Bornholm sits in the southern Baltic as a Danish island closer to Sweden and Germany than to Copenhagen — which explains why it is served by ferries from three different countries. Bornholmslinjen runs the main connections, and the right departure port depends on where you are starting from. Here is how each route works.
The three routes to Bornholm
Bornholmslinjen (operated by Molslinjen) serves Bornholm from:
- Ystad, Sweden — the fastest crossing, around 1 hour 20 minutes on the high-speed catamaran. Ystad is about an hour's train journey south of Malmö and central Copenhagen.
- Køge, Denmark — a longer, overnight-capable sailing of around 6 hours from a town south of Copenhagen, convenient if you want to travel by night and wake up in Rønne.
- Sassnitz (Mukran), Germany — a seasonal crossing from the German island of Rügen, useful for travellers coming up from the south without wanting to detour through Sweden or Denmark.
All routes arrive at Rønne, Bornholm's main port on the western side of the island.
The Ystad route: most popular and fastest
For visitors arriving from Copenhagen, Ystad is the standard gateway. The train from Copenhagen Central or Malmö Central to Ystad is straightforward and well-integrated with ferry departures; a combined rail-and-ferry ticket is often available. The fast catamaran covers the Baltic crossing in about 80 minutes, so you can leave central Copenhagen in the morning and be walking Rønne's streets — or cycling into the interior — well before lunch.
A conventional car ferry also operates on the Ystad route alongside the catamaran, with longer crossing times. If you are taking a vehicle, check which vessel is sailing on your day — the catamaran carries fewer cars and they must be booked.
The Køge overnight route
The Køge route is popular with Danish families and cyclists. Departing in the evening, you sail overnight and arrive in Rønne early in the morning, having spent a night at sea rather than in a hotel. Cabins are available and should be booked ahead in summer — sleeping in a reclining seat is feasible but less comfortable. The crossing takes around six hours.
Køge is about half an hour south of Copenhagen by S-tog (suburban rail). It is a convenient departure point if you are starting from southern Zealand or want to avoid the city centre.
The Sassnitz route from Germany
Sassnitz (technically the port of Mukran on Rügen) connects Bornholm with northern Germany and is the most useful option for travellers coming from Berlin or further south. The crossing takes around three to four hours depending on the vessel. Note that sailings from Sassnitz are seasonal, typically operating in the summer months only — confirm before you build an itinerary around it. Rügen itself is easily reached from Stralsund on the German mainland.
Travelling with a car
All three routes carry cars. Bornholm has quiet roads and some attractions are difficult without one, making a car a practical choice for exploring beyond Rønne and the coast. Car spaces sell out early for summer crossings — particularly the Ystad route and Friday evening/Sunday afternoon Køge departures, which are heavy with Danish families. Book as far ahead as possible.
If you are travelling without a car, the island has buses connecting the main towns, and Bornholm is one of Denmark's most popular cycling destinations — bike rental is available in Rønne and elsewhere.
Booking and fares
Book directly through Bornholmslinjen or via ferry aggregators. Fares rise with demand, and summer sailings — especially July — sell out well in advance for cabins and car spaces. Foot passengers have more flexibility, but even passenger spaces can fill on peak dates. Early booking generally gets the best fares. Combined rail-and-ferry packages from Copenhagen are available and often good value.
For a broader overview of how to approach ferry booking in Europe, see how to book ferries.
On the island: what to expect
Bornholm is celebrated for its distinctive round churches, its smoked herring (røget sild), and a landscape that feels entirely unlike the flat Danish mainland — granite cliffs on the north coast, sandy beaches to the south, and the ruined fortress of Hammershus perched dramatically above the sea. The island has a flourishing food culture and plenty of good hotels and campsites; it is a destination in its own right, not just a transit point.
Christiansø, a tiny island group north-east of Bornholm with a fortress and a small permanent community, can be reached by a smaller ferry from Allinge or Gudhjem on Bornholm's north coast — a worthwhile day trip if the weather cooperates.
Getting to Ystad or Køge
From Copenhagen, the easiest approach to Ystad involves the Øresund train across the bridge to Malmö, then a regional train south to Ystad — the total journey is around an hour to an hour and a half. For Køge, the S-tog line B runs directly from Copenhagen Central; journey time around 35–40 minutes. Both ports are well signposted from their respective train stations.
If you are driving to the ferry, both Ystad and Køge have large terminal car parks where you can leave your car — useful if you prefer to take a bike or travel as a foot passenger.
Frequently asked questions
Which port is quickest for reaching Bornholm from Copenhagen?
Ystad in Sweden gives the fastest crossing to Rønne — about 80 minutes on the catamaran — and is around an hour by train from Copenhagen. The Køge route is longer at sea (roughly six hours) but departs from nearer to Copenhagen itself.
Do I need to book Bornholmslinjen in advance?
For summer travel, especially in July and for car spaces or cabins, booking well ahead is essential. Foot-passenger tickets have more flexibility but can still sell out on peak departures.
Can I cycle to the ferry terminal and take my bike on board?
Yes — bikes are carried on all three routes. Bornholm is excellent cycling territory and the ferries are well set up for cyclists. A small additional fee usually applies for bicycles.
Is the Sassnitz ferry running year-round?
The Sassnitz route is seasonal, generally operating in summer only. Always verify current schedules through Bornholmslinjen before planning a trip via Germany.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables, fares and booking: Bornholmslinjen (bornholmslinjen.dk).
- Island overview and travel planning: Visit Bornholm (bornholm.info).