Visual Bornholm
Published by Visual Media ApS
Designed by Miru Studio
In the heart of Bornholm’s largest forest, Almindingen, lies Ekkodalshuset – a restaurant where traditional cooking meets magnificent nature. Since 1903, this historic eatery has been part of the island’s heritage, attracting both locals and visitors in search of authentic experiences at the heart of Bornholm.
At the entrance to the Echo Valley (Ekkodalen), guests are greeted by nature that enchants from the very first moment. Steep cliffs embrace the valley with majestic calm, while the forest surrounding the restaurant creates a timeless atmosphere. Here, where raw natural grandeur meets warm hospitality, Ekkodalshuset has become a natural part of the landscape – a place where gastronomy and nature blend in peaceful harmony.
Ekkodalshuset’s signature dish, the original “echo tartlet” (genlydstartelet), is a culinary sensation that draws guests from far and wide. The giant, butter-rich, hand-baked puff pastry shell is filled with tender free-range chicken, asparagus, and creamy sauce – a tribute to classic Danish comfort food. The recipe honors traditional cuisine and local ingredients, evoking warm memories of grandma’s kitchen.
In just a few years, both the restaurant and its iconic tartlet have gained international recognition, including a mention in The New York Times.
Ekkodalshuset offers a down-to-earth experience where food and nature come together in authentic unity.
Ekkodalshuset’s menu celebrates classic Danish cuisine. Dishes like steak tartare (pariserbøf), hot-smoked salmon, and open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) are made from scratch, respecting tradition and using ingredients that reflect the island’s unique character. Each meal is about showcasing the essence of Danish food with simplicity and quality.
Rather than chasing trends, the focus is on food that sparks familiarity and joy. One example is the steak tartare, served with hand-cut beef and homemade garnishes – a dish that feels like home, prepared with care. The attentive and friendly staff add to the experience with personal touches – perhaps a tip for the best hiking route or a kind remark that makes guests feel welcome.
Ekkodalshuset is more than a restaurant – it’s part of Bornholm’s story. As the island’s oldest continuously operating restaurant for over 120 years, it has outlived 36 prime ministers, two world wars, the Spanish flu, and the COVID pandemic. No matter the times, its doors have always remained open, serving as a meeting place for generations of Bornholmers and guests alike.
The restaurant sits in the dramatic landscape of Ekkodalen. Steep cliffs and the forest’s stillness invite guests to reflect, while trails through Almindingen lead them into Bornholm’s varied nature. A short walk along the Læså stream, for instance, can end with a meal at the restaurant – still within view of the valley’s formations.
Nature plays an active role in the experience – from the echo that gives the valley its name to sunlight dancing through the treetops. The visual and acoustic tranquility forms a backdrop where food and surroundings merge into a unified sensory experience.
