Hasle: Harbor, Craftsmanship and Coastal Paths
Accommodation in Hasle
Hasle lies on Bornholm’s west coast and combines a harbor setting with the history of a fishing and working-class town. Traces of the past can be found around the harbor and the smokehouse; former industries included fishing, coal, clay and brickmaking. If you are considering a holiday apartment in Hasle, you can base your choice on a variety of interests: local history, coastal paths or Bornholm’s food culture.
Harbor, craftsmanship and far-reaching views
The historic buildings of Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk – Grønbechs Gård stand in Hasle harbor. Dating from 1875, they combine the character of old warehouses with modern architecture. Visitors can go all the way up to the “Lantern” and enjoy the view over Hasle; current access may depend on operating conditions.
The craft center’s facilities include, among other things, an elevator, a lifting platform, an accessible toilet and accessible parking spaces for wheelchair users. If these details are important for your plans, check that they are up to date before your trip. Hasle Church also offers a glimpse into the town’s history: the church was built in the Gothic style and has a richly carved, late-Gothic altarpiece dating from around 1510.
Coastal paths and water activities
The second stage of the Kyststien is an approximately 19 km hike from Hasle to Sandvig along the coast of northern Bornholm. This provides a specific coastal route alongside the town’s cultural and historical attractions. At Hasle Beach, parking is available at the northern end near Klympen and at the southern end near Glasværksvej. As parking conditions may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Activities on the water may also be a factor when choosing what to do on your vacation. Hasle is a good base for activities such as kayaking along the west coast. Whether such trips are available depends on the providers and conditions. The coast can thus be a focus in its own right, while the harbor, church and Grønbechs Gård offer other insights into the town’s history.
Smokehouse traditions and food culture
Hasle Røgeri is one of the culinary experiences associated with Hasle. Bornholm’s food culture includes smoked herring and fish cakes; Sol over Gudhjem is an island specialty made with smoked herring, egg yolk, radishes and chives. Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked in the traditional way over alder wood in smokehouses with open chimneys.
Gudhjem is also part of Bornholm’s smokehouse history: the island’s first smokehouse opened there in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since.
More sides of Bornholm as a destination
Visitors wishing to explore more of Bornholm will also find nature experiences and exhibitions on the island. The NaturBornholm experience center features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition; exhibitions may change over time. Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a 15-hectare open-air museum that brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an engaging and interactive way. Ekkodalen, Bornholm’s largest rift valley, is located in Almindingen.
Hammershus and Opal Lake offer their own insights into Bornholm’s landscapes and history. The Hammershus visitor center offers panoramic views of Hammershus. From the cliffs above Opal Lake, the view stretches over the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea and the ruins of Hammershus Castle. At Østerlars Round Church, visitors can enter for a fee and climb up to the roof beams when no service is taking place. Check the latest opening times before your visit.
Getting here and getting around
Bornholm can be reached by ferry, plane, bus or train. The ferry crossing from Ystad in Sweden to Bornholm takes one hour and 20 minutes; check the latest timetables. There are good bus connections from Hasle harbor to destinations all over Bornholm.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Klemensker, Snogebæk, Rispebjerg Huse, Aakirkeby, Østerlars, Sose, Kås, Arnager.
For the main travel overview: Bornholm.
