Gudhjem

About This Anchorage

Gudhjem is the most picturesquely situated town on Bornholm's north coast — colourful fishermen's houses tumbling down a clifftop to a tiny working harbour. The smokehouse at the harbour produces 'sol over Gudhjem' (sun over Gudhjem) — an open sandwich of smoked herring, raw egg yolk, chives, and radishes that is Bornholm's signature dish, served since 1945. The north coast is spectacular: granite cliffs, crystal-clear Baltic water, and the green interior visible behind. The outer anchorage is exposed to north and east — only suitable in calm or southerly conditions. The harbour holds about 20 visiting yachts; in calm summer conditions, anchoring off is a pleasant alternative.

Hazards

• !Fully exposed to N and NE — leave in any northerly conditions; Baltic swell from N can make anchorage dangerous
• !Granite rock bottom — holding is fair; set anchor carefully on sandy patch
• !Unmarked rocks extend 100–150m off the headlands north of Gudhjem — stay 200m offshore approaching from east or west
• !Ferry Gudhjem–Christiansø passes (seasonal) — monitor AIS
• !Very crowded harbour in July–August — arrive early

Skipper's Tips

• →Approach from east or west — stay 200m off coastal cliffs and headlands; granite rocks are awash and unmarked in places
• →The smokehouse opens at 08:00 — the morning's first batch of herring is the freshest; sol over Gudhjem for breakfast is an essential Bornholm experience
• →Walk the cliff path west of the harbour (Helligdomsklipperne — 'Sanctuary Cliffs') — the most dramatic coastal walk on the island; 45 minutes one-way
• →In calm conditions, the north coast anchorage in crystal Baltic water is exceptional for swimming — visibility 5–8m
• →Day passage from Svaneke (east coast, 12nm): leave early morning before any sea breeze develops, rounding the NE cape with care

Nearby Anchorages