New sky bar in Copenhagen puts Bornholm on the menu
🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.
Bornholm has long been a star on Denmark’s gastronomic map, and now the island’s exceptional ingredients are making their way into cocktail glasses. This happens on the 17th floor of the iconic “The Silo” building in Nordhavn, where restaurateur Michael Rønnebæk-Rørth has launched a new Bornholm-inspired sky bar.
Bar 17 focuses on cocktails crafted with ingredients from Bornholm, and three signature drinks have been developed in collaboration with well-known figures from the island. For example, guests can enjoy a “Sun Over Silo,” created with film director Lotte Svendsen, or try “The Lion’s Head,” made in collaboration with actor Søren Hauch-Fausbøll. Lastly, “The Captain’s Coffee” was developed with cyclist Magnus Cort.
We asked Michael Rønnebæk-Rørth a series of questions about the project and his personal connection to Bornholm.

Bornholm has a unique climate in Denmark with more hours of sunshine and higher average temperatures, providing excellent conditions for local ingredients
Michael, how did the idea for Bar 17 come about, and why did you choose to focus on Bornholm?
“For the past three months, I’ve been working on developing the right concepts for SiloCPH, ensuring a strong and cohesive theme. The idea came to me on a trip to visit my mother in Allinge, while I was on the Bornholm ferry reading about the island’s amazing ingredients and restaurants. I thought that since gastronomy and restaurants have been the focus for so long, it could be fun to create a bar that tells the Bornholm story. And since Silo’s bar manager Oliver is also from Bornholm, just like me, it made perfect sense for the focal point of the bar on the 17th floor to revolve around Bornholm.”
Your past speaks for itself when it comes to Bornholm, but how would you describe your relationship with the island today?
“I love Bornholm, and my mother still lives there. I visit the island throughout the year and spend my summer vacation in Allinge with my family during week 29 every year. I was chairman of Regional Food Culture Bornholm for two years, where I visited Bornholm multiple times a month. When my chairmanship ended, I could feel that I needed a ‘Bornholm break.’ At that time, I also ran the Bornholm-inspired restaurant Koefoed, and I frequently traveled to the island to visit producers.”

Michael Rønnebæk-Rørth
The atmosphere is international, and many guests say it feels like sitting in New York or another major city at night, looking out at all the city lights
How has the collaboration with Lotte Svendsen, Søren Hauch-Fausbøll, and Magnus Cort been?
“Considering Bornholm’s size, it’s impressive that the island has produced so many skilled professionals, athletes, and cultural figures. In my book, Lotte, Søren, and Magnus are legends in their respective fields, who have brought joy and inspiration to generations of Danes. It makes so much sense to honor them, toast to them, and everything they’ve contributed with these special cocktails. They’ve been super cool and collaborative, and I’m deeply grateful for that.”
What is your favorite ingredient from Bornholm?
“Definitely mulberries, which grow wild on Bornholm. Try making a crumble cake with mulberries—it’s amazing.”
Bornholm plays a significant role on Denmark’s gastronomic map. Why do you think the island is so interesting gastronomically?
“Bornholm has a unique climate in Denmark, with more hours of sunshine and higher average temperatures, which provide great conditions for ingredients. When you also have a lot of passionate individuals who love to promote and work with Bornholm ingredients, it increases interest from outside. I wouldn’t necessarily say that our work in Regional Food Culture Bornholm paved the way 10–12 years ago, but our mission was to make Bornholm a gastronomic experience beyond the ordinary in Denmark.”
How would you describe Bar 17 to someone visiting for the first time?
“Come, come, come—17th floor is a must-see and a truly special place. We have a 360-degree panoramic view with floor-to-ceiling windows all around, offering the perfect opportunity to experience Copenhagen from 70 meters up. The atmosphere is international, and many guests say it feels like being in New York or another major city in the evening, looking out at all the city lights.”
What do you hope guests take away from an evening at Bar 17?
“I really hope they feel like they’ve been at a bar with a great storytelling concept, in fantastic surroundings, and with an amazing view.”
Get smarter, faster!
Få dontt.dks nyhedsbrev gratis tilsendt: Du kan få vores ugentlige opdatering gratis om kultur, branding, iværksætteri & inspiration med udgangspunktet fra København.