Almindingen is Denmark's third-largest forest, sprawling across roughly 3,800 hectares in the heart of Bornholm. At its centre rises Rytterknægten, at 162 metres the highest point on the island, crowned by the Kongemindet observation tower. Together they form one of Bornholm's most beloved natural retreats — a landscape of granite outcrops, still lakes, ancient hill-forts and quiet forest trails.
The forest as it stands today was largely created by human hands. In 1809 the forest supervisor Hans Rømer began fencing and replanting what had been open, over-grazed common land, transforming barren heath into the dense woodland visitors enjoy today. That heritage of careful stewardship still shapes Almindingen, where beech, oak, spruce and pine grow beside boggy hollows and rocky ridges.
Rytterknægten's summit is topped by Kongemindet, a royal memorial designed by the architect Gottlieb Bindesbøll and raised in 1856 through donations from the people of Bornholm. It commemorates the 1851 visit of King Frederik VII and Countess Danner. The original 12.6-metre granite tower was extended in 1899 with an iron lattice, lifting its viewing platform to around 184 metres above sea level. Over the years the structure has served surprising second lives — as a radio transmitter during the Second World War and later as a Cold War radar post watching for Soviet movements across the Baltic. Today it is open free of charge during daylight hours, and the climb rewards you with a sweeping panorama over the treetops toward the sea.
Beyond the tower, Almindingen invites slow exploration. Four marked walking paths of four to five kilometres wind past a string of small lakes — Græssøen, Dyresøen, Borgesøen and the atmospheric Gamleborg lake, set beside the ramparts of an Iron Age hill-fort. Nearby lies Ekkodalen, Bornholm's dramatic echoing rift valley, though the forest around Rytterknægten has its own gentler character. Wildlife is a highlight: some 210 bird species have been recorded here, along with rare bats, and since 2012 a small herd of European bison roams a fenced enclosure — the first wild bison in Denmark in around 2,500 years.
The visiting experience is relaxed and family-friendly. Wide gravel forest roads make much of the area accessible, and there are picnic spots, parking and interpretive signs. The bison enclosure has an observation tower for spotting the animals from a safe distance. Paths closer to Rytterknægten and the tower itself involve steps and uneven granite, so sturdy shoes help.
Almindingen is beautiful year-round. Spring brings carpets of anemones and birdsong; summer offers cool, shaded walks; autumn sets the beech and oak ablaze in gold and copper; and winter can lay a hush of frost over the ridges. Early morning is best for wildlife and for having the tower to yourself.
Getting there is easy by car: from Aakirkeby drive about five kilometres northeast toward Rytterknægten, where signposted car parks serve the tower and trails. In summer, regional buses connect Rønne, Aakirkeby and the forest edge, and cyclists can reach Almindingen on Bornholm's excellent network of bike routes. However you arrive, allow a couple of hours to climb the tower, walk a lake loop and breathe in the calm of the island's green heart.
A local's tip
Climb Kongemindet early on a clear day — from the top you can see the Baltic over the treetops — then walk the loop to Gamleborg lake and the Iron Age hill-fort.
Getting there
By car from Aakirkeby, drive about 5 km northeast to signposted car parks at Rytterknægten. In summer regional buses serve the forest edge, and bike routes cross Almindingen.
Best time to visit
Late spring through autumn for the best trails and wildlife; early morning for a quiet tower climb.
Accessibility
Wide gravel forest roads make much of Almindingen accessible, with parking and picnic spots; the paths near the summit and the tower's stairs are uneven, so sturdy shoes are advised.
