Ekkodalen — the Echo Valley — is the most famous part of Bornholm’s longest rift valley, a striking geological formation cutting through the forest of Almindingen. Here, steep rock walls known as Styrtebakkerne rise up to about 20 metres above the lush valley floor, where wet meadows, small streams and marshy areas create a rich and varied natural environment. The easily accessible and most visited section of Ekkodalen is roughly 2 kilometres long, offering an impressive glimpse into the island’s characteristic rift-valley landscape.
The name comes from the strong echo created when sound bounces off the vertical cliffs. At H.C. Ørsted’s Spring, near the entrance to the valley, visitors can experience this phenomenon most clearly — a spot that has been popular for generations. The valley was originally called Kodalen (“Cow Valley”) due to cattle grazing in the area, but the echo — and forest ranger Hans Rømer’s work in Almindingen — helped establish the name “Ekkodalen.”
The path through the valley is easy to walk and is partly built as boardwalks across the damp ground, allowing visitors to pass through comfortably. Along the way, you get a strong sense of the dramatic geology as well as the calm, forested surroundings of Almindingen.
Ekkodalen is one of Bornholm’s most iconic natural areas — a place where geology, history and woodland come together in a unique and atmospheric experience, perfect for a short yet memorable nature excursion.
