Hiking the Højlyngsstien on Bornholm in stages
The Højlyngsstien on Bornholm
The Højlyngsstien on Bornholm is one of the island’s most scenic and varied hiking routes. Here, you move through a diverse landscape of forests, cliffs, open heathlands and small lakes – all connected in one continuous trail.
Hiking the Højlyngsstien allows you to explore Bornholm on foot at your own pace. The route is well-marked and suitable for both shorter walks and longer multi-day hiking trips.
Stage 1: Sandvig to Sjælegård
Via the Højlyngsstien Bornholm – approx. 10–14 km
Your hike on the Højlyngsstien begins in Sandvig on North Bornholm. From here, you can choose between two different routes depending on how long and challenging you want your first stage to be.
One option is to hike via Hammerknuden – a dramatic rocky area with lakes, steep cliffs and sea views. Along the way, you will pass landmarks such as Hammer Odde Lighthouse and Salomons Chapel before joining the Højlyngsstien near Opalsøen.
Alternatively, you can follow the Højlyngsstien directly through open heathland towards Opalsøen and Hammersø. This route is shorter and less demanding.
From here, continue south along the Højlyngsstien past Hammershus and through Ravnedalen until you reach Sjælegård. Here, peaceful surroundings await – a perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.
Stage 2: Sjælegård to Birkelund via Spellinge Mose
Højlyngsstien stage – approx. 13.5 km
On the second stage, your hike on the Højlyngsstien continues through some of North Bornholm’s most characteristic landscapes.
The route takes you through rocky terrain, forests and heathland, where you can experience attractions such as Ole Christensen’s Sculpture Park, St. Ols Round Church and Rutsker Højlyng with its famous rocking stone.
The stage ends at Birkelund, close to Spellinge Mose. Here, you stay in peaceful surroundings with nature right on your doorstep – an ideal place to unwind after a day on the trail.
If you have extra time, the area offers additional hiking opportunities towards Rø, the Helligdom Cliffs, or through Døndalen, home to Denmark’s highest waterfall.
Stage 3: Birkelund to Sandvig along the coast
Coastal hike – approx. 17 km
The final stage differs from the others by following the coastline instead of the Højlyngsstien.
Here, you hike along Bornholm’s dramatic northern coast via the Coastal Path, passing through small towns such as Bådsted, Tejn, Sandkås and Allinge. This stretch is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the island, with stunning sea views and cliffs along the way.
There are plenty of opportunities for breaks along the route – whether at small harbours or by the beach – before the hike ends back in Sandvig.
Hiking the Højlyngsstien as a package tour
Choosing hiking on the Højlyngsstien as a package tour makes it easy to explore Bornholm’s nature without having to plan every detail yourself. Routes, accommodation and practical arrangements are carefully combined, allowing you to focus on the experience.
You still hike at your own pace and follow the route independently, but with the comfort of knowing everything is arranged along the way.
Travel light
On this hiking holiday on Bornholm, you can walk with a light backpack. You only need the essentials for the day – everything else is taken care of.
Self-guided hiking
You follow the routes on your own, with clear suggestions for stages and highlights along the way. This gives you the freedom to adjust your pace and take breaks whenever you like.
Use a hiking app
We recommend using an app such as AllTrails or similar for navigation, making it easy to follow the route and get an overview of the terrain.