Day Trip from Ystad to Bornholm: Discover Denmark’s Baltic Gem - Fast, Easy & Popular!

Have you already booked your ferry ticket from Świnoujście to Ystad? While known for its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the famed Wallander detective series, Ystad is more than just a picturesque Swedish town – it’s also the main gateway to Bornholm, Denmark’s “Pearl of the Baltic.”

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11 june 2025 | 12:22 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Port Ystad

Thanks to a modern ferry terminal and frequent, high-speed connections, travel from Sweden to Denmark has never been quicker or more convenient. In just 80 minutes, passengers can reach Bornholm’s dramatic cliffs, white-sand beaches, artistic villages, and Viking heritage.

Port of Ystad – A Baltic Powerhouse

Ystad is Sweden’s third-largest passenger ferry port and the leading hub for connections to both Poland and Bornholm. Each year, it handles 3,700 ferry departures and 2.3 million passengers.

While the Świnoujście–Ystad route has been operational since the 1960s, the Bornholm connection was launched in 2000 and continues to grow in popularity. During the peak season (late June to August), up to eight departures per day are operated by Bornholmslinjen using two high-speed catamarans – Express 1 and Express 5.

Fast Ferries, Smooth Crossings

The vessels themselves are standout features:

Express 5, launched in 2023, is among the largest catamarans in the world (115 x 30.5 m), accommodating up to 1,600 passengers and 450 vehicles, including buses and Ro-Ro units.
Express 1, built in 2009 and modernized in 2018, is slightly smaller (112 x 30.5 m) and can carry 1,200 passengers and 417 vehicles.

Both catamarans travel at 37 knots, and their dual-hull design ensures stability and comfort, even in challenging weather conditions.

In 2024 alone, nearly 1.8 million passengers travelled between Ystad and Bornholm – a testament to the route’s popularity, efficiency, and appeal.

According to Erik Eskling Hansen, Business Developer at Port of Ystad:

- Together with our Polish routes, the Bornholm service is our flagship offering. It’s a vital part of Denmark’s national transport infrastructure, which gives Ystad a unique status and ensures a high-quality connection.

Route Schedules at a Glance

Świnoujście → Ystad (Poland–Sweden):

Polferries: 12:30, 22:30
Unity Line: 05:45/06:00, 13:00, 23:00 (exact times vary by day)

Ystad → Rønne (Bornholm, Denmark):

Bornholmslinjen: 6–8 daily departures during summer, from 08:30 to 22:30

Explore Ystad – Gateway to Bornholm

Historic Ystad: Over 300 half-timbered houses, cozy cafés, artisan shops, and landmarks like St. Mary’s Church (Sankta Maria Kyrka) – one of Sweden’s oldest brick Gothic churches.

Ystad Abbey (Klostret i Ystad): A 13th-century monastery with tranquil gardens and historical exhibits.

Ystad Studios Visitor Center: Behind-the-scenes access to Swedish film productions and the Wallander series.

Highlights of Bornholm

Hammershus Castle Ruins: Northern Europe’s largest medieval fortress with panoramic Baltic Sea views.

Dueodde Beach: Renowned for its fine white sand and clear waters – perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Østerlars Round Church: One of Bornholm’s iconic 12th-century circular churches.

Strategic Growth & Modern Facilities

Port of Ystad continues to set new records, particularly on the Bornholm route. Despite the pandemic, 2020 marked an all-time high in cars handled for Bornholm-bound services.

In early 2021, the port unveiled two new ferry berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 250 meters in length, opening the door to new partnerships across ferry, offshore, and bulk cargo sectors.

With strong seasonal demand, national strategic importance, and modern port infrastructure, Ystad is poised to remain a central hub for Baltic transport and tourism.