This Hidden Gem of a Danish Island Provides a Tranquil—and Ever More Sustainable—Getaway

Nestled in the Baltic Sea, Bornholm is a beloved Danish island that has long been a summer haven for locals. Renowned for having the sunniest weather in Denmark, it’s the perfect place to unwind, featuring cozy inns, pristine sandy beaches, and delightful cafés and restaurants. Michelin-starred Kadeau stands out with its seasonal dishes crafted from foraged ingredients, including mackerel drizzled with kombu oil. So cherished is this island that, in March 2022, a larger ferry was introduced on the Copenhagen (via Ystad) route to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

In recent years, Bornholm has transformed its image from merely a summer destination to a progressive, eco-conscious locale, implementing various responsible initiatives that benefit both tourism and the wider community. This strategy not only supports environmental sustainability but also creates economic opportunities during the off-peak season from October to May, when visitor numbers typically decline.

The sustainability initiative, known as “Bright Green Island,” was introduced by Bornholm’s Regional Municipality and outlines ambitious targets, such as achieving carbon-neutral energy production by 2025. This goal will be realized through an increase in green energy sources, including wind and solar power, alongside enhanced energy efficiency measures.

By 2040, the island aspires to reach zero emissions, and by 2032, all waste will be either reused or recycled. Wind farms are currently being developed in the southern region, and the island aims to serve as a green refueling hub for the 60,000 vessels that navigate nearby waters annually through the international initiative Bornholm Bunker Hub, which focuses on local power-to-X production of sustainable fuels.

Bornholm has emerged as an ideal location for testing green energy innovations due to its capacity to easily isolate electricity from other grids, making it a hotspot for energy experimentation.

A Sustainable Getaway

In the hospitality sector, numerous businesses are beginning to embrace the island’s progressive sustainability vision.

“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” states Trine Richter, general manager of Green Solution House, a hotel and conference venue located on the island’s western coast, which underwent renovations starting in 2014. Unlike many establishments that shut down during the winter, this hotel and center remain open year-round, providing a space for gatherings focused on business or sustainability discussions. Guests enjoy a cozy stay, complete with well-appointed rooms, bikes for island exploration, a chic rooftop with lounge chairs, and access to a hot tub and sauna.

The hotel has achieved a silver rating in the DGNB system, the highest certification available for hotel buildings. It serves as a trailblazer in sustainable design, functioning almost like a laboratory where various materials have been rigorously tested. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned, from wood-based construction that captures CO2 to the recycling of shower water and the use of sheep for lawn maintenance. Nearly all carpets can be reused if removed, and even the sofas are compostable.

“Many of our guests are drawn to the decor and textiles, as they seek to incorporate them into their own homes,” remarks Richter. “Architects and engineers have found inspiration here, utilizing the building’s materials and solutions in their projects.”

Last October, the hotel unveiled a new wing featuring 24 guest rooms built using nails to allow for wood reuse, with most materials achieving Cradle to Cradle Certified status. The rooms exemplify Danish simplicity, complete with wooden floors, terraces, and select furniture pieces from the family-owned brand Skagerak.

The expansive communal rooftop terrace features a wall adorned with green speckled tiles crafted from recycled bottles. “As long as the materials are clean, they can be reused,” states Richter.

While the hotel leans more towards business than the quaint inns scattered across the island, it also provides travelers with a glimpse into how a hospitality brand can genuinely pursue ambitious eco-friendly objectives. Moreover, it has become a significant attraction during the shoulder season, benefiting the entire island community.

“Sustainability is not just a crucial topic; it can also enhance business,” shares Morten Borup Carstensen from Svaneke Restaurant, one of the few dining spots that keeps locals satisfied year-round with dishes like hake and potatoes alongside house-made pasta. “We’re already noticing growing interest in the island—[which will lead to] job creation and hopefully encourage more people to move to Bornholm.”

Svaneke is a certified green restaurant, adhering to strict guidelines that require at least 20 percent organic produce (it actually uses around 50 percent), employing water-saving fixtures, installing eco-friendly lighting, and focusing on minimizing food waste.

At the nearby Svaneke Brygery, a fully organic brewery powered by green energy, a carbon dioxide recovery system repurposes the CO2 generated during fermentation. “When the fermentation kicks off, carbon dioxide is produced,” explains Steen Jeppesen, CEO and director. They connect the fermentation tank to a facility through tubes, where the CO2 is purified, compressed, and transformed into liquid gas. It’s the only brewery in Denmark that brews beer with zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Businesses in Bornholm have long embraced local resources. At the beachfront Michelin-starred Kadeau, the team forages for ingredients and cultivates much of their produce in a nearby garden. At Høstet, they gather sea buckthorn, a native plant known for its tart flavor, which makes exceptional marmalade.

In this tight-knit community of 40,000 residents, support for greener initiatives is robust. Many locals believe that these efforts are mutually beneficial. “It’s crucial for Bornholm to unite around solutions,” states Carstensen. “This fosters growth across all sectors on the island.”

For tourists, it’s a win-win situation as well. If you can explore this picturesque island, stay in a hotel featuring compostable couches, and enjoy organic beer brewed with zero emissions, why wouldn’t you?