Arnager on the south coast of Bornholm offers a variety of coastal experiences: along Arnager Bay, sandy and stonier stretches of beach alternate; at the harbour, a wooden bridge and bathing ladders add to the scenery; and the Coastal Path passes through the town. This gives you a choice of spending time by the water, enjoying harbour activities or walking along the coastal slopes when deciding where to go.

Coastal stretches with different highlights

On southern Bornholm, Arnager Bay forms an approximately four-kilometre stretch of coast from Arnager Harbour in the west to Sose Odde in the east. Along the coast, areas with good bathing sand alternate with stonier stretches of beach. Rather than one uniform beachscape, the bay is shaped by different types of shoreline. If you are planning a stay by the water, this change is a practical indication of what to expect along the coast.

The landscape and cultural history also add further dimensions to the area. The coastal cliffs near Arnager are of national geological importance. Areas around Arnager Bay are part of Natura 2000 site No. 187, “Coastal slopes at Arnager Bay”. Two military earthworks are located on land near Arnager.

Harbour island, swimming and fishing

At the harbour, a wooden bridge leads to a small harbour island 200 metres out in the water. The bridge has two bathing ladders and a swimming ladder. You can swim in the harbour year-round, and rod fishing is also possible there. The harbour therefore offers several activities, while the bay’s beaches have a different focus.

For a day of swimming, you can choose between the harbour and the bay’s changing shoreline. The bathing facilities on the bridge are a distinctive feature of the harbour, while the coast offers both areas with good bathing sand and stonier stretches. If you would rather fish, you can do so with a rod in the harbour.

The Coastal Path passes through Arnager

The seventh stage of the Coastal Path runs from Boderne to Rønne and passes through Arnager. This stage includes walks over stony beaches and up and down along the coastal slopes. It therefore covers more than the beach areas directly beside the bay and offers a separate way to experience the coastal landscape on foot. If you plan to include a walk, bear in mind that conditions and route markings can change, and check the route before setting off.

When planning your day, you can choose between focusing on the water and walking the seventh stage. This means choosing between the beaches described above and a route that includes stony beaches and changes in elevation along the coastal slopes. There is a toilet in Arnager along the route.

Facilities and practical information

There is parking in Arnager for a limited number of cars, as well as picnic tables, benches and a toilet. In the easternmost area near Arnager, there is a shelter site with a fire pit and waste bins. The facilities therefore vary by location and purpose: parking and seating are available in Arnager, while the fire pit and waste bins are at the shelter site in the easternmost area. As facilities may change over time, check their condition before your visit.

When choosing accommodation in Arnager, the local experiences may be what tips the balance: the coastal stretches, swimming at the harbour and fishing appeal to different interests, while the Coastal Path adds a walking stage through the town to the options.

Discover more destinations: Vang, Årsdale, Aakirkeby, Hasle, Nylars, Olsker, Østerlars, Listed.

For the main travel overview: Bornholm.