What if I told you that Bobbeå has a secret? It is not just a stream. It is a place touched by folklore and nature’s raw power. Right here, near Gudhjem on Bornholm, Bobbeå flows with a unique story.
Bobbeå is more than just water. It is a waterway that carries tales of the island’s past. Originating as Borgedalsbæk near Søndre Lyngvej, it winds through Rø Plantage, becoming Brommeå. As it passes Røbrovej, it officially becomes Bobbeå before emptying into Salene Bugt. The Bobbe Bridge was built in the 1950s. Since 1994, Bobbeå has flowed through a pristine mixed deciduous forest.
Bornholm’s landscape shapes Bobbeå’s journey. At its source, the stream is only about 80 cm wide. Over 2.3 km, it widens. Further along its 3.8 km length, the width grows to 2 meters with a depth of 20 cm. Finally, as Bobbeå reaches Salene Bugt after 1.4 km, it becomes 2.7 meters wide and 90 cm deep.
Locals whisper that the name Bobbeå comes from a supernatural being of Bornholm folklore. Imagine the stories shared beside this stream for generations. Perhaps tales of mythical creatures lurking in the shadows.
Bobbeå is a fast-flowing stream. Its source is over 100 meters above sea level. The stream only has 10 kilometers to reach the Baltic Sea. The water moves quickly. Sigtebæk and Bromme Å join and become Bobbe Å at 63 meters above sea level. From here, it rushes to the sea.
Crossing Bobbeå at Røbrovej is quite the experience. The road dips sharply down and then climbs steeply up. There is about 30 meters height difference on each side. The climb is about 10 percent. The twin hills are very steep.
The climax of Bobbeå is its waterfall. Here, the terrain drops 20 meters. Four of those meters are a vertical drop. The waterfall is dramatic. Especially after heavy rains. The sound alone is powerful.
The waterfall is also called Døndalsfaldet. It is one of Bornholm’s attractions. It could use more attention. Bobbeå features Denmark’s largest natural waterfall.
But what does “Bobbe” actually mean? In Bornholm dialect, it means a clump of mucus or dirt in the nose. A rather indelicate origin for such a beautiful place.
Bobbeå offers more than just a curious name. It provides a stunning natural experience. The stream flows through a beautiful cleft near Gudhjem. Bobbeå is a reminder of Bornholm’s unique blend of nature and folklore. It’s a place where water, history, and myth come together.