With dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, medieval ruins, round churches, fishing villages, smokehouses and scenic roads, Bornholm is ideal for travellers who want freedom, nature and a slower pace after arriving at Copenhagen Airport.
Visit Bornholm with car rental from Copenhagen Airport
Bornholm is located in the Baltic Sea and is best planned as more than a quick city day trip. The island is perfect for a weekend break, a longer road trip or a relaxed holiday after visiting Copenhagen. A rental car booked through Terminal3.dk gives you flexibility from Copenhagen Airport, especially if you want to reach the ferry, bring luggage and explore the island properly once you arrive.
Because Bornholm is an island, you cannot simply drive all the way from Copenhagen. You will need to combine your rental car with a ferry route. Before booking, always check your rental agreement to confirm whether the car may be taken into Sweden and onto a ferry.
How to get from Copenhagen Airport to Bornholm by car
The most popular self-drive route to Bornholm is to drive from Copenhagen Airport across the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, continue to Ystad, and take the ferry to Rønne on Bornholm. This is usually the fastest car-and-ferry route, but it includes a toll bridge, a border crossing and a ferry booking.
Another option is the ferry between Køge and Rønne. This avoids driving through Sweden, but the sailing time is much longer, so it may suit travellers who prefer a slower route or an overnight-style travel plan.
Whichever route you choose, book your ferry in advance during busy periods and allow extra time for traffic, check-in, boarding and weather conditions.
Important rental car tips for Bornholm
Bornholm is an excellent destination to explore by car, but there are a few practical points to check before you travel:
- Cross-border permission: If you travel via Ystad, your rental car must be allowed into Sweden.
- Ferry permission: Some rental agreements have rules about taking the car on ferries.
- Øresund Bridge toll: The Ystad route includes the toll bridge between Denmark and Sweden.
- Valid travel ID: Bring a passport or valid travel ID when crossing into Sweden.
- Ferry booking: Reserve space for the car, not just passengers.
- Driving time on Bornholm: Distances are manageable, but many of the best stops deserve time.
Why Bornholm is worth the journey
Bornholm feels different from the rest of Denmark. The island combines rocky northern coastlines, sandy southern beaches, forests, small harbours, art, crafts, local food and quiet villages. It is compact enough to explore by car, but varied enough to keep visitors busy for several days.
Travellers come to Bornholm for:
- Hammershus, Northern Europe’s largest castle ruin
- Dueodde Beach, known for fine white sand and wide coastal views
- Gudhjem and Svaneke, two of the island’s most charming harbour towns
- Bornholm smokehouses and the local smoked herring dish “Sol over Gudhjem”
- Almindingen, one of Denmark’s largest forests and a great nature area
- Round churches, cliffs, cycling routes and scenic coastal roads
Explore Hammershus Castle Ruins
Hammershus is Bornholm’s most famous historic attraction. The medieval fortress ruins stand high above the sea on the island’s northern coast, offering dramatic views and a strong sense of history.
The site is large, atmospheric and well worth the drive. Walk through the ruins, visit the visitor centre if open, and take time to enjoy the surrounding landscape. The cliffs and sea views around Hammershus make it one of the most memorable stops on the island.
Relax at Dueodde Beach
Dueodde Beach on southern Bornholm is one of Denmark’s best-known beaches. It is famous for its fine, pale sand, dunes and open shoreline. In summer, it is a popular place for swimming, walking and relaxing by the Baltic Sea.
A rental car makes it easy to visit Dueodde even if you are staying elsewhere on the island. Bring swimwear in warm weather, but also bring layers, as coastal weather can change quickly.
Drive through Almindingen forest
Almindingen is one of Denmark’s largest forests and a beautiful place for hiking, cycling and nature stops. The area includes forest trails, lakes, rocky landscapes and viewpoints, giving visitors a different side of Bornholm away from the coast.
It is a good stop if you want a peaceful break between towns, beaches and historic sites. With a car, you can combine Almindingen with central Bornholm attractions and continue toward the coast afterwards.
Visit Svaneke
Svaneke is one of Bornholm’s most charming towns, known for colourful houses, small shops, crafts, cafés and a relaxed harbour atmosphere. It is a good place to walk, shop for local products and enjoy the slower pace of island life.
The town is especially popular in summer, but its streets and harbour are attractive in any season. Park outside the busiest centre and explore on foot.
Visit Gudhjem
Gudhjem is a picturesque harbour town on the rocky north-eastern coast. The town is known for steep streets, sea views, smokehouses and the famous Bornholm dish “Sol over Gudhjem”, traditionally made with smoked herring, egg yolk, radish and rye bread.
Gudhjem is also a useful base for exploring the northern coast, Helligdomsklipperne and boat trips to Christiansø when available.
Try Bornholm’s smokehouses and local food
Food is a major part of the Bornholm experience. The island is known for smoked fish, especially smoked herring, along with local beer, ice cream, chocolate, mustard, cheese, honey and seasonal produce.
Traditional smokehouses are found in several harbour towns, often marked by their distinctive chimneys. Stop for lunch, try local fish and enjoy the sea views that often come with the meal.
Art, crafts and island culture
Bornholm has a strong creative identity. Visitors will find ceramics, glass, textiles, galleries, craft shops and local workshops across the island. This makes Bornholm a rewarding destination for travellers interested in design, handmade products and Danish island culture.
Many smaller workshops have seasonal opening hours, so check before travelling if there is a specific place you want to visit.
How long should you spend on Bornholm?
Bornholm deserves more than a few rushed hours. A weekend is enough for a first taste, but three to five days gives you more time for beaches, villages, food, hiking and scenic drives.
If you are combining Bornholm with Copenhagen, consider visiting Copenhagen first, then using your rental car for the longer island route. This lets you enjoy the city on foot and save the car for the part of the trip where it adds the most value.
Suggested Bornholm itinerary from Copenhagen Airport
Day 1: Collect your rental car at Copenhagen Airport, drive to Ystad or Køge depending on your ferry route, sail to Rønne and settle into your accommodation on Bornholm.
Day 2: Visit Hammershus, explore the northern coast, stop in Gudhjem and try smoked herring or another local speciality.
Day 3: Drive through Almindingen, continue to Svaneke, visit local shops and end the day by the coast.
Day 4: Relax at Dueodde Beach, explore southern Bornholm and return to Rønne for your ferry if you are leaving the island.
Practical tips for visiting Bornholm by rental car
- Check whether your rental car may be taken into Sweden and onto ferries.
- Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in summer and holiday periods.
- Reserve a ferry ticket for the car as well as passengers.
- Bring valid travel ID if travelling via Sweden.
- Allow extra time for ferry check-in and boarding.
- Use official parking areas in small towns and respect residential streets.
- Bring layers, as Baltic Sea weather can change during the day.
- Plan at least two nights on Bornholm if you want to see more than one area.
Book car rental at Copenhagen Airport and explore Bornholm
Bornholm is a unique Danish island with beaches, cliffs, forests, smokehouses, historic ruins, charming towns and creative local culture. It is one of the best longer trips to combine with Copenhagen Airport car rental, especially if you want flexibility from the moment you land.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk and enjoy the freedom to explore Bornholm, Copenhagen and Denmark’s best road-trip destinations at your own pace.
