Mountainbiking

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Welcome to Bornholm Folk High School

Picture this: An island in the Baltic Sea where cliffs meet the ocean, nature thrives, and creativity flows. That’s Bornholm—Denmark’s gem, famous for its arts, crafts, sustainability, and stunning landscapes. If you’re into arts and handicraft, nature and outdoor challenges, this is the place to be.

At Bornholm Folk High School, we do learning differently. Inspired by the Danish pioneer, N.F.S. Grundtvig from the 19th-century, we offer an exam-free space where it’s all about sharing ideas, dreams, and visions with others. Grundtvig called it “learning for life”—a balance between personal freedom and responsibility to the community.

Here, you won’t just learn—you’ll live, create, and connect.

We focus on four main areas:
At Bornholm Folk High School there are four subject areas:

Arts and Crafts

Outdoor & Adventure
Sustainable Agriculture

Click here for a full list of subjects

For international students there will be 2 hours pr. week with Danish Culture & Language.

Bornholms H¯jskole

The glass workshop

A Unique Spot in the Heart of Nature

Tucked away in Almindingen forest, Bornholm High School sits where forests, fields, and cliffs collide. The red and white buildings bring a warm, cozy vibe to the surroundings, and the school’s fire cabin and shelter site invite you to fully indulge in the lush beauty of this special corner of Bornholm.

And while you’ll feel immersed in nature, you’re never far from adventure. Within just 10-15 km, you’ll find sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and Bornholm’s charming harbor towns. Whether it’s on a guided tour, a bike ride, or a road trip in one of the school’s minibuses, exploring the island is always within reach.

A Place Like No Other – Where Learning is Shaped by Bornholm’s Spirit
Bornholm High School is deeply rooted in the island’s nature, art, history, and vibrant culture. Every subject here draws from Bornholm’s unique character, creating experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Take Ceramics, Glass, Outdoor Life and Adventure, or Cooking and Foraging—these classes aren’t just about skills; they’re about connecting with the rugged landscape right outside your door. For some, their time here sparks a passion to apply for the Royal Academy of Glass and Ceramics in Nexø. For others, it’s a chance to dive into creative play—exploring clay, glass, textiles, masks, or painting—to find peace, fun, and a reset from the fast pace of everyday life.

The Great Outdoors – Only on Bornholm
Our Outdoor Life program is led by nature pros and adventure guides. Together, you’ll climb cliffs, kayak in turquoise waters, and ride mountain bikes through forest trails. Bornholm’s cliffs? They’re one of a kind in Denmark—making every moment here unforgettable.

Join the Sustainable Agriculture Crew
Get your hands dirty and make a real impact. On this team, you’ll help build the shelter site, tend the greenhouse, plant fruit trees, and gather fresh ingredients straight from nature for the kitchen.

Here, we do things differently. We dig clay straight from the ground beneath us, source food directly from the wild, and yes—we climb actual rocks every day. It’s all about living in harmony with nature, learning by doing, and embracing the adventure.

Language at Bornholm High School

Our school is Danish, and we primarily speak Danish in daily life. But don’t worry—we’ll make sure important messages and lessons are translated into English when needed.

To make the most of your time here, it’s essential that you have a strong understanding of English and speak the language well. This will help you connect with others, fully engage in activities, and enjoy everything the school has to offer.

Bornholms H¯jskole

The ceramics workshop

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Photography class

Be Part of the Conversation

At Bornholms Højskole, we’re deeply connected to the local community. We actively participate in debates, cultural events, and the iconic Folkemødet festival. All year round, we keep the exchange of ideas alive. As part of your stay, you’ll help organize public events or work on projects that engage with the local community, making your time here meaningful and impactful.

Sustainable and Local – In Everything We Do
Bornholms Højskole combines local roots with a global perspective. We’re committed to sustainability, creating an environment that minimizes our ecological footprint. Our kitchen focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian meals often on the menu. Sustainability is also a core theme across many of our subjects.

You’ll be a part of the process too—helping the school innovate and develop eco-friendly solutions.


A Local College with an International Vibe

While most of our students are Danish, we welcome a small group of international students each year, bringing a global perspective to our campus. This mix creates a unique opportunity to build connections across cultures and broaden your view of the world.

For our international students, morning meetings and other shared experiences are translated into English by our teachers. This international touch offers more than just language practice—it’s a chance to form friendships that can take you around the globe and to collaborate on making a difference that crosses borders and cultures.

Some Subjects Require Danish Fluency

Certain subjects can only be taught in Danish, so they’re available only if you speak and understand the language. This is especially true for classes with a philosophical focus or those that involve personal reflection and open discussion, like Body and Mind, Dream Interpretation, and The Playful Human.

These courses rely on deep conversations and sharing inner thoughts, which work best in a shared language. If Danish isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry—there are plenty of other exciting options to explore!

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Klippe og kyst

Social Policy

At Bornholms Højskole, we’re all about creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We’re not all the same—and that’s the beauty of it. But living and learning together means we need to find common ground.

That’s why every stay begins with conversation salons about what happiness and safety mean to you. How do you want to express yourself and shape your time here? What kind of atmosphere do you want to help create with those of us who call this place home? Together, we’ll build an inclusive space where no one feels left out, discriminated against, or has their boundaries crossed. And if something does happen, our staff is always here to step in and help.

Learn About the World—and Yourself
Bornholms Højskole is a place where opinions collide, ideas grow, and debates flourish. We believe that great art and creativity are rooted in history, shaped by today’s political challenges, and sparked by philosophy and social conversations.

Our dialogue-focused courses bring fresh insights and perspectives, giving you the tools to find your own voice and challenge the way you see the world. And with outdoor subjects, we make sure your body, nature, and the land are part of the learning experience too.

Building the School Together
Here, you’ll spend your days diving into your passions, working with your hands, feeding your mind, and challenging your limits—whether that’s on the climbing wall, in a yoga class, or out in nature. In Sustainable Agriculture, for example, you’ll help create lasting solutions that future students and visitors will benefit from for years to come.

You’ll shape the school as much as it shapes you, bringing your energy, experiences, and ideas to the table. Together, we’ll reflect, discuss, and create in a community guided by Grundtvig’s philosophy of “freedom under responsibility”—living your best life while taking care of each other.

Cozy Vibes and Community
Bornholms Højskole isn’t just about learning—it’s about living. Our low, cozy buildings create an inviting atmosphere perfect for connecting with others. You’ll find table tennis matches and poetry nights in the hall, deep conversations in hammocks, volleyball games in the garden, and bow combat, bonfires, and climbing in the backyard.

And when it’s time to wind down? Gather around board games, fireplaces, or knitting circles. Sing your heart out at evening gatherings or get creative in our open workshops that never close. There’s always something happening—and always someone to share it with.

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Community Life

You’ll share a double room with a roommate, or you can request a single room if that’s more your style and when available. Each weekday kicks off with breakfast at 7:40 AM, followed by morning cleaning, an inspiring morning assembly, and group singing. From there, it’s onto the classes you’ve chosen for yourself.

Throughout the day, there’s time for group meetings and shared responsibilities, while evenings are all about community. Whether it’s organizing events, relaxing with friends, or exploring new hobbies, the vibe is yours to create.

Your Schedule, Your Choice
Your week includes 21-23 mandatory teaching hours, and you’ll design your own schedule by choosing two A subjects, B subject, and C subject. Curious about your options? Check out the subject overview here.


Facilities and Equipment

The school accommodates around 100 overnight guests and has workshop and teaching spaces for up to 80 participants. During summer courses, we host a maximum of 80 participants, while long courses typically welcome 65-70 students.


Rooms:

Single and double rooms are available, though single rooms may no longer be available by the time you apply.
Some double rooms include private bathrooms, while others share facilities with 1-3 other rooms. (Private bathroom doubles come at a slightly higher cost.)

Gear and Spaces:

Jewelry workshop with personal workstations
Sewing machines
Outdoor adventure equipment
Turntables for ceramics
Ovens for firing your creations
Connections to Bornholm’s entrepreneurs
A Unique Campus
Our buildings span from 1893 to 2012, blending historical charm with modern functionality. Surrounded by stunning nature, the school provides inspiring spaces for every subject and workshop, making it a truly special place to live, learn, and create.

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Sign up for a stay at Bornholms Højskole

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Pick two subjects
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