Round churches on Bornholm

Østerlars Rundkirke

Even if we're not entirely sure exactly when the round churches were built, Østerlars Rundkirke is considered the oldest of the four on Bornholm. Besides being the oldest round church on the island, Østerlars Rundkirke is also the biggest out of all seven in Denmark.

The church is, in fact, one of the most visited landmarks on all of Bornholm.

For a small admission fee (see below) you can experience the characteristic round shape from inside and behold the beautiful frescoes, which depict scenes from Jesus Christ's life. Behind the alter there is a small staircase that will lead you up to the church's wooden ceiling, from there you get a beautiful view of the landscape surrounding the church as well as a better look at the ceiling's construction.

Personnel have put up detailed information boards around the church, allowing you to get to know its history.

Admission fee: Adult: 25 DKK, Youth (10-18 years): 10 DKK, Child (under 10 years): Free.
Address: Vietsvej 25, 3760 Gudhjem.

Olsker Rundkirke

Standing 28 meters tall, Olsker Rundkirke is the tallest of the island's four round churches. The church was built around 1150, and has since been rebuilt and reinforced multiple times. Most recently in the middle of the 1900s.

For 10 DKK you can enter and experience the church from inside. It's quite fun to see the round shape from inside and how it was designed to house as many church-goers as possible during service.

The church is open for visitors between 8 AM and 5 PM almost every day. Just like the rest of the round churches on Bornholm, Olsker Rundkirke is closed for visitors during private services.

Admission fee: 10 DKK.
Address: Rønnevej 51, 3770 Allinge.

Nyker Rundkirke

Nyker Rundkirke, also called Nykirke, is believed to have been built in the early 1200s. However, as goes for all of them, it is not accurately known. It is said that Nyker Kirke is the youngest of the island's round churches, and to boot it is also the smallest.

In the Middle Ages, the church was called Allehelgens Kirke (All Saint's Day Church) and was devoted to the celebrations and memorials of deceased Christians. It became known as Nykirke in the 16th century.

For a small fee you can come inside and explore it. The frescoes are in particular an exciting experience. They are believed to have been made somewhere between 1250-1300s,  divided into 13 parts with motifs of Christ's suffering, namely the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension.

The church is open for visitors Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM in the period from Easter to Autumn (week 42). The church is closed for visitors during private services, such as weddings and funerals.

Admission fee: 10 kr.
Address: Ellebyvej 1A, 3700 Rønne.

Nylars Rundkirke

Nylars Rundkirke is considered to be the best preserved round church on Bornholm, and is definitely worth a visit. The church is believed to have been built around 1160, but received its iconic tip in the 1600s.

Originally the church was devoted to Sankt Nikolaus af Myra, who was the saint of seafarers, which confirms the congregation's connection to the sea.

On the frescoes inside you will find the story of Adam and Eve in 7 parts; about their creation, their fall into sin, and exile from Eden. In the armory, added in 1879, there are two runestones, one of which dates back to ca. 1050.

The church is open every day, all year, from 8 AM to 6 PM. There's no admission fee for visitors. Closed during private services.

Address: Kirkevej 10K, 3720 Aakirkeby.