Balka brings together the beach, coastal hiking and water sports for a range of different trips. If you are looking for a hotel in Balka, you can plan your trip around whether you want to explore the coast on foot, spend time at the beach or enjoy activities on the water.
The fifth stage of the Kyststien
The fifth stage of the Kyststien is an approximately 16 km coastal hike from Svaneke to Snogebæk, passing Årsdale, Nexø and Balka Strand. The route therefore connects several of the named places; the distance refers to the stage between its two endpoints. Balka Strand lies along the route. This makes it possible to treat the hike as a trip in its own right, distinct from the short introductory courses on the water.
Water sports at Balka Strand
In summer, you can rent kayaks, SUP boards and small dinghies in Balka. A water sports centre right by Balka Strand offers equipment rental and short introductory courses. These include sea kayaking, SUP and sailing small boats. If you are planning an activity on the water, you can choose between rental options and short courses. Rentals are available in summer; check the availability of rentals and the water sports centre before your trip.
Beach and coastal scenery
In the southern part of Balka, there is a natural stretch of coast with dunes and small, sheltered coves. When the weather is suitable, Balka Strand invites you to go for a swim. Alongside water sports, the beach and coastal scenery are also options in their own right for your stay.
There are lifeguard towers at Balka Strand, staffed by two trained lifeguards. Weather remains the deciding factor for swimming.
More things to explore on Bornholm
You can include other nature and history experiences in your Bornholm travel plans. At the NaturBornholm experience centre, you can see dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition; the exhibits 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 in Almindingen is Bornholm’s largest rift valley. These attractions offer different themes from the beach and water sports.
Bornholm’s smoking tradition is also part of the island’s history: the island’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866, where herring has been smoked ever since. Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked traditionally using open chimneys and alder wood. The two places represent different aspects of this tradition: its early history in Gudhjem and a smoking method described as still practised today in Hasle.
You can travel to Bornholm by ferry, plane, bus or train. The ferry crossing from Ystad to Bornholm takes one hour and 20 minutes. Check current timetables and connections before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Vang, Tejn, Snogebæk, Nexø, Olsker, Hasle, Østermarie, Bodilsker
Return to the main travel overview: Bornholm.
