-Friendly Island

The Best Beaches, a Lighthouse with a View & Bornholm’s Laid-back Gourmet Hotspots

If you're starting your trip in the south of Bornholm, there's no way around Dueodde Beach: soft, white powder sand, rolling dunes, and a gentle, wide stretch into the sea make it one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. For a panoramic view, climb the 196 steps of Dueodde Fyr — the sweeping vistas over the Baltic Sea and the dune landscape are more than worth the effort.

For hiking fans, the coastal trail from Dueodde to Sømarken is a rewarding walk (around 6 kilometers, roughly two hours with children). At the end: a culinary highlight like no other.

In Sømarken you’ll find the renowned Kadeau Bornholm – a Michelin-starred restaurant that many call the “Sansibar of Bornholm.” Only this one’s more Nordic, more minimal, cooler – and, yes, a bit pricier. For families with young kids, it might be a “next time” kind of place.

All the better, then, that there’s a more relaxed and just-as-delicious alternative: Dunes Restaurant at Balka Beach, run by the same team. Part of the sustainable Eco Beach Camp, it serves refined regional menus Wednesday through Sunday in a chilled, barefoot‑luxury setting. And on Mondays and Tuesdays? It’s Burger Night – laid-back, beachside, and perfect for families.

Beach Bliss in Balka, Harbour Charm in Snogebæk & a Hidden Gem in Nexø

Balka Beach quickly became one of our favourites: powder-soft sand, shallow waters perfect for little swimmers, and charming holiday cottages tucked just behind the dunes. It’s only a short walk or bike ride to the delightful harbour town of Snogebæk – postcard-perfect and full of personality.

Don’t miss a stop at Kjærstrup, Bornholm’s beloved artisanal ice cream maker with four café locations across the island. The ice cream? Creamy, homemade, and full of creative flavours. The little harbour pier is ideal not just for fishing, but also for a dip in the sea. Want the full Scandinavian experience? There’s a public sauna right on the pier.

Just outside Nexø, we uncovered a truly hidden gem: Lucy’s Bakery, where a Swedish baker whips up cinnamon buns, sourdough loaves and old-school cakes that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen. It’s only open Saturdays from 9–12 – but trust the line outside: it’s worth the wait.

Golf, Galleries & Favourite Places – Our Highlights Between Nexø and Svaneke

Golfing with kids? On Bornholm, it’s surprisingly easy – especially at the wonderfully relaxed Nexø Golf Club in the island’s south. The course is well-maintained, peacefully located, and – most importantly – family-friendly.

Head Pro Martin Park welcomed us with open arms and made sure our kids were fully kitted out and ready to play – no time pressure, no stress, just pure joy on the course. If only golf in Germany could feel this laid-back and easygoing!

Creative Spirit & Coastal Charm – A Day in Svaneke

If you're more into exploring than teeing off, head a little further northeast and you’ll find yourself in one of our absolute favourite places on Bornholm: Svaneke. This charming harbour town instantly cast its spell on us – with its winding alleyways, colourful houses, laid-back vibe, and a creative energy that runs through every street corner.

Travelling with always-hungry kids (in our case: teenagers), Tour Burger is a must. Think homemade burgers, long communal tables, and the sound of children’s laughter in the background.

After lunch, head down to the nearby cove Sydøst for Paradis – a true local gem with a diving platform, volleyball court, and a relaxed summer beach bar where live music plays as the sun sets. Kids splash in the water while grown-ups sip drinks, the lighthouse glowing on the horizon.

Dinner? We had our eyes on Restaurant Hjørnet, but it was fully booked. Slight consolation: the freshly baked cinnamon buns from Svaneke Brød, a local bakery that shares its space with a charming flower shop and stocks a thoughtful selection of local products.

And Svaneke is perfect for wandering – pop into small galleries, ceramics studios and concept stores. We especially loved the works of artist Tanja Holmstrøm, whose studio is right in town. For those who prefer a curated edit, make sure to stop by Matter of Crafts in Nexø on your way back – a beautifully curated store featuring handpicked local art and design.

Coastal Charms: From Gudhjem to Allinge

The east coast of Bornholm is a string of favourite places – and Gudhjem might just be the prettiest of them all. This cliffside harbour town is pure postcard material: colourful houses climb the steep rocks, winding alleys invite you to explore, and there's a distinct creative energy in the air. Once a traditional fishing village, Gudhjem is now known for its artistic soul, with galleries, boutiques, and cafés tucked into every corner. And the light here – soft, golden, almost cinematic – has long attracted Danish painters and creatives.

Our top spot: Nørresan Café & Restaurant, perched right on the water. The kind of place that makes you want to stay all evening. From communal dinners at long tables to intimate concerts and even silent discos – Nørresan is more than a café, it's a gathering point for locals and travellers alike.

Another seasonal highlight in Gudhjem this year: the Bornholm pop-up by The Table Project. Based in Copenhagen, this stylish homeware brand brings its ceramics, glassware and design pieces to the island for a limited time – the perfect excuse to pick up a handcrafted souvenir (or three).

Swimming, Hiking, Fishing & Family Adventures on Bornholm

Before heading to our favourite swimming cove in Svaneke, there's one detour that's absolutely worth it: a family-friendly hike through the Paradisbakkerne, a magical rocky landscape just west of Svaneke. Translating to “Paradise Hills,” the name says it all – wandering these trails feels like stepping into a fairytale.

The well-marked paths lead you through light pine forests, past ancient boulders, quiet moorlands and mossy clearings. A big hit with kids? The Rokkestenen – a massive rocking stone that actually moves with a bit of teamwork and muscle. It's a natural playground for little adventurers.

The trails can be tailored to your time and energy – from short strolls to full-day hikes. Along the way, there are plenty of scenic spots perfect for a picnic, a breather, or simply to soak in the beauty of Bornholm’s wild side.

More family-friendly outings on Bornholm

NaturBornholm in Aakirkeby is a fantastic indoor experience centre that brings the island’s history to life in a playful, engaging way – perfect for curious kids. On 3,000 square metres, visitors journey through 1.7 billion years of Earth’s history with dinosaur tracks, interactive exhibitions, a marine aquarium, live reptiles, electric vehicles to try, and holiday specials like fossil hunts and bison safaris.

If you’re craving fresh air and forest time, head to Almindingen – one of Denmark’s largest woodland areas. The peaceful network of family-friendly trails is ideal for hikes, biking, or just a spontaneous picnic under the trees. You might even stumble upon some old castle ruins, Robin-Hood-style.

For older children or families into history and culture, don’t miss Melstedgård, the agricultural open-air museum near Gudhjem. This working farm lets visitors step into traditional country life, complete with animals, antique tools, and even horse-drawn carriage rides on select days.

Badehotel Charm in Allinge – Plus Insider Tips from the Owner

If you’re dreaming of that timeless seaside hotel charm, Allinge Badehotel is a true gem: a boutique hotel lovingly run by a couple from Copenhagen, perched right on the coast. Expect pastel tones, sea views, a delicious homemade breakfast – and that effortlessly cool Nordic ease.

Owner Cathrine was kind enough to share her personal island favourites with us – and we’re passing them straight on to you:

🍕 For the best pizza on the island, she swears by Brødre Bageri in the little village of Tejn, located between Allinge and Gudhjem. A laid-back spot for handmade breads, creative dishes and – yes – fantastic pizza.

🥪 If you're hiking the Hammerknuden peninsula (a stunning natural highlight with views stretching all the way to Sweden), don’t miss a pit stop at Hammerhavn Kiosken. It’s the perfect place to recharge with a homemade sandwich and a cold drink right by the sea.

🏖️ The hotel’s favourite local beach? Næs Strand, a peaceful little cove just a few minutes from the hotel. Soft sand, rocky edges, a swim ladder into the sea – and a beautiful walking trail that winds along the coast all the way to Gudhjem.

🫙 Lov i Listed is a must for lovers of ceramics – think hand-thrown pottery with a clean, modern Scandinavian look.

🧡 Looking for something truly unique? Visit Høstet Sea Buckthorn Farm – a small, family-run spot where you can taste and explore everything about this bright orange superberry. It grows abundantly on Bornholm, and here you get to see (and taste) it up close.

🍺 And finally, for a cosy evening out: Ølstauan in Allinge serves up local beer, seasonal dishes and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Just what you need to wrap up a perfect Bornholm day.

For tailor-made trip planning, further recommendation for accommodation on Bornholm, drop us a line or join membership to access all our handpicked hotels and B&B´s on the island.

//

A heartfelt thank-you to our amazing team for sharing all these insider tips with us – especially our Bornholm experts and travel scouts Annika Herting and Maria Welte, who have explored the island several times with their families. And a special thanks to Mie and Cathrine from Allinge Badehotel for their warm hospitality and wonderful local recommendations.