Bornholm is a fantastic part of Denmark, captivating visitors with its chalk-white sandy beaches, rocky coast, impressive cliffs, and beautiful landscape. Melsted Seaside Hotel is located at the water's edge on the idyllic Melsted Beach, on the outskirts of Gudhjem. The Seaside Hotel is surrounded by 18,000 sqm of private beach meadow with views of the sea, protected forest, beach, bathing jetty, and the island's unique cliffs. The scenic areas around the hotel invite you to exciting hiking and cycling tours in all directions. Here, we have gathered some of the highlights of our local area.
GUDHJEM – “GOD’S HOME”
Within walking distance of Melsted Seaside Hotel, for example, along the picturesque old rescue path by the coast, lies Gudhjem, Denmark's only 'mountain town' and one of Bornholm's most unique towns. Walk approximately 800 meters down to the harbour via the lively main street – and a little further if you wish to experience the beautiful nature surrounding the town. Some may also remember the famous children's film “Father of Four on Bornholm,” which was filmed in Gudhjem in the late 1950s. Gudhjem is a must-see for most visitors to Bornholm, offering plenty to explore beyond shopping and a wide selection of culinary delights, including handmade chocolate, pancakes, ice cream at the harbour, and fish from the charming smokehouse.
MAGICAL LIGHT OVER GUDHJEM
Gudhjem is also known for its magical light. Due to Gudhjem's location on Bornholm's north coast, the light over the town and the sea takes on a truly magical hue when the sun sets west of the island's northern tip. Both Danish and international painters have flocked to the town, attempting to portray this magical light in their works.
The most famous artist from Gudhjem is Oluf Høst, who chose to settle here to be closer to one of his main motifs – the view over Norresåen and the magical light. You can gain insight into his life and see examples of his paintings in his old studio, which is now the Oluf Høst Museum.
"SOL OVER GUDHJEM"
Bornholm's national dish "Sol over Gudhjem" is an open-faced sandwich with smoked herring, raw egg yolk, onion or chives and possibly radishes, but it is also the name of the big annual cooking competition that takes place in Gudhjem in June.
Here, world-class chefs compete to prepare the best starter, main course, and dessert on a large stage at the harbour, where you can also explore a large food market with tastings and a wealth of delicious local ingredients.
THE CLIFF PATH FROM THE HOTEL TO GUDHJEM
The Cliff Path starts from Melsted Seaside Hotel along the idyllic Melsted Beach, crosses a small stream bordered by 100-year-old poplars, and then passes through Melsted, a former fishing village with a small harbour and charming old half-timbered houses. The name “mel” refers to sand and dunes. Once in the 1700s, there was a major sand drift where many houses were covered in sand; one house is still called “The House Underground.” The path continues through a heathland area with grass and pine trees and crosses Gudhjem Camping, where a small cordoned-off area protects a historic Viking burial site. From here, the path leads to the idyllic Gudhjem Harbour, and if you continue through Gudhjem's charming streets, you will reach “Robber's Castle” on the other side of town.
HAMMERSHUS CASTLE RUIN
Approximately 20 minutes north of Melsted Seaside Hotel lies Hammershus, Northern Europe's largest castle ruin, which is one of Denmark's most significant historical monuments and Bornholm's most visited attraction. Hammershus was built around 1249 and served as a castle and fortress for over 400 years. It later became the seat of the island's administration and state prison, where, among others, Leonora Christina and Corfitz Ulfeldt were imprisoned until their dramatic escape down the steep cliffs.
Experience Hammershus in a whole new way from the new visitor center at Hammershus, from which you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the castle ruin.
ALMINDINGEN FOREST
Almindingen is just a fifteen-minute drive from Melsted Seaside Hotel and is Denmark's fifth-largest forest, covering a total of 6,000 hectares, where you can experience, among other things, Echo Valley, Rytterknægten, and the European bison. Echo Valley, with its 2 km length, is the island's largest fissure valley – don't forget to test the echo here.
Rytterknægten is Bornholm's highest point, featuring the Kongemindet tower from 1856. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the entire island of Bornholm, and on clear days, even as far as Christiansø. If you're in the area, don't miss a delightful lunch at the idyllic Christianshøjkroen.
It's ideal to explore the area by bike, and we are happy to assist with bicycle rentals.
DUEODDE BEACH
Dueodde Beach is arguably Bornholm's most famous beach and ranks among Europe's finest sandy beaches. Its sand is so incredibly fine that it has even been used in hourglasses. The beach stretches for several kilometers along Bornholm's southern tip, and a visit to the top of Dueodde Lighthouse offers a truly spectacular view of the coastal area and the entire southern part of Bornholm.
The beach is located just about a half-hour drive south along the coast from Melsted Badehotel.
ØSTERLARS ROUND CHURCH
Of Denmark's total of seven round churches, four are located on Bornholm. These churches were built in this unique style so they could also serve as defensive structures.
Østerlars Round Church is both Bornholm's and Denmark's largest round church, and the most famous of the four characteristic Bornholm round churches. Here you can experience the unique church interior with beautiful frescoes and enjoy the serene tranquility.
Østerlars Round Church is located just a 5-minute drive from Melsted Badehotel.
BORNHOLM ART MUSEUM
Bornholm Art Museum is an attraction in itself, considered one of the Nordic region's gems due to its captivating architectural design. The museum is situated just about 6 km from Melsted Badehotel, nestled within one of Denmark's most spectacular landscapes: an area known as Helligdommen. From the museum, a path leads down to the protected Helligdomsklipperne (Sanctuary Cliffs), featuring sharp crevices, rugged granite pillars, and steep rock faces with deep passages and caves, often referred to as "ovens." The area and the cliffs are named after a sacred spring that, in ancient times, flowed into the Baltic Sea at the foot of the cliffs.
DØN VALLEY - DØNDALEN
Døndalen, like Ekkodalen, is a rift valley, but Døndalen is considerably wider and home to Denmark's largest waterfall, where the Døndaleå stream plunges a full 20 meters.
Døndalen is just a 7-minute drive from Melsted Badehotel, followed by approximately a 1-hour hike. For those who enjoy walking, it's well worth the effort to take the stairs leading up to the Amtmandsstenen viewpoint, from which you can see all the way to Christiansø.
ROCKING STONES
On Bornholm, there are at least three large rocking stones rocks that the different Ice Ages have left behind ice sheet has transported to those very places - and yes these big boulders move if you know how and where to push. The largest and most famous rock, a 35-ton walking block, is located in Paradispakkerne, which is a beautiful hiking area. The exciting thing about these large boulders is that there are various legends associated with them, for example, it was once believed that the rocking rocks of Bornholm move because they lie on a large diamond. Today, however, we know that the rocks are made of granite, similar to the bedrock on which they lie.
SVANEKE TOWN
Svaneke town is located just 15 km south of Melsted Badehotel and is one of the island's most charming towns, featuring quaint shops and eateries.
The town won the title of Denmark's most beautiful market town in 2013 and is an ideal family destination with its many cozy workshops where local crafts can be experienced first-hand. For example, you can see how all kinds of delicacies are made in the Bolsjefabrikken, Karamelleriet and Chokoladeriet. You can experience glassblowing at Pernille Bülow and see the traditional method of smoking herring unfold at Svaneke Røgeri.
CHRISTIANSØ, FREDERIKSØ AND ERTHOLMENE
If you are staying at Melsted Badehotel, don't miss a trip to Denmark's easternmost point, Ertholmene, which includes Christiansø and Frederiksø. Here, you'll discover magnificent nature, incredible birdlife, tranquility, and time for contemplation.
The Christiansø ferry sails daily from Gudhjem to Christiansø, and Gudhjem can be reached on foot from Melsted Badehotel via the wonderfully scenic Cliff Path along the coast. From Gudhjem harbor, the M/S Thor also offers a beautiful coastal cruise from Gudhjem to Helligdomsklipperne.
Bornholm's growing restaurant scene
In recent years, Bornholm has experienced a true gastronomic blossoming, where local ingredients and dedicated chefs work hand in hand to create unique taste experiences.
Bornholm offers everything from cozy eateries with sea views to atmospheric gourmet restaurants serving dishes based on Bornholm's fresh fish, seasonal local vegetables, and award-winning specialties.
Here you can read our Guide to Bornholm's best restaurants
7 UNIQUE WINE SPOTS YOU MUST VISIT
Whether you are staying at Melsted Seaside Hotel or simply visiting Bornholm, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the island's fantastic wine universe. In recent years, the island has developed into a gastronomic destination where wine experiences have also gained a special place.
From charming vineyards to cozy wine bars and specialty shops, Bornholm offers a wealth of opportunities for those who appreciate a good glass of wine in unique surroundings.
Here, we guide you to seven of Bornholm's most atmospheric wine spots, where passion, quality, and a cozy atmosphere go hand in hand.
The 5 best beaches on Bornholm
Bornholm is renowned not only for its unique nature and rich cultural history, but also for its fantastic beaches.
The island offers everything from wide sandy beaches to small, cliff-enclosed bathing coves. Whether you're seeking child-friendly shores, ideal conditions for water sports, or picturesque swimming spots, Bornholm has something for everyone. Just a stone's throw from Melsted Seaside Hotel, you'll discover some of Denmark's most beautiful beaches.
Here you can find an overview of some of Bornholm's best beaches.
Lakes on Bornholm
Bornholm's Secret Water Mirrors – 7 Lakes You Must Experience on Bornholm
Beyond its rocky coastlines, charming towns, and vibrant harbor environments, the island conceals a series of unique lakes. These lakes are not only picturesque; they also offer exciting fishing opportunities and perfect settings for both adventure and quiet reflection.
To experience a different side of Bornholm, take the time to visit these 7 lakes, which will offer you a fresh perspective on the island's natural beauty.
Discover Bornholm's 4 Round Churches
Among Bornholm's most iconic attractions are its four unique round churches. These churches are not merely places of worship, but also fascinating architectural marvels with a rich history and strategic significance.
Bornholm's round churches date back to the Middle Ages and have served as both places of worship and defensive fortifications.
Discover Østerlars Round Church, Nylars Round Church, Ol's Round Church, and Ny Round Church.
The island's coziest brunch spots
There is something truly special about the morning hours on Bornholm. The light over the Baltic Sea, the tranquility of the narrow streets, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread wafting from the island’s cozy cafés.
Brunch on Bornholm is all about starting the day off right with delicious local ingredients and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the elegant seaside hotel brunch here in Melsted to the more casual and hearty offerings in Svaneke and Rønne, the island has something for everyone.
