Travel, taste, experience: Laura Petri’s guide to an active holiday
It’s not without reason that Bornholm has been named the Sunshine Island. And with its vibrant culinary scene, stunning cliff shores, deep forests, old castle ruins and incredible swimming spots, it offered everything influencer Laura Petri wanted from a summer holiday with her family. Let her Bornholm getaway inspire your summer holiday.
If you dream of visiting Bornholm, but need inspiration for your summer getaway, this article is for you. Read on to discover Laura’s recipe for the perfect active holiday - complete with hidden running trails, her favourite bike loops and the bakeries, cafés and smokeries she likes to visit.
Plan your summer holiday here.
Every summer, Laura, her family and their dog Tilde try to spend at least a week away together – a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Laura is an entrepreneur and content creator, and her active lifestyle, and her close relationships with her friends and family, is at the center of everything for her. Having time to ‘check in’ with each other, unwind and just enjoy time together is something her family truly cherish, and Mette and Jimmi’s beautiful holiday home in Bornholm was the perfect spot for just that – a home away from home with enough room for everyone, including Tilde.
Being active is a big source of joy for Laura, and when choosing a house for their getaway, ensuring that it was a great spot for relaxing with her family, while also offering opportunities to explore on bike or with her running shoes on, was important for her. The location, with its panoramic views and charming trails leading down to the ocean, offered everything the family dreamed of. They drank their coffee in the morning sun on the terrace, enjoyed the outdoor shower after refreshing dips in the ocean and spent hours enjoying all the cosy little spots the house offered, where they could just sit and read, talk or relax.
Taste
Known for its vibrant local culinary scene, ranging from delicious fresh-caught seafood and seasonal farm-to-table dishes, Bornholm offers everything you need for a delicious holiday. On the days when Laura and her family didn’t drink coffee at the house, they went down to one of the charming cafés in Svaneke and below, she shares her very best tips on where to go for everything from creamy artisanal ice cream, crispy sourdough and local pastries to smoked herring, locally crafted beer and Michelin-starred experiences.
Tour Burger in Svaneke is a must-visit for gourmet burgers made with fresh, local ingredients. Known for its juicy patties and creative toppings, it’s a hit if you are looking for casual yet unforgettable meals.
At the cozy Mikrobageri in Listed you can buy artisanal bread and a selection of pastries. Their sourdough loaves and buttery treats are baked fresh daily.
Maries Biks in Nexø is a charming café offering hearty, homemade dishes with a focus on comfort food and local produce. Perfect for a relaxed and satisfying meal.
If fresh, seasonal seafood is a personal favourite, Norresan in Gudhjem is a must visit. Located near the water, this charming eatery serves seafood with a modern twist, that you can enjoy with stunning views of the coastline.
At KALAS in Sandvig you can treat yourself to rich, creamy ice cream. They are known for their unique flavors and offer sweet treats worth remembering.
Bay Frost in Listed is a nice spot for unique cocktails and local drinks.
The iconic smokehouse in Hasle offers traditional smoked fish, including the famous Bornholm herring, served with rye bread and classic condiments.
Known for its rustic, handmade bread and delicious baked goods, Svaneke Brød in Svaneke captures the essence of the bakery traditions on the island.
Here are some of the loveliest handpicked holiday homes on Bornholm Visit this elegant designed A-frame house Vacation in this charming apartment with pottery studio in Svaneke Enjoy sea views and industrial minimalism on the cliffs Stay in this beautiful and colorful holiday home from 1956 Your summer starts now.
Experience
If you’re planning a trip to Bornholm, you’re in for an adventure. Whether you look forward to relaxing days in the sun, wandering around the charming towns, exploring the granite cliffs and unique rock formations along the coast or want to explore the island on your bike, there is a lot to be enjoyed. Here are some of Laura’s favourite running trails, bike routes and secondhand shopping.
Visit Lumi Genbrug in Nexø for great secondhand finds
Get a guided tour of Hammershus, the largest castle ruin in Northern Europe
Enjoy a fun day of golfing at Nexø Golfclub
If you enjoy biking, running or hiking, here are Laura’s favourite trails on Bornholm: Hammerknuden Kongemindet Svaneke løb Bornholm Rundt Svaneke Loop Sydkyst Loop
Travel
Bornholm is a beloved summer destination that offers endless adventures. With its gorgeous beaches, cozy villages and unique landscape, it’s the ultimate family destination.
Laura and her family travelled from Copenhagen to Helsingborg and continued their journey to Ystad where they sailed to Bornholm. When they arrived, they had a short 30 min drive to the house they had booked.
If you are travelling from Norway you can drive through Sweden and visit the charming archipelago on the west coast or the south of Sweden on your way to Ystad. You can also take the ferry from Larvik or Kristiansand to Hirtshals. From there, you can take a little detour and explore Skagen or sail straight from Aarhus to North Zealand where you can spend a few nights in Odsherred where you can continue to Helsingør and drive to Ystad and sail to Bornholm.
If you are driving from Germany you can sail from Rostock to Gedser and make a stop in Lolland-Falster and the southern part of Zealand or take a detour to beautiful Gilleleje or drive all the way to Helsingør and take the ferry to Sweden where you are only a few hours away from your destination.
Is there anything you would like to highlight about booking through Landfolk? Booking through Landfolk, a few things stood out to me. First of all, the booking process is incredibly easy and straightforward, which is what you want when you are booking a holiday. And secondly, we loved the close communication with the host. It made the whole experience feel a lot more personal.
Where do you dream about travelling next? I dream of exploring even more places in Denmark. Taking weekend trips or vacations around our beautiful country, and experiencing idyllic gems like this one. Explore available holiday homes for your summer vacation 2025.
