Bornholm, Denmark
Review: Stammershalle Badehotel
What’s the hotel in a nutshell?
A ‘badehotel’ seaside resort reimagined for a new age, Stammershalle Badehotel is a sanctuary where we felt instantly at home and at ease. Its striking yellow wooden façade, topped with red-tiled roofs, stands out against the rugged rocks of Bornholm’s north coast, just 30 metres from the Baltic Sea. This charming century-old retreat has welcomed guests since 1911, when German entrepreneur Carl Held built it to showcase the island’s untamed beauty. Now under the care of Susanne and Ulrich Søgård, who took over in 2021, the hotel weaves its historic charm with a fresh sense of purpose. With sweeping views of Christiansø, calming interiors and a restaurant that celebrates the island’s flavours, Stammershalle is a place that stays with you – it certainly does us.
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What are the rooms like?
Founded in 1911 by Carl Held, Stammershalle Badehotel has had over a century to perfect the art of seaside hospitality. By the 1930s, it was a favoured destination for spa-seeking German tourists arriving by plane. Today, the hotel’s 36 rooms and suites honour its legacy of calm and simplicity while adding just enough modern comfort to meet the present moment.
Rooms designed for individuality
The rooms at Stammershalle don’t try too hard, and that’s exactly their charm. Large mullioned windows dominate, framing the Baltic Sea and flooding the interiors with soft, natural light. The design is pared back to essentials – white walls, pale wooden floors and well-chosen furniture that feels like it belongs. Antiques handpicked by Susanne at local auctions add a touch of character without clutter. The result is a space that feels lived-in but not precious, a retreat that lets the outside do the talking.
Suites that hold their own
Each suite has something distinct to offer. The Østersø Suite is practical yet inviting, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large living room that opens onto a terrace just steps from the rocky coastline. The Tower Suite is both intimate and dramatic – its two floors lead to a private tower room with a view that stretches across Christiansø and the endless Baltic horizon. The Stammershalle Suite is more understated but no less impressive, with a corner terrace that catches the best light from dawn to dusk.
We stayed in Suite 2, a Senior Suite with a French balcony and a compact but comfortable living area. The bathroom has a window with a clear view of the sea (and a loo with possibly the best view on the island) – the kind of detail you’d never think to ask for but can’t stop appreciating once you’re there. It’s thoughtful, not flashy and quietly memorable.
Annexes that bring the sea closer
Just beyond the main building, five annex suites feel like a natural extension of the hotel. Their interiors share the same seaside aesthetic – light, airy and unfussy – but with added conveniences like espresso machines and Tromborg toiletries. Being near the bathing jetty, they feel more connected to the landscape, offering a chance to start or end your day with a swim in the sea.
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What else?
Dining at Stammershalle Badehotel is an experience in itself. The seasonal à la carte menus revolve around locally sourced ingredients: foraged herbs, berries and mushrooms paired with freshly caught seafood.
Standout dishes during our visit included scarpinocc (a northern Italian stuffed pasta, here filled with pumpkin and sage) and halibut with endive and blanquette sauce. The beef tartare with herb mayo was a bold opener, and padron – a Spanish green pepper – served with egg yolk and kimchi brought a playful kick to the meal. Dessert? The apple mazarin with cardamom was the perfect finish.
The wine cellar carved into the cliffs
The wine cellar, seen from the dining room and literally carved directly into Bornholm’s rugged cliffs, is home to an impressive 3,500 bottles. Restaurant Manager Tim Ottosen curates the collection with a focus on sustainable vintages, showcasing his personal love of German wines. Even the house wine – a 2021 Riesling ‘Stammershalle’ from St. Antony in Rheinhessen – is a delight, available by the glass and presented with the care of a premium bottle. Guests can opt explore the cellar under Ottosen’s expert guidance.
Piano evenings
The Steinway grand piano is a living part of the dining experience, with professional pianists performing on select evenings. The melodies drift through the space, enhancing the atmosphere without ever feeling intrusive. It’s an elegant touch that makes dinners here feel even more special.
A breakfast worth savouring
Breakfast at Stammershalle is both extensive and carefully curated, with a focus on quality over quantity. In summer, the buffet is a highlight, with an array of freshly baked sourdough, homemade jams, Danish cheeses and local specialties laid out across the counter.
In winter, the breakfast is served directly at the table – a thoughtful touch that feels personal. During our stay, we were treated to a breadbasket with sourdough and Danish rye, charcuterie, Danish cheeses, soft-boiled eggs, roasted carrot salad, local apple juice and a fruit dish of sliced orange and roasted coconut. Everything felt intentional, down to the smallest detail.
A terrace with a view
Overlooking the Baltic Sea, the terrace is a natural gathering point. Guests sip coffee, enjoy an evening glass of wine or simply sit back to take in the horizon. The view stretches from sunrise to sunset, and it’s one of those places that encourages you to pause and just be.
Sea bathing and outdoor pursuits
The bathing jetty, just 150 metres from the hotel, is a favourite spot for early risers who want to start the day with a cold dip in the Baltic. On land, there’s plenty to do: paddle tennis on the hotel’s court, e-bike rentals for exploring Bornholm’s coastline and discounted rounds at Rø Golf Course for golfers.
Lantern-lit forest adventures
In winter, co-owner Ulrich Søgård leads lantern-lit walks through the Troll Forest, transforming it into an adventure after dark. The guided two-kilometre trail includes stories about the hotel’s history and Bornholm’s natural wonders, punctuated by tastings of local treats like craft beer from Small Batch, licorice from Johan Bülow and coffee from Suenos. Bring your own smartphone lantern and sturdy shoes – it’s a unique experience you’ll want to try.
A magical forest with layers of history
The Troll Forest behind the hotel is a place where ancient standing stones and burial mounds sit alongside quirky remnants of its past life as a zoo. Fascinating!
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What’s our final take?
With a level of comfort and ease we’ve seldom experienced in other hotels, Stammershalle Badehotel feels alive with history while remaining firmly grounded in the present. From the soft light spilling through mullioned windows to the rich flavours of Bornholm celebrated in its elegant restaurant, everything feels deliberate yet effortlessly personal, as though it was made just for you. The handpicked antiques, the lantern-lit forest walks, and those suites with sea views that seem to stretch forever – this is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. As we drove away from the bright yellow façade, it wasn’t a question of if we’d return, but when.
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What’s the island like?
Located in the heart of the Baltic Sea, Bornholm shines as Denmark’s radiant gem. Its title as a World Craft Region in 2017 celebrates its deep-rooted tradition in artisanal crafts. The island boasts the most sunshine hours in Denmark, making it a sought-after escape from the country’s often grey skies. However, it’s not just the sunshine that captivates; its diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to serene beaches, tell tales of ancient times. The island has evolved, marking its ground as a culinary powerhouse. History, art and gourmet wonders converge here, making Bornholm an irresistible call to travellers.
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Stammershalle Badehotel
Søndre Strandvej 128
Gudhjem
Denmark
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Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish
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Stammershalle Badehotel
Søndre Strandvej 128
Gudhjem
Denmark
Affiliate link (what is it?)
Urban
Rural
Trendy
Classic
Happening
Serene
Affordable
Lavish
