Experience a Romantic Weekend Break in Denmark's Bornholm

While for many years the Danish island of Ærø was the only one bearing the title of the most romantic island in Denmark – and it still is a favourite destination – it seems that it now has a competitor; Bornholm island which lies in the Baltic Sea. With a diverse landscape, a top-notch culinary scene and being the ideal size for a short escape, no wonder Bornholm is now stealing a bit of Ærø’s glory, especially after the Instagrammer and fashion blogger Pernille Teisbaek tied the knot with Philipp Lotko last year at Sct Ibs, one of the island’s scenic churches.

Start your first day on the island with lazy walks around Rønne, the capital of Bornholm with picturesque cobblestone alleys and the little yellow-coloured houses. The town’s laid-back atmosphere will set a romantic backdrop to your excursion and make you forget all about noisy city streets. There are plenty of boutiques and restaurants in town but those who look forward to seeing the island’s beaches won’t be disappointed either. Nørrekås, Antoinette beach, and Galløkken span along the west side of the island around Rønne and are easily accessible for a quick dip.

Rent a car – or better yet a bicycle – and head towards Svaneke, on the east coast. With numerous galleries, craft shops, ice cream parlours and candy stores all scattered throughout the scenic harbour and in between the city’s traditional smokehouses, Svaneke combines modern with traditional and proves that it rightfully earned the title of the most beautiful city in Denmark in 2013. Once you’ve roamed the streets head south and a take a dip at the Baltic Sea’s crystal clear waters at Dueodde beach. End your first day on the island with a gourmet dinner at Kadeau, the island’s Michelin-starred restaurant that has placed Bornholm firmly on the gastronomy map.

One of the reasons Bornholm is considered Denmark’s crown jewel is its diverse landscape that consists of vast forests, sandy beaches and rocky hills. Spend your second day out in the wild and discover the island’s natural beauties. Almindingen forest, which is the fifth largest in Denmark covers 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) in the centre of the island. Amongst the trees you’ll find two beautiful lakes named Bastemose and Svinemose, the castle ruins of Gamleborg, a monumental ancient fortress dating back to the Viking era and the castle ruins of Lilleborg.

Head up north to visit Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe and enjoy the spectacular view over the Baltic sea from the northernmost tip of the island. The terrace at Le Port restaurant (10 minutes drive to the south) is the perfect location to finish off your day and the weekend by getting a taste of the traditional delicacies while at the same time marvelling at the sunset.

There are numerous hotels and camping sites all over Bornholm that will make a romantic weekend break at Bornholm all the more tempting. If you want to give yourself a special treat check out Hotel Friheden in the north of the island or Griffen Spa Hotel in Rønne, while if you prefer to sleep under Denmark’s starry sky pitch your tent at Møllers Dueodde Camping on the south coast.