Rø: Hiking Trails and Forest History in the Area

Around Rø, you’ll find nature spots and hiking destinations that differ in trail length, terrain and history. A hotel stay in Rø can be combined with a range of excursions, from marked trails in Rø Plantage to places where the landscape and the forest’s former uses can be seen. When planning, pay particular attention to the routes and accessibility information.

Forest Landscape and Ravines

Nearby, Rø Plantage is a forest area of around 600 hectares that is approximately 150 years old. Birches and many conifers shape its character; there are also forest lakes and beech forest. The ravine Nordre Borgedal has steep rock walls on both sides. The northern rocky slope is planted with conifers, while birches and Scots pines grow in the ravine.

Borgedalssø is also in a ravine: Søndre Borgedal. The lake was created by damming. After a severe storm in October 1967 brought down trees across large parts of the plantation, the stream was dammed to create a water reservoir for the timber. The water was intended to store the wood and protect it from rot and insect infestation.

Hiking Trails in Rø Plantage

Two marked trails cross Borgen. The approximately 3-kilometre Stien Borgen runs from Borgedalssøen past the refuge fortress and back. The roughly 6-kilometre Borgedalsstien also crosses Borgen and additionally passes through Nordre and Søndre Borgedal. The routes therefore differ both in length and in which of the two ravines they include.

Both trails pass through steep, difficult terrain in places and are unsuitable for pushchairs. Rø Plantage is only partly suitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility: the hiking trails are not wheelchair-accessible, and the forest roads have steep gradients. If you’re planning a longer route, the 67-kilometre Højlyngsstien also passes through the plantation.

Historical Landmarks

Borgen is an Iron Age refuge or settlement fortress. In the event of an attack, people from the surrounding area could seek shelter there with their livestock and possessions. The hiking trails over Borgen thus connect today’s route with a place that once served as a refuge.

Another landmark in Rø Plantage is Stenvarpen, the highest point in the forest area. The small stone mound lies 119 metres above sea level and served as a guidepost in the heathland era. A visit therefore brings together two different kinds of wayfinding: today’s marked hiking trails and a historic guidepost in the landscape.

More Trails and Places to Visit

In Rø Plantage, cycling is permitted on purpose-built trails and roads that appear suitable for an ordinary bicycle. In the northern part of the plantation, near the car park on Mortingevej, there is a public fire pit with tables, benches and a basic toilet. If you’re relying on this facility, check before your visit whether it is available for use.

The Flagermusehuset is nearby, opposite the address Sigtevej 14 in Gudhjem; a large car park is 50 metres from the house. The 750-metre Flagermusesti starts at the house and is marked with reflectors to help with navigation in the dark. A visit shortly after nightfall offers the chance to see bats on screens, along the trail and at the openings they use to enter the gable. If access to the house is important for your plans, check in advance whether a visit is possible on your chosen date.

Discover more destinations: Hasle, Knudsker, Arsballe, Boderne, Snogebæk, Aakirkeby, Nexø, Rønne Sogn.

For the main travel overview: Bornholm.