Gudhjem
The route along the northeast coast of the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm leads from Tejn southeast to Gudhjem. Gudhjem is one of the oldest and most traditional places on Bornholm. The name means roughly “home of the gods.” Before the great plague epidemic on Bornholm in the 17th century, Gudhjem was an important trading port where Hanseatic merchants held a large herring market. Gudhjem is also where the most quintessential Bornholm tradition originated: herring smoking. It is said to have been brought to Bornholm at the end of the 19th century by Scottish mercenaries stationed on the small island of Christiansø, who were familiar with this method of preservation from their homeland.
Blick auf Gudhjem auf der Insel Bornholm
Photo: © Rudy Hemmingsen/VisitDenmark
Gudhjem as a holiday destination
Gudhjem is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Bornholm. The small town sits on a rocky promontory right by the water. Gudhjem clings to the steep slope of the 47-metre-high Bokul cliff. From its summit, the view extends not only over the picturesque town itself, but also to the “Pea Islands,” including Christiansø, 20 kilometres out to sea. Denmark’s only switchback road winds down to the harbour in Gudhjem. To the astonishment of visitors, fig and almond trees appear in many sheltered, winding, sun-warmed corners between the walls. Gudhjem has a comparatively large number of hotels and guesthouses, although here, as almost everywhere along Denmark’s Baltic coast, holiday homes and apartments outnumber other types of holiday accommodation.
Gudhjem’s maritime side
Gudhjem has a long history as a trading port. The large harbour dates from this period and is now the departure point for excursions along the coast to the Helligdom Cliffs, as well as a supply base for the fortress island of Christiansø. During the season, tourists are taken to this unique little island once a day. Despite its great popularity, the town has retained its original charm as a fishing village on Bornholm. The spacious harbour area brings together fishermen, small shops with a maritime character, a fish smokehouse, tourists, parked cars and arriving skippers.
Places to visit in Gudhjem
The museum in the former railway station offers a glimpse into Gudhjem’s history. The southern district of Melsted is a former fishing village with a small harbour and an agricultural museum. To the northwest are the so-called Helligdomsklipperne, or Holy Cliffs. This impressive rock formation features caves, some of which are navigable, and is one of the most important visitor attractions on the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm. Excursion boats travel here from Gudhjem, giving tourists the chance to enjoy the unique view from the Baltic Sea. The modern Bornholm Art Museum has been built on the cliffs themselves. It showcases primarily Bornholm artists, has been designed to blend into the landscape and is crossed by a natural stream.
You can book a holiday home in Gudhjem directly
Attractions on Bornholm
