Bornholm is one of Europe's most bike-friendly islands: around 235 kilometres of well-built cycle paths, a near-flat loop right around the island and short distances that link coast, forest and fishing villages in a single day. Here you'll find the best routes, honest distance tips, where to hire a bike or e-bike, and how to bring your own bike on the ferry.
Across 588 square kilometres, almost everything sits close together: in a few hours you ride from the steep cliffs in the north to the white sandy beaches in the south. The cycle network is signposted in its own right, often off-road along former railway lines and through forests like Almindingen.
Bornholm is hillier than the rest of Denmark, but the main routes are laid out to avoid steep climbs. Ride the classic loop and you'll barely notice a gradient – ideal for casual riders, and completely relaxed on an e-bike.
The classic island loop is Denmark's National Cycle Route 10, "Bornholm Rundt" – at about 104.5 kilometres the shortest of Denmark's national cycle routes. It runs almost entirely along the coast, linking Hammershus, the rocky north, the artist towns of Gudhjem and Svaneke and Dueodde beach in the south before returning to Rønne.
Parts of the route are on gravel and forest tracks, so a trekking, gravel or mountain bike suits best. The official recommendation splits the loop into four stages of 20–30 km each. The biggest challenge, by the way, isn't the climbs but the coastal wind – leave some buffer and dress in layers.
How Route 10 splits up comfortably – with an overnight in the loveliest coastal towns. Distances vary by variant:
Harbour towns, quiet paths and the first northern cliffs. Past Hasle with its smokehouse.
The most photogenic stage: Hammershus, Helligdomsklipperne and the art museum, then down to Gudhjem.
Smokehouses, Svaneke and the way south to the first wide beaches.
Flat and sunny across Dueodde and the south coast back to the island capital.
Bornholm is laced with numbered cycle routes. Beyond the big loop (Route 10), these stand out in particular – as day trips on their own or combined.
The most varied coastal stretch: through Blykobbe plantation to Hasle (smokehouse), on past two fishing harbours to the Jons Kapel cliffs. Note: there you carry the bike up a 115 m stairway – with children or a trailer, stay on the country road instead.
Along a disused railway line, minor roads and woodland tracks through Almindingen and the Paradisbakkerne hills – almost entirely traffic-free. Past Rytterknægten, at 162 m the island's highest point (viewing tower up to 184 m).
Along the old railway line northwards: stage 1 Rønne–Bådsted about 20 km, passing Nyker with the island's smallest round church and on through the Spellinge Mose marsh.
18 km (8.6 km asphalt / 9.4 km gravel) through the Kobbeådalen valley with Stavehøl waterfall and on through Almindingen forest – away from traffic.
24.5 km (7.9 km asphalt / 16.6 km gravel) on minor roads and through quiet forest from Slotslyngen and Ravnedal – one of the calmest rides on the island.
Hire stations are everywhere: Bornholms Cykeludlejning at Rønne harbour (the island's oldest), Boss Cykler with its main base at Balka and stations in Rønne, Aakirkeby, Gudhjem, Svaneke, Tejn and Snogebæk among others, plus Holms Cykler in Rønne. Hire by the day or the whole week – touring, children's and cargo bikes, e-bikes and trailers.
Many outfits deliver the bike straight to your accommodation for a surcharge and collect it again. For groups of up to 10, same-day hire is often guaranteed. In peak season (July/August) it pays to reserve ahead. An e-bike takes the effort out of the inland hills and the coastal wind.
Short distances, plenty of traffic-free paths and destinations kids love – Bornholm is ideal for a family cycling holiday.
Most routes run away from car traffic, on dedicated cycle paths or old railway lines.
Beaches, smokehouses with soft ice cream, the Medieval Centre and NaturBornholm sit conveniently along the way.
Children's bikes, trailers and e-bikes for parents are available at all larger hire stations.
Every ferry to Rønne carries bicycles (cars, buses and bikes too). From Germany, Sassnitz–Rønne is the only direct link from the continent – crossing about 3 hrs 20 min. From there you start with your own bike right at Rønne harbour.
Alternatives: Ystad–Rønne (Sweden, just 80 min, or ~1 hr 20 by catamaran), or the night ferry Køge–Rønne near Copenhagen (~5 hrs 30, sailing overnight, arriving in the morning – without losing a holiday day). Reserve a bike space in good time during high season.
May to September. June and early September are ideal: mild weather, long days and fewer crowds than mid-summer.
Mostly asphalt and firm gravel. A trekking or touring bike suits best; road bikes only for the on-road routes.
Several operators move your luggage from stay to stay – so you ride the loop with a light bike.
The cycle routes are numbered and signposted throughout. A cycle map or app helps with the finer planning.
The classic island loop is about 105 kilometres. Most cyclists split it over two to three days and stay overnight along the way, for example in Gudhjem, Svaneke or Allinge.
No. Bornholm is hillier than the rest of Denmark, but the main routes avoid steep climbs. The coastal loop is mostly flat, and e-bikes make light work of the few inland gradients.
In Rønne, Gudhjem, Allinge and Svaneke, and at many places to stay, you'll find hire stations for touring bikes, e-bikes, children's bikes and trailers. In peak season in July and August, booking ahead is wise.
Yes. On every ferry route – from Sassnitz, Ystad or Køge – you can bring your bike for a small surcharge. Book early in high season. See our travel page for details.
Bornholm has ten numbered cycle routes totalling around 235 kilometres. They run along the coast, through the inland forests and partly along disused railway lines.
Very. Distances are short, many paths are traffic-free, and destinations such as beaches, smokehouses and the butterfly park sit conveniently along the way. Children's bikes and trailers are available to hire.
Because parts of the loop run on gravel and forest tracks, a trekking, gravel or mountain bike suits best. Pure road bikes only make sense for the fully paved on-road routes.
Usually not the climbs but the coastal wind. It can noticeably raise the perceived effort – allow extra time and dress in layers. An e-bike helps keep a steady pace.
A bus network links all towns on the island, and many bikes must be returned to the hire station. For stage tours, though, several providers offer delivery/collection at your accommodation plus luggage transfer – so you ride one-way without returning to the start.
Plan your journey with your bike, find a place to stay along the route and take your time – Bornholm rewards every kilometre. Prefer to walk? Discover hiking on Bornholm too.
