Discover Rø
Accommodation in Rø
Near Rø, forest landscapes, gorges and marked trails come together. The area combines nature watching with traces of human activity: one lake was created as a water reservoir for timber, while Borgen once served as a refuge. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to consider your planned outings alongside the conditions of the trails.
Die Helligdomsklipperne bei Rø auf Bornholm
Photo: Michael Ancher via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Forest, water and gorges
Rø Plantation, which covers around 600 hectares, is approximately 150 years old. Birch and many coniferous trees define the forest; its landscape also includes forest lakes and beech woodland. In Nordre Borgedal, the gorge has steep rock walls on both sides. The northern rocky slope is planted with conifers, while birch and Scots pine grow in the gorge.
Borgedalssø lies in the Søndre Borgedal gorge. After a severe storm in October 1967, which brought down trees across large parts of the plantation, the stream was dammed. The resulting water reservoir was intended for storing the timber and protecting it from rot and insect infestation.
In Rø Plantation, Stenvarpen marks the highest point in the woodland. The small stone mound is 119 metres above sea level and served as a landmark in the heathland period.
Hiking trails with different highlights
Borgen is an Iron Age refuge or settlement fort. During an attack, people from the surrounding area could seek shelter there with their livestock and possessions. Two marked hiking trails in Rø Plantation pass through Borgen: the approximately 3-kilometre Stien Borgen runs from Borgedalssøen via the refuge fort and back. The approximately 6-kilometre Borgedalsstien also passes through the refuge fort, and additionally through Nordre and Søndre Borgedal. The longer route therefore differs not only in its approximate length, but also because it goes through both gorges.
The 67-kilometre Højlyngsstien hiking trail also runs through Rø Plantation. A shorter option is the 750-metre Flagermusesti, which starts at Flagermusehuset. Reflectors help visitors find their way along this trail in the dark.
If you visit Flagermusehuset shortly after nightfall, you may be able to see bats on screens, along the Flagermusestien and at the entrance openings in the gable. Flagermusehuset is opposite the address Sigtevej 14, 3760 Gudhjem; a large car park is 50 metres from the house. If access is important for your plans, check it in advance.
Trail conditions and practical information
Stien Borgen and Borgedalsstien pass through steep, difficult terrain in places and are not suitable for pushchairs. Rø Plantation is only partly suitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility: the hiking trails are not wheelchair-accessible, and the forest tracks have steep gradients. Take these conditions into account when planning and check the current state of the trails before setting out.
In Rø Plantation, cycling is permitted on artificially constructed paths and roads if they appear suitable for an ordinary bicycle. In the northern part of the plantation, near the car park on Mortingevej, there is a public fire pit with tables, benches and a basic toilet. Before your visit, check whether you can rely on this facility.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Snogebæk, Allinge-Sandvig, Hasle, Kås, Aakirkeby, Vang, Nylars, Knudsker.
Go to the main travel guide: Bornholm.
