Nexø between harbour, history and coast

Nexø is the second-largest town on Bornholm and is home to Bornholm’s largest historic fishing harbour. When choosing a destination, harbour history, exhibitions and activities in town meet coastal and countryside destinations in the surrounding area. The different highlights range from sandstone and seafaring to audio stories and walks.

Harbour and town history

Together with the old dry dock, the three northernmost harbour basins form Denmark’s only larger harbour built from sandstone. The harbour was also blasted into the sandstone bedrock. Both the building material and the rock foundation therefore shape the description of this site. If you are interested in the connection between the harbour and the town’s history, the Nexø Museum explores further topics: its exhibits cover sandstone quarries and seafaring, as well as the occupation, bombings and reconstruction.

De Bornholmske Jernbaner, near Nexø harbour, offers a different perspective on Bornholm’s history. The exhibition features old railway carriages, photographs and objects relating to the history of rail transport on the island. While the Nexø Museum explores several chapters of the town’s history, this exhibition focuses on the railway. These two areas of interest are easy to distinguish when planning your trip.

Stories and activities in Nexø

The 6.6-kilometre Martin Andersen Nexø Poet’s Route presents local history and old anecdotes as audio stories. Here, storytelling takes centre stage: the route features stories from the town, while the museums present their topics through exhibitions. These different formats give you several ways to explore the history and stories surrounding Nexø.

For a weather-independent activity, there is Værftet, Bornholm’s only indoor play and skate centre. It is open to locals and tourists alike and is open year-round; opening hours are extended during school holidays. Værftet is located at Kystvej 2, 3730 Nexø. Check the latest visitor information before travelling. Nexø Minigolf & Biergarten offers indoor blacklight mini golf with UV light, neon colours and various obstacles. As opening arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Every summer, Nexø hosts a week of jazz. As no specific dates are given, check the latest event dates when planning your trip. This helps distinguish the seasonal event from the year-round facility as different options for your stay.

Sandstone, beaches and countryside nearby

Frederiks Stenbrud, where reddish Nexø sandstone was quarried, lies north of Nexø. The quarry was established in 1754 during the reign of Frederik V. Stenbrudsgården is also located north of town: the building was constructed in 1759 and is now listed. Both places reflect the area’s sandstone history; this does not imply that Stenbrudsgården is currently open to the public.

If you would like to experience the coastal and countryside character of the surrounding area, you can explore different directions too. Balka Beach is a short bike ride south of Nexø. The beach has fine, chalk-white sand and very shallow, calm water. Northwest of town are Paradisbakkerne, a hilly rift valley landscape that is ideal for walks beneath trees between rock walls. The beach and rift valleys offer different highlights from the harbour, museum and exhibitions in town.

This gives you a clear guide to choosing a stay in Nexø: in town, the harbour, local history, railway exhibition and indoor activities are the main attractions; nearby, quarry history, beaches and walking landscapes add to the picture. The topics that interest you most can help you plan your trip to Nexø and Bornholm.

Discover more destinations: Rispebjerg Huse, Svaneke, Olsker, Hasle, Aakirkeby, Bodilsker, Pedersker, Kås

Go to the main travel overview: Bornholm.