Hiking route: The trail at Jons Kapel

Route description:

From the car park, follow the sign to Jons Kapel, the impressive rock cave beneath the free-standing Jons Kirke (Jon’s Church). The route does not go down to Jons Kapel, but follows Kyststien (the Coastal Path) about 400 metres north to a sharp bend. This is the start of the path that will take you to the highlight of the route and one of Bornholm’s most beautiful rift valleys: Blåskinsdalen.

The valley gets its name from the blue anemones that bloom here in spring, but that’s just one of Blåskinsdalen’s many wonders. The forest bed is dotted with ferns, while ivy winds its way up most of the trees, so you feel like you’re walking through a lush and enchanted jungle.

The path itself is narrow and winding, and as nature is not “landscaped”, you will occasionally have to cross or go under a fallen tree trunk. Similarly, look out for tree roots and rocks sticking up from the ground on the path.

At the end of the valley, follow the yellow triangles along the trail back towards the car park at Jons Kapel. Note the impressive stone fence along the trail and allow yourself time to venture into the woods just before the road. Here you’ll find an old stone settlement, which was probably once a thingstead, and is a fine piece of Bornholm cultural history.

Facts:

Duration:

One hour
Length:
Approximately 3 km (round trip)
Difficulty level:
Medium. Slightly hilly, with tree roots and fallen trunks across the path in Blåskinsdalen
Suitable for prams and wheelchairs:
No
Parking:
By the car park on Jons Kapelvej
Toilets:
In the car park
Access to water:
The public toilets at Jons Kapel car park
Surface:
Forest path
Special remarks:
Extend the walk with the steep +100 steps down to Jons Kapel.

Written by Gitte Holtze

Hiker and outdoor freak as well as journalist, lecturer and author of "jeg lever" about Gitte's hike along the Pacific Crest Trail and "Gå langt", a guidebook to long hikes.