Paradisbakkerne (the Paradise Hills)

Paradisbakkerne — the "Paradise Hills" — is one of Bornholm's most beloved hiking areas, a rugged expanse of rocky hills, steep rift valleys and quiet forest between the towns of Svaneke and Nexø in the eastern part of the island, near the village of Ibsker. Its poetic name captures the feeling of the place: granite cliffs, mossy boulders, hidden forest lakes and winding paths that make it feel far wilder than its modest size suggests.

The landscape is the work of both nature and time. The bedrock is ancient Bornholm granite, scarred and polished by Ice Age glaciers that left behind erratic boulders, striations and the dramatic clefts that cut through the terrain. For centuries the hills were open heath used for grazing, but from the eighteenth century onward — and especially since the 1930s — the area was gradually planted with forest, so that oak, beech and conifer now stand among the exposed rock. The highest points rise to a little over 110 metres above sea level, high enough for glimpses over the treetops.

The area's most famous landmark is Rokkestenen, the "Rocking Stone" — Bornholm's largest pedestal boulder, weighing around 35 tonnes and carried here by the glaciers. It is balanced so finely that, pushed in the right place and the right way, the huge stone can be set gently rocking. Around it lies a web of named places — Dybedal, Grydesø, Ravnedal, Linkisten — that carry old stories of trolls, hidden treasure and forgotten field names, so walking here feels like moving through a landscape loved and named for generations.

For visitors, Paradisbakkerne is above all a walking destination. Three marked trails start near Klintebygård: a red loop of about 3 km (one hour) covering the essentials, and blue and yellow routes of roughly 6 to 6.5 km (about three hours) that reach deeper into the hills. The terrain is genuinely hilly and rocky, with roots, steps and uneven ground, so sturdy shoes are essential and the paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. There are no cafés, shops or toilets within the hills, so it is best to arrive prepared with water and snacks; the reward is deep quiet, birdsong and the resinous smell of warm pine.

The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn, when the forest floor is green, the lakes reflect the sky and rare amphibians, reptiles, birds and bats are active; spring brings wildflowers and fresh leaves, while autumn adds colour and mushrooms. Getting there is easy by Bornholm standards: from Nexø or Svaneke drive toward Ibsker to the signposted car park and trailhead at Klintebygård. Reaching Bornholm itself means the ferry from Ystad in Sweden or Køge on Zealand, or a short flight to Rønne; once on the island, local buses and an excellent cycle network make the Paradise Hills an easy day trip for anyone wanting to swap beaches for forest and stone.