Plan a CruiseRonne Cruise Port Guide
Ronne, located on the Danish island of Bornholm, offers a charming introduction to this Baltic gem. Cruise ships dock conveniently close to the town center, approximately 1.5 kilometers away. Since 2015, the cruise quay has been extended to accommodate larger vessels up to 375 meters. A complimentary shuttle bus is provided from the dock into town, though it's also a pleasant 30-minute walk.
Bornholm, despite its proximity to Sweden, has been a Danish territory since 1522. While historically a vital trading port, its economy now thrives on fishing, farming, and a growing tourism sector. Visitors are drawn to Ronne for its picturesque Old Town, known as Gamle Stan, with its cobblestone streets and distinctive cross-timbered houses, often painted in bright "sunshine colors" like yellow and orange. Key historic streets to explore include Laksegade and Storegade, as well as the area between Store Torv and Lille Torv.
Getting Around from the Port
A complimentary shuttle bus runs from the cruise ship dock directly to the Welcome Center, which is situated near where the ferries arrive. The shuttle operates every 20 minutes, starting at 8:50 AM. Alternatively, the town center is a manageable 1.5 km walk, taking approximately 30 minutes.
For exploring further afield, car rental is available, with Europcar located conveniently next to the Welcome Center. Bicycles are a popular way to see the island, with daily hire for a three-speed bike costing around 50 DKK to 75 DKK.
Public bus services are also an option. From May through September, Bus 7 departs from the Ronne ferry terminal (near the Welcome Center) every two hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. This bus travels in an anti-clockwise direction around the island, making stops at major coastal villages and the renowned Dueodde beach, before concluding its route at Hammershus. The full circuit takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Ronne's Historic Old Town: Wander through Gamle Stan, focusing on streets like Laksegade and Storegade, and the charming triangular area between Store Torv and Lille Torv. Discover historical landmarks such as the former Custom-house (dating from 1684), the lighthouse (1880), St. Michael's Church (1300) which hosts organ concerts, the post-office building (1900), the Citadel (1650), and Ronne Teater (1823), the oldest provincial theater.
- Visit Ronne's Museums: Delve into local history at The Bornholm Museum, learn about the island's defenses at The Defence Museum (Forsvarsmuseet), or explore the island's pottery heritage at The Museum of Ceramics (Hjorts Fabrik).
- Island Bus Tour to Hammershus and Dueodde: From May to September, take Bus 7 from the Ronne ferry terminal for a scenic anti-clockwise loop of the island. Departing every two hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, the bus stops at various coastal villages and the beautiful Dueodde beach before reaching the impressive ruins of Hammershus Castle. The full circuit journey is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Cycle Bornholm's Scenery: Rent a three-speed bicycle for 50 DKK to 75 DKK per day and explore Bornholm's extensive network of biking routes, which showcase the island's dramatic cliffs and picturesque beaches, particularly in the northern and southern regions.
- Active Pursuits: Bornholm caters to active tourists with options like bowling, fitness centers, tennis courts, golf courses, hiking trails, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Dining & Shopping
The primary shopping areas in Ronne are concentrated along the streets that lead into Lille Torv and Store Torv. A distinctive local craft for which Bornholm is famous is the Bornholmer grandfather clock. This tradition began in 1744 after a Dutch ship carrying clocks was stranded nearby. Local artisans replicated the designs, establishing a craft that has since been revived, with the island's largest clock maker workshop located in Ronne.
Standard weekday shopping hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Saturdays, most shops close earlier, usually by 12:00 PM. During the summer tourist season, some shops, especially in tourist-heavy areas, may offer extended hours. Note that ordinary shops are generally closed on public holidays, including Constitution Day (June 5th) and Christmas Eve (December 24th). However, shops are permitted to open on the first Sunday of each month (unless it falls on a holiday) and on all Sundays in December leading up to Christmas Eve.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Danish Krone (DKK). Although Denmark is not part of the Eurozone, many major shops in Ronne may display prices in both DKK and Euros (€). Major international credit cards are widely accepted throughout Denmark.