Gudhjem
and Melsted
A vibrant community set in beautiful natural surroundings, with rock formations, beaches and woodland. With excellent cultural institutions, good places to eat and a strong sense of history.
Gudhjem and Melsted – Art, History and Nature
The area has been inhabited since ancient times, and during the Middle Ages Gudhjem was a trading town on heavily travelled routes across the Baltic Sea.
For centuries, fishing was the main occupation. In 1866, Bornholm’s first herring smokehouse was built in Gudhjem, and the town’s characteristic smokehouse chimneys still define its skyline.
Artists gathered in Gudhjem during the last century, inspired by the landscape and the distinctive character of the town. A whole artists’ colony emerged here, later known as the “Bornholm School”.
Today, tourism is the dominant industry. During the summer season, the number of people living in the town doubles, and many of the island’s other visitors also come to experience Denmark’s only mountain town.
Culture continues to shape the town, with numerous galleries and artists’ workshops. In addition, there are no fewer than three museums, a cinema and a library.
The people of Gudhjem are active and engaged. They have created charming traditions such as morning singing when the ferry to Christiansø departs at 10 am. In December, people gather every evening at 7 pm for the town’s “Julekalender”, a living Advent calendar.
There is a connection from the harbour to Christiansø, a popular destination for day trips.
Winter stands in contrast to the crowds of summer. The silence, beauty and magnificent nature provide opportunities for peace and reflection. Community life thrives thanks to many dedicated volunteers. The cinema, library, swimming pool and grocery shops are open every day, all year round.
The Gudhjem By- og Museumsforening works to preserve Gudhjem as a vibrant community throughout the year and to attract new residents.
Gudhjem on foot
Gudhjem is idyllically situated, surrounded by magnificent nature. The town is best experienced on foot, and the many small streets and paths offer new impressions every time you turn a corner. The houses are built on terraces stretching from the top of the town down towards the flat coastal rock with its many skerries.
When visiting the town, we recommend choosing one of the free car parks above the town and walking down from there. It gives you the best experience – and is also considerate of local residents and everyone else visiting this charming town.
Events in the town
From Easter until the autumn holidays, the town is filled with a wide variety of large and small events.
The cooking competition “Sol over Gudhjem”, film screenings at “Film under broen” in Holkadalen and the “Softice-løbet” are just a few examples. At Easter, the local business association organises the traditional “Påskeægjagt” Easter egg hunt for children. At Midsummer, a bonfire is lit on the cliffs by the waterfront car park. During the autumn holidays, Gudhjem is decorated for Halloween, and children can play in the large straw-bale maze.
The town’s cultural life
Gudhjem offers a wide range of cultural experiences. Three museums are within walking distance:
Melstedgård Agricultural Museum, the Oluf Høst Museum and Gudhjem Museum.
Bornholm’s Art Museum is approximately 6 km away along the coastal path.
Artists have galleries and workshops in the town. The cinema shows films every day, all year round.
Gudhjem’s museums and associations organise events.
Other organisers also stage events in the town, including theatre performances and choir festivals.
There are frequent concerts in Gudhjem Church, while cafés around town and the cinema also offer opportunities to listen to music in both summer and winter.