Hammershus Besøgscenter

About the museum

Hammershus in the north of Bornholm was for centuries the seat of the rulers on the island: taxes were collected and justice was dispensed from here, which is why the castle was anything but popular with the people of Bornholm. Today the ruin is the most visited attraction on the island and is freely accessible around the clock.

Jørn Utzon had already designated the site for a visitor center in 1971. The building was only realized decades later, designed by Arkitema Architects and Professor Christoffer Harlang; it opened in March 2018. The building of cast-in-place concrete, steel, and oak blends into the slope in front of the castle and received several architecture awards, including a World Architecture Festival Award; it was also shortlisted for the Mies van der Rohe Award.

Naturstyrelsen, the Danish state nature agency, together with Museum Sydøstdanmark, set up the exhibition "Den Forhadte Borg" in the visitor center. A timeline, touchscreens, and 3D animations explain the history of the castle and its relationship with the island's population. Under the name "Brohuset ved Hammershus", a café, restaurant, and shop are also part of the building; the center is the starting point for guided tours of the ruin.

Highlights

• Free exhibition "Den Forhadte Borg" with 3D animations
• Award-winning architecture by Arkitema and Christoffer Harlang
• Starting point for guided tours of the Hammershus castle ruins
• Café, restaurant, and shop

Permanent exhibitions

• Den Forhadte Borg – The history of Hammershus as an unloved seat of power on Bornholm, told with a timeline, touchscreens, and 3D animations.

Founded

2018

Operated by

Naturstyrelsen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Visitor center, exhibition, and castle ruins are free. Only the parking lot is paid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visitor center is on a single level at ground level, and the paved paths leading to it are easy to navigate. The castle ruin itself is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with mobility impairments because of hilly, steep, and uneven paths. Accessible parking spaces at parking lot P2 or free of charge on Slotslyngvej. There is a preparation page for people with autism. Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

During the summer holidays (weeks 27–32) and in week 42, Bornholms Middelaldercenter offers a family tour with costume pieces. Baby changing table in the restrooms. The paths at the ruin are unsuitable for strollers.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Café, restaurant, and shop of the Brohuset ved Hammershus; free restrooms during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit