Every island has its own scenery—Hong Kong has Peng Chau, Japan has Enoshima, South Korea has Jeju Island, and Denmark has Bornholm. Friends from both Hong Kong and Denmark strongly recommended that I visit this island with its stunning natural beauty.
The location of Bornholm is quite unique—it’s actually closer to Sweden, Germany, and Poland than to mainland Denmark. To reach this remote island, you can take a flight from Copenhagen Airport or a ferry from Ystad in Sweden.
With a population of around 40,000, nature vastly outnumbers people here, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking solitude.
However, the challenge of traveling alone to Bornholm is the high cost of accommodation. Most options on the island are hotels or holiday homes, with no cheap hostels in sight. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to find a couchsurfing host who hosted me for two nights—her name is Stine. Stine is a Danish woman in her thirties or forties, living alone. She had an extra room and some free time, so she decided to host me, a foreign traveler.
After disembarking, most people headed to the parking lot to get their cars, but only a few of us, including me, walked to the bus stop. Along the way, there was nothing but nature and sea—the vast, beautiful scenery left me in awe.
I arrived at her house around 6:30 in the evening, just in time for dinner. She said to me, “I’ve already cooked dinner before you arrived, so let’s eat together!”
She had prepared dinner for me earlier that day, eagerly waiting for my arrival. That evening, we ate in her backyard, enjoying the sunshine while savoring the meal she had made.
Her backyard was just as big as the indoor area. It wasn’t just a great place to eat—during my stay, I often went out to the backyard to soak up the sun and breathe fresh air. Back home, I used to be uncomfortable eating outdoors—worried about the sun, mosquitoes, cold, or heat. There were so many excuses. But after experiencing the beauty of nature abroad, I fell in love with al fresco dining. Especially in such a wonderful natural setting, how could I not seize every moment to enjoy the scenery of Bornholm?
By the time we finished dinner, it was already past eight, yet in July, the sun was still shining brightly over Bornholm.
Scandinavians never waste a single moment of sunlight—they do everything they can to store up enough solar energy to endure the long, harsh winters. Before sunset, we strolled around the nearby area, leisurely soaking in the island’s charm. Surrounded by the sea on all sides, the island offers views of the ocean no matter where you go. Stine and I sat on the shore, barefoot, feeling the gentle, soft waves wash over us. It was incredibly relaxing.
Everyone was outside, drinking, listening to music, and feeling completely at ease.
During my days on Bornholm, my host took me to visit the ruins of Hammershus Castle, several round churches, and the harbor, among other places.
Moreover, the locals are extremely warm and friendly. Even when I was just buying a postcard or a cup of coffee, they greeted me with big smiles. The overall atmosphere felt gentle and peaceful. In addition, the residents are committed to protecting the natural environment. There are many small shops selling organic food, delicious seafood, beautiful art, and handmade crafts. Everything felt simple, unpretentious, and true to nature, preserving the original Nordic charm.
This backpacking trip allowed me to experience the basics of life—the most essential needs, the most basic nature, the simplest human interactions, and the most fundamental joy. Traveling in Denmark is about stripping life down to its essentials, removing the entertainment you’ve come to take for granted, and bringing into focus what you’ve been overlooking all along.
Bornholm is no longer just an isolated island to me—it’s an island full of memories.
Bornholm
Transportation:
1) Take a Danish Air Transport flight from Copenhagen Airport to R
2) Take a fast or slow ferry from Ystad (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes)
Couchsurfers
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