churches on bornholm • round churches • landmarks • architecture • history • culture
Churches on Bornholm are unique architectural landmarks — especially the famous Romanesque round churches that draw visitors from all over the world. Set in the island’s scenic Danish landscapes, these historic sanctuaries are an important part of Bornholm’s cultural and religious heritage.
Bornholm is known for remarkable churches — especially the four Romanesque round churches. Built in the 12th century, they served both sacred and defensive purposes, with thick stone walls and a distinctive circular form. The largest and most famous — Østerlars — is known for its murals and impressive central pillar.
Beyond the round churches, the island offers many other historic sanctuaries — from medieval buildings to neo-Romanesque churches. They’re perfect stops if you enjoy history, architecture, and calm, authentic places on Bornholm.
The four round churches are Bornholm’s most iconic medieval architectural treasures.
Østerlars is the largest and best-known round church in Denmark. Built in the 12th century, it served both as a place of worship and a refuge, with thick stone walls and a striking central pillar and gallery. Inside, you can see well-preserved Romanesque murals depicting biblical scenes — a must for lovers of history and art.
Nyker is the smallest of Bornholm’s four defensive Romanesque round churches. Dating back to the 12th century, it combines sacred function with protective design and features well-preserved wall paintings. It’s an atmospheric stop for anyone exploring medieval architecture on the island.
Nylars is among the best-preserved medieval defensive churches on Bornholm. Its robust stone structure reflects its original protective role, while the interior holds some of the oldest and most impressive murals on the island. A key landmark of Bornholm’s cultural heritage.
Olsker is the tallest of the four round churches, known for its slender silhouette and strong stone construction. Built in the 12th century, it functioned both as a church and a refuge in troubled times. Its setting and proportions make it one of Bornholm’s most distinctive medieval sights.
Beyond the round churches, Bornholm offers many churches with fascinating history and architecture. Below you’ll find selected highlights with short descriptions and photos.
St. Nicholas’ Church in Rønne is one of Bornholm’s best-known churches. Its history reaches back to 1275, when a small chapel stood here. The interior is noted for local Bornholm granite flooring, and in August the church often hosts international organ concerts.
Aakirkeby Church is one of Bornholm’s most characteristic landmarks, built around 1150. Its central position at historic crossroads made it the island’s main church for centuries. The bright interior feels simple and elegant, with a Renaissance altarpiece and pulpit adding historic charm.
Allinge Church is a distinctive, yellow-painted church dating to around 1500. Inside you can find plague memorial boards and a Renaissance pulpit, and the church also holds historical items connected to Hammershus.
Bodilsker Church stands out for its freestanding bell tower and the contrast of white walls with red-brown timber details. Inside, you can see two baptismal fonts: one granite and one limestone from Gotland.
Built in 1893, Gudhjem Church stands near the ruins of the 13th-century St. Anne’s Chapel. The church interior includes a late-Gothic altarpiece from around 1475, while the nearby ruins remain a captivating reminder of the site’s older sacred history.
Hasle Church dates back to the 15th century and is known for its red exterior. Inside, look for a late-Gothic altarpiece from around 1510 and a pulpit dating to 1600, both adding strong historic character.
St. James’ Church is among Bornholm’s oldest, with its oldest parts dating to the 11th century. Inside you’ll find the 1846 altarpiece “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” and a historic baptismal font from Gotland, among other preserved furnishings.
This neo-Romanesque church was built in 1882 using massive granite blocks. Much of its interior dates to the construction period, and a major renovation in 1960 preserved its coherent style.
Knudsker Church (c. 1150) is a compact Romanesque church with a classic medieval form. Inside are an altar and pulpit from 1600, repainted in 1760.
Nexø Church is a late-Gothic church dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron of sailors. Its white façade and distinctive Renaissance half-timbered tower make it a recognizable sight in the harbour town.
Pederskirke is a Romanesque church in southern Bornholm, built around 1150. The church and its cemetery, enclosed by a white wall, form a classic feature of the local landscape.
Østermarie offers two unique sites: the newer church from 1891 and the ruins of Gamle Kirke (around 1200). The ruins preserve strong outer walls and make an atmospheric historical stop on a Bornholm route.
Poulsker Church (c. 1250) is unusual because it has no tower — the belfry stands separately. Inside you can see murals from the period of construction, and restorations have revealed older elements around the altar area.
Rø Church was built in 1888 as a copy of a medieval predecessor (around 1200). Inside you’ll find an altar and pulpit from the first half of the 17th century.
Svaneke Church dates back to the 14th century, while its distinctive half-timbered tower was added in 1789. Inside you can see, among other features, a Baroque pulpit from 1683.
Rutsker Church stands at about 130 m above sea level, making it the highest-situated church in Denmark. The contrast between its darker tower and whitewashed walls is striking, and the interior includes historic items linked to Hammershus.
Tejn Church is the island’s newest church (1939–1940), designed with a simple, functional form. Its minimalist architecture and distinctive baptismal font make it memorable despite its modern age.
Vestermarie Church (1885), built of reddish granite, stands on the site of the former Marienkirche. In the churchyard you can see six runestones from the 11th century and a small chapel dating to 1825.
If you’re short on time, start with Østerlars (the most famous, great murals and interior), then add Nylars or Olsker. All four round churches are close enough to combine into an easy mini road trip.
Yes — churches and their surroundings work well on windy or cloudy days. You can usually combine a visit with a short walk nearby, without committing to a full-day activity.
Typically 2–4 hours for all four, depending on whether you go inside and take breaks. Many visitors plan it as a half-day outing and add a coffee or lunch stop along the way.
A car is the fastest, but cycling gives you the best Bornholm vibe. If you’d like to explore actively, use bike rental on Bornholm and build a route with short stretches and photo stops.
Yes — if you prefer a ready-made plan and historical context (without researching on the spot), check guided tours. It’s a great option to see the highlights and learn what makes each place special.
Definitely. Churches make excellent “on the way” stops — easy to pair with viewpoints, towns, and short walks, so your day feels varied and unhurried.
Choose what fits you best: a guided tour (history, context, and a ready itinerary), or bike rental (freedom to explore and the best Bornholm atmosphere).
