Located at the westernmost tip of Bornholm, Rønne is the largest town on this Danish island, which has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Baltic”. Rønne's fascinating past is explored at several museums and the town boasts an elegant, octagonal tower dominating the harbour.
Things to do in Rønne
Wander along the cobblestone streets of Rønne while admiring the half-timbered houses, many of which were once home to merchants and noblemen. Don’t miss a visit to St. Nicolas' Church, which occupies the site of a 13th-century chapel and features a beautifully carved wooden altar created by Christian Kofoed. Be sure to take note of the 17th-century chandelier and the altar painting by Sven Havsteen Mikkelsen.
Not far from the church is the Rønne Lighthouse, a tapered cast-iron tower constructed in 1880 that dominates the view as you arrive by ferry. A 30-minute drive south-east will take you to Denmark’s tallest lighthouse, the 47-metre-high Dueodde Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views across the south coast of Bornholm from its top.
Rønne’s storied past is explored at the Bornholm Museum where artefacts dating from the Nordic Bronze Age and Iron Age are exhibited. Learn about life in the town during World War II before heading to the Bornholm Defense Museum where you can get up close to weapons, uniforms and a German Enigma encryption device. The museum is located adjacent to the historic tower of Kastelstårnet.
Getting around Rønne
Rønne is just 10 minutes’ drive from Bornholm Airport, which has regular flights to Copenhagen. Ferries connect to Køge in Denmark, as well as to Ystad in Sweden and Sassnitz in Germany. The centre of Rønne is compact enough to explore on foot while buses travel around Bornholm.