Discover Gudhjem

Gudhjem combines a distinctive local history with a harbour, coastal route and smokehouse culture. When choosing a hotel in Gudhjem, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you like to explore the former railway line, take in the coastal stretch or discover Bornholm’s food culture? Gudhjem is known as Denmark’s only mountain town; numerous smokehouse chimneys are also part of the townscape.

Harbour and coastal path

In the eastern harbour, two berths are reserved for the Christiansø ferry service and the excursion boat Thor. From Gudhjem, Thor offers guided trips to the Helligdom Cliffs and the Bornholm Art Museum. If you are planning a trip, check the current timetable. The harbour’s waterfront promenade has bathing and toilet facilities; the laundry is reserved for guests with yachts.

The coastal path section from Gudhjem to Svaneke starts at the steps at the southern end of the harbour and runs along and between the cliffs to the campsite at Melsted. This gives you the choice between guided boat trips to the named destinations and a described coastal walk. The path section is defined by its route from the harbour steps to Melsted.

Railway history in Gudhjem

From 1916 to 1952, Gudhjem was the terminus of the former railway line from Christianshøj in Almindingen. The Gudhjem Museum presents an exhibition and the film “Tracing the Track” about the history of the Almindingen–Gudhjem railway. The exhibition and film thus explore the former rail connection; the dates given place it in the town’s history.

For a stay focused on regional history, a historical connection and a museum offering complement each other here: the terminus recalls the former line, while the exhibition and film cover its history. Plan your museum visit according to the latest visitor information.

Smokehouse culture and cooking classes

The history of smoking fish is also part of Gudhjem’s story: Bornholm’s first smokehouse opened here in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since. Gudhjem still has an active smokehouse, where you can enjoy the Bornholm speciality Sol over Gudhjem. Check whether the smokehouse is currently operating before you visit.

You can also include Bornholms Madkulturhus in your plans for the surrounding area. During various cooking classes and themed events, participants prepare dishes under the guidance of the centre’s specialists and historians. The available activities depend on the event calendar, so check it before making plans.

Summer activities nearby

Melstedgård offers daily activities and workshops during the summer holidays. These include cooking over an open fire, foraging trips and horse-drawn carriage rides. The activities complement the themes of local history and the coastal path with a seasonal offering. Check the latest summer holiday activities and dates before visiting.

Bornholm beyond Gudhjem

The island of Bornholm as a whole offers further topics to consider when planning your trip. NaturBornholm features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition. Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a 15-hectare open-air museum that brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an engaging, interactive way. These attractions complement Gudhjem’s local history with island-wide themes, but are not part of Gudhjem’s harbour or museum offerings.

Bornholm can be reached by ferry, plane, bus or train. The ferry crossing from Ystad to Bornholm takes one hour and 20 minutes. Check the current timetables when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Klemensker, Østermarie, Listed, Kås, Tejn, Rø, Østerlars, Arsballe.

Return to the main travel overview: Bornholm.