NaturBornholm
Activity center in Aakirkeby on Bornholm's geological and natural history, with dinosaurs, live crocodiles, and a view over the fault zone.
About the museum
The idea arose in 1992 in the Natural History Society for Bornholm: the geological and natural history collection of the Bornholms Museum had been in storage for years, and internationally known geological sites lie on the southern edge of Aakirkeby. Together with the municipality of Aakirkeby, the Bornholm county, and the then director of the Copenhagen Zoo, Bent Jørgensen, it became a project that, besides geology, was also meant to show the Baltic Sea and the island's animal and plant life.
After years of searching for funding, including an interest-free loan of DKK 50 million from the Arbejdsmarkedets Feriefond, construction began in 1998 based on plans by Henning Larsens Tegnestue, which had won an architectural competition. Prince Henrik opened the center on May 16, 2000. The building of around 3,800 square meters cost just over DKK 85 million and is regarded as the island's largest structure since Hammershus.
The facade consists of wire baskets filled with Vang granite, and large glass surfaces open the view to the south over the zone where granite and sandstone meet. A seven-meter-high, glass-roofed hall connects the service and exhibition areas.
The exhibitions take visitors on a journey through 1.7 billion years of Bornholm's geological history, from prehistoric times through the dinosaurs and the Ice Age to the Baltic Sea, the bison, and the aurochs. Live animals such as crocodiles, reptiles, and amphibians are part of it; the facility is licensed as a zoological institution. The operator is the commercial foundation Den erhvervsdrivende fond NaturBornholm; the center is a videnspædagogisk aktivitetscenter (knowledge-based educational activity center).
Highlights
- Journey through 1.7 billion years of Bornholm's geological history
- Danish dinosaurs and fossils
- Live crocodiles, reptiles, and amphibians
- Granite-and-glass building by Henning Larsen with panoramic views
- Nature tours and fossil hunting with nature interpreters
Permanent exhibitions
- Udstillingerne – Journey through Bornholm's geological history with stops on prehistoric times, dinosaurs, the Ice Age, the Baltic Sea, the bison, and the aurochs, as well as live crocodiles, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Den erhvervsdrivende fond NaturBornholm
- Director
- Kim Kock-Hansen
Admission & discounts
| Adults | DKK 150 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | DKK 75free up to age 2 · Child price for ages 3–11, free under 3. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | DKK 150companion free · People with disabilities pay DKK 150, including a companion with a companion card (ledsagerkort). |
| Students & apprentices | –No student discount listed. |
| Groups (20+ people) | DKK 125 per personFor 20 or more paying visitors by arrangement, children (ages 3 to 11): DKK 65, including a short introduction by a nature interpreter; does not apply to schools. |
| Re-entry wristband | DKK 20In addition to admission; free entry as long as the wristband is worn. |
| NaturBornholms Venner (membership) | DKK 600Free admission for the rest of the year together with three companions. |
| Klippekort for six Bornholm attractions | DKK 250Valid for 7 days for Bornholms Museum, Hjorths Fabrik, Erichsens Gård, Melstedgård, NaturBornholm, and Bornholms Kunstmuseum; children under 18 free. |
Euros are accepted in banknotes only; payment by Dankort, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express is possible.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
Accessible parking spaces near the entrance. Guide dogs for the blind are welcome in the exhibitions, other animals are not.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Hands-on exhibitions where you shape mountains and experience an earthquake; during the holidays, programs such as Dino Days with fossil hunting, crafts, and animal presentations by nature interpreters.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
By bus to Aakirkeby; routes via the bus operator BAT.
By car
Free parking
Large free parking lot for cars and bicycles; accessible parking spaces near the entrance. If dogs stay in the car, please park in the shade of the building.
- Accessible parking
Easy to reach by bike; the website points to a cycling guide for Bornholm.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Self-service café with panoramic views as far as the Baltic Sea (drinks, lunch, ice cream); outside food is allowed outdoors, in the activity house, or in the café if there is space. Shop with souvenirs, fossils, books, toys, and Bornholm specialties, plus a web shop.
Events & venue rental
- Corporate events
Team-building days and behind-the-scenes experiences can be booked for groups.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | One-hour guided tours of the exhibition or at Klintebakken for groups by arrangement (DKK 650 each). Behind-the-scenes experiences such as animal contact (max. 15 people) or crocodile feeding (max. 30 people) by arrangement year-round. On weekends and during the holidays, activities and nature tours across the island. Programs for schools and school camps. |
