In the immediate surroundings of Sose, the coast combines natural history with a beach walk and an unusual historical chapter. Sose Bay lies in southwest Bornholm, about 12 kilometres from Rønne. When planning your trip, it is worth treating the coastal stretch near Sose as a focus in its own right and distinguishing it from the island’s other attractions.
Coast and geological history near Sose
The coastal cliff between Sose Odde and Lilleåen exposes rock layers that formed just over 200 million years ago. At the time, the climate was warm and predominantly tropical. The layers in the cliff at Sose Bay also point to a landscape with a large delta: rivers, lakes and swamps shaped this area at the time. Finely layered sand and clay deposits can be found at several places along the bay’s coast.
The beach at Sose Bay is also part of this coastal landscape. It is considered a relatively little-known bathing spot on Bornholm; deposits in the coastal cliff shape this stretch. Those interested in the landscape and geology will find not just a beach here, but also clear traces of a distant geological past.
Access to Sose Beach is via a car park at Møllerup, about one kilometre east of Sose Odde. There is also a toilet at the car park. Access and facilities may change, so check conditions before your trip.
Beach walks and fishing
A beach walk can run from Sose Odde in the west to the mouth of Lilleåen at the beach in the east. These two endpoints make the direction of the suggested route clear without specifying a walking time. Path conditions may vary.
For anglers, the granite reef at Sose Odde is another distinctive feature: it extends far out to sea and has pronounced drop-offs on both sides. Sea trout hunt over the reef and along its edges. Seasonal restrictions may apply and should be taken into account when planning.
A historical event in Sose Bay
In 1678, 18 Swedish warships were destroyed in Sose Bay during the war. About 1,000 people died in the event; three times as many were taken prisoner. Alongside its geological history, the coastal stretch also has a specific historical dimension.
These themes can be given different weight when planning a trip: the beach and coastal cliff represent landscape and geological history, while the 1678 event turns attention to the history of the bay. A walk from Sose Odde to Lilleåen offers one way to experience the coast as a continuous stretch; the fishing spots provide a different focus.
More things to explore on Bornholm
For a broader Bornholm itinerary, cultural and landscape attractions are also worth considering. The NaturBornholm experience centre features dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition. As exhibitions may change, it is advisable to check which exhibits are currently on display before visiting.
Those interested in landscapes can explore Ekkodalen in Almindingen, Bornholm’s largest rift valley. From the cliffs above Opal Lake, the view stretches across the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea and the ruins of Hammershus Castle. Another focus is the island’s history: Bornholms Middelaldercenter is a 15-hectare open-air museum that brings 14th-century Bornholm to life in an engaging, interactive way.
Østerlars Round Church also has a special visitor condition: when no service is taking place, visitors can enter for a fee and climb up to the roof beams. These conditions do not provide information about current visiting hours, so check them in advance. Bornholm’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since. Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked in the traditional way, using open chimneys and alder wood.
Getting there and finding accommodation
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 current timetables for your trip. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide on your preferred focus first: should your plans centre mainly on the coast and history around Sose Bay, or would you like to include other attractions on Bornholm?
Discover more destinations: Boderne, Gudhjem, Ertholmene, Balka, Rønne Sogn, Arnager, Listed, Rø
Return to the main travel overview: Bornholm.
