Østerlars Church (Østerlars Rundkirke)
Denmark’s largest round church, Østerlars blends 12th‑century stone fortification, vivid medieval frescoes and Viking rune stones in a single atmospheric Bornholm landmark.
Østerlars Church on Bornholm is Denmark’s largest and likely oldest round church, a striking whitewashed Romanesque landmark dating from the mid‑12th century. Originally built as both sanctuary and fortification, it combines massive circular stone walls, a hollow central pillar, and a separate bell tower in a peaceful churchyard. Inside, 14th‑century frescoes circle the core column with vivid biblical scenes and Judgment Day imagery, while rune stones and upper levels hint at the island’s Viking past and medieval defensive role.
A brief summary to Østerlars Church
- Vietsvej 25, Gudhjem, 3760, DK
- +4540384206
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring a light jacket even in summer; the thick stone walls keep the circular interior noticeably cooler than the outside air.
- Have a few Danish kroner or a payment card ready for the modest entrance fee charged outside service times.
- If you plan to climb to the upper levels, wear stable shoes and be prepared for narrow, steep stairways built into the walls.
- Build in extra time to study the 14th‑century fresco cycle on the central pillar; walking around it slowly reveals the biblical story scene by scene.
- Pause by the rune stones inside the porch and in the churchyard to trace the bridge between Bornholm’s Viking era and its Christian middle ages.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Gudhjem town
From central Gudhjem, driving to Østerlars Church typically takes about 10–15 minutes, following the main inland road across the short distance between town and church. Expect straightforward, well‑paved roads with occasional slow‑moving local traffic and cyclists. Parking is usually available in a designated area near the churchyard, and there is no separate parking fee, but spaces can fill up quickly in peak summer hours.
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Local bus within Bornholm
Bornholm’s regional buses link Gudhjem and nearby villages with stops a short walk from Østerlars Church, with journeys usually taking 10–20 minutes depending on the route and season. A single adult ticket on these local buses is generally in the range of 25–40 DKK, with services running more frequently in summer and less often in winter. Check current timetables in advance, as evening and weekend departures may be limited.
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Cycling from Gudhjem and surroundings
The gently hilly countryside around Gudhjem makes cycling to Østerlars Church a popular choice, with typical travel times of 20–35 minutes from Gudhjem depending on fitness and wind conditions. Dedicated bike routes and minor roads reduce interaction with faster car traffic, though there are some short climbs as you head inland. Renting a bicycle for a half or full day on Bornholm usually costs around 80–200 DKK, and you can leave bikes in informal parking areas near the church entrance.
Østerlars Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Østerlars Church
A round white fortress in the Bornholm countryside
Østerlars Church rises from the rolling landscape of Bornholm like a whitewashed stone drum, capped with a dark conical roof and encircled by a quiet graveyard. Built around the mid‑1100s and dedicated to St Lawrence, it is the largest and probably the oldest of the island’s four medieval round churches. Its unusual circular plan immediately reads more like a compact fortress than a typical village church. The structure is Romanesque at heart: thick fieldstone walls resting on local limestone foundations, small original window openings later enlarged, and sturdy buttresses added in the 16th century to brace the outer wall. A separate, squat bell tower in the churchyard once served as a gate tower, underlining the building’s defensive purpose when seaborne threats loomed across the Baltic.Defensive design and mysterious central column
Step inside and the building’s military logic becomes clear. The large round nave, about sixteen metres across, is wrapped around a massive hollow central pillar sometimes called “the oven.” Higher levels once functioned as galleries and, in the top storey, as an open shooting platform where defenders could observe and, if needed, repel attackers. Narrow stairways are built into the thickness of the walls, leading to upper floors that reveal the layered construction of the church from within. The circular circulation, heavy stonework and dim light give a strong sense of enclosure, as if the architecture were designed as much for siege as for sermon.Medieval frescoes and carved church treasures
The central pillar is encircled by 14th‑century frescoes that read almost like a painted storyboard of the Christian narrative. Beginning with the Annunciation and birth of Christ, the scenes move through key episodes of his life and Passion, ending in a vivid Last Judgment where Christ weighs souls and the damned tumble toward a dragon‑like hellmouth. These murals were limewashed over after the Reformation and only rediscovered and restored in the late 19th and 20th centuries, so their colours and details feel surprisingly fresh. Around them, later furnishings chart changing tastes: a late‑16th‑century pulpit with carved panels, a richly ornamented altarpiece from around 1600, and more recent fittings that allow the church to function as a living parish rather than a static monument.Runestones and traces of earlier faiths
In the porch and churchyard you can see rune stones carved centuries before the church itself. One stone dating from the late Viking age stands outside, while another, slightly later, is incorporated inside the building. Their intertwined animal motifs and runic inscriptions hint at a society in transition from Norse belief to Christianity. Together with the round plan, these stones feed enduring speculation about the site’s deeper past. Some theories link Bornholm’s round churches with the Knights Templar or with medieval observatories, though no firm evidence confirms these ideas. What is certain is that Østerlars occupies a strategic position in the landscape and anchors a long continuum of sacred and symbolic use.Experiencing Østerlars today
Today the church still hosts regular services and ceremonies, while welcoming visitors during posted opening hours. There is usually a small entrance fee for sightseeing, which helps support maintenance of the medieval fabric and frescoes. In quieter moments you may hear only the creak of the timber roof above and the muffled sounds of the wind outside, lending the interior an almost monastic calm. A walk around the churchyard reveals carefully tended graves, stone paths and views across surrounding fields that underline how rural Bornholm still feels. Climbing to the upper levels, where permitted, offers close‑up views of the roof structure and glimpses out over the landscape, connecting the church’s fortified past with its present role as one of Denmark’s most distinctive historic churches.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Melsted Havn
3.9 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Louisenlund
7.8 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
11.9 km
A modest stone cairn marking the highest point of Paradisbakkerne, Midterpilt is a quiet waypoint on Bornholm’s wildest woodland and heathland hiking routes.
Klintebakken
12.5 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Domen
16.1 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Slemmegrav
16.3 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Vang Pier
16.8 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
17.9 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Den russiske bjørn
18.2 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Ronne Lighthouse
18.7 km
A slender white cast-iron lighthouse above Rønne’s harbour, once a vital guiding light and now a simple, elegant symbol of Bornholm’s maritime gateway.
Asylcenter Rønne & Segen
18.7 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Destination Bornholm ApS
18.9 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Snogebæk Havn
19.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Geografisk knudepunkt
19.2 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Bornholmertarnet
20.2 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Bornholmertarnet, a unique landmark and museum in Nexø, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bornholms Middelaldercenter
0.6 km
Step into a re‑created medieval Bornholm of manors, mills, craftsmen and archers, where hands‑on history, island scenery and family‑friendly storytelling meet.
Stavehøl vandfald ved Kobbeå
1.2 km
Bornholm’s Kobbeå river plunges in a nearly seven‑metre drop through a wooded gorge at Stavehøl, blending rugged rock, forest calm and subtle traces of railway history.
Kobbeådalen
3.0 km
A dramatic rift valley where granite cliffs, cascading waters, and ancient woodland create Bornholm's most enchanting natural sanctuary.
Gaarden: Melstedgård - Madkulturhus - Skafferiet
3.6 km
Experience authentic Bornholm farm life through hands-on traditions, animals, and local food culture.
Salene Gravplads (oldtid)
4.4 km
Discover the diverse landscapes and rich history of Slotslyngen, Bornholm's captivating natural reserve.
Rø Plantage
4.6 km
Ancient forests, hidden fortresses, and serene lakes in Bornholm's tranquil woodland sanctuary.
Hestestenene
4.6 km
Four ancient standing stones on a Bornholm cliff-top, where sea views, coastal wind and enduring legends of horses and sacrifice animate a quiet historic stop.
Gudhjem Hostel Cafe-Bar
4.6 km
Historic harbor-side hostel and laid-back summer café-bar in the heart of Gudhjem, offering relaxed rooms, communal spaces and breezy Baltic Sea views.
Helligdomsklipperne - Vandretur Start
4.7 km
Unassuming harbour rocks at Nørresand mark the start of a classic Bornholm coastal hike from Gudhjem to the dramatic Sanctuary Cliffs of Helligdomsklipperne.
Røverborgen
4.7 km
A windswept granite outcrop on Gudhjem’s edge, Røverborgen pairs Baltic sea views with a playful “Robbers’ Castle” legend in a compact, atmospheric stop.
Oluf Høst Museum
4.7 km
An intimate artist’s home and hillside garden where Oluf Høst’s paintings hang exactly where they were created, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Gudhjem.
Rø Transmitter
4.9 km
Explore Kanonstilling G3, a rare WWII German coastal artillery battery near Nexø, Bornholm—authentic bunkers, artillery, and sweeping Baltic Sea views await history enthusiasts.
Randkløve Skår
5.0 km
A dramatic granite gorge on Bornholm’s east coast, where a deep cleft in the cliffs frames raw Baltic seascapes, rugged trails and quietly powerful coastal nature.
Bornholms Brand Park
5.7 km
Intimate forest-fringed harness racing on Bornholm, blending island tradition, family-friendly fun and close-up action on a compact 580m trotting track.
Bornholm
6.1 km
Dramatic cliffs, dune-soft beaches and round churches meet creative harbour towns on Denmark’s sunniest Baltic island, a compact escape rich in nature and history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
4.2 km
Hearty portions and classic Danish comfort food on the sunny slopes above Gudhjem’s harbour, ideal for a generous lunch or relaxed, no‑nonsense dinner.
Spektakel-bar
4.5 km
Leafy courtyard dining in central Gudhjem, where a focused menu, good drinks and only-outdoor seating create one of Bornholm’s cosiest evening hangouts.
Norresan
4.7 km
Converted smokery café with sunset views, coffee, ice cream, and unhurried harbor charm.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
5.9 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Christianshøjkroen
6.6 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
7.7 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Stammershalle Badehotel
9.7 km
Historic 1911 seaside bathing hotel on Bornholm’s wild north coast, pairing Baltic Sea panoramas and rocky swims with refined Nordic dining and quiet coastal charm.
Svaneke Bryghus Restaurant
12.0 km
Historic brewery restaurant where organic craft beer and seasonal Nordic cuisine unite in rustic refinement.
Vinøst wine bar & restaurant
12.0 km
French-inspired natural wine bar on Svaneke’s cobbled square, pairing intimate candlelit ambience with a serious bottle list and refined small plates.
Svaneke Røgeri
12.1 km
Traditional Bornholm fish smokehouse and casual seaside restaurant in Svaneke, combining alder-smoked seafood, hearty buffets and open-air Baltic views.
Restaurant Pakhuset
12.1 km
Hearty steak-and-pasta classics, local Bornholm flavours and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere inside a characterful old warehouse in central Svaneke.
Restaurant Siemsens Gaard
12.2 km
Nordic cuisine in a 16th-century harbour house with Baltic Sea views and craft beer expertise.
Tre Tjenere Restaurant
12.2 km
Authentic Nordic cuisine and harbor views in Svaneke's most celebrated restaurant.
The Ranch
14.3 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Nordbornholms Røgeri Butik & Restaurant
15.3 km
Bornholm's largest fish buffet on the cliffs, where smoked seafood and Baltic views define island dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sæbemageriet Bornholm
0.1 km
Intimate soap workshop-boutique in Østerlars, where Bornholm’s landscapes are translated into handcrafted bars, gentle scents and cosy, small-batch island charm.
Baltic Sea Glass
3.0 km
Renowned Bornholm glass studio and gallery where molten sand, Baltic light, and island-inspired design become elegant, hand-blown works of art.
Klippeøens Gårdbutik
3.9 km
Spacious Bornholm farm shop on the rocky east coast, mixing English country fashion, Italian dresses and homey gifts in a cosy countryside setting all year round.
Janne K
4.3 km
Intimate Scandinavian clothing and lifestyle boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, pairing Nordic style with a Bornholm coastal sensibility in a calm, curated space.
Lifestone
4.4 km
A cosy seaside boutique on Gudhjem’s main street, blending relaxed Scandinavian fashion with the everyday charm of Bornholm’s most dramatic harbour town.
Førder Bornholm
4.5 km
Curated fashion and gourmet finds in Gudhjem's charming harbor village.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
7.1 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
10.3 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
My Home Furniture Ronne
11.2 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Sparloppan
11.5 km
Quirky flea market, art gallery and cosy café gathered on one floor above Aakirkeby’s town square, mixing retro treasures, local creativity and relaxed Bornholm hygge.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
12.0 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Art Box Bornholm
12.2 km
Compact gallery, design shop and creative supply store in Svaneke, distilling Bornholm’s coastal character into bold prints, maps, jewellery and art materials.
Reflax
12.2 km
Elegant Nordic minimalism in natural fibers, where timeless design meets contemporary edge.
Karamelleriet ApS
12.2 km
Handcrafted caramels and fudge in a working factory overlooking Svaneke's harbor.
Torvehal Bornholm
17.6 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Provianten
4.6 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Buddha Bar
11.5 km
Relaxed, Asian‑tinged bar on Aakirkeby’s central square, ideal for casual drinks, simple bites and unhurried people‑watching at the heart of inland Bornholm.
Dagligstuen
11.5 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Penyllan Brewery
11.8 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Madvig
12.1 km
Intimate Bornholm wine and cocktail bar in Svaneke’s old streets, pouring carefully chosen bottles and classic drinks in a warm, candlelit setting.
Søllings Bodega
12.1 km
Traditional Danish bodega in Svaneke's town square, where locals gather for games, conversation, and authentic pub culture.
Cabaret Bornholm
12.9 km
Intimate cocktail and tapas bar bringing a touch of cabaret flair and late‑night atmosphere to the quiet coastal town of Allinge on Bornholm.
Mikkeller Aarsdale
13.6 km
Seasonal seaside craft beer bar and burger spot in a former smokehouse on Bornholm’s Aarsdale harbour, pairing inventive taps with relaxed Baltic Sea views.
Pilen bar & bodega
15.5 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
15.7 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
The Golden Rooster
16.2 km
Authentic Danish bodega serving hearty traditional fare with harbor views in central Nexø.
Ølhuzed ApS
16.3 km
Cosy craft beer bar in the heart of Hasle, pouring Bornholm brews and European favourites with simple tapas, nachos and an easygoing neighbourhood vibe.
Slævasted
16.4 km
Ultra-casual harbor bar in Nexø with quirky décor, cheap drinks and a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished pub.
Underbar
16.9 km
Intimate cliffside bar beneath Hotel Nordlandet, where Nordic cocktails, candlelight and big Baltic horizons turn Bornholm’s wild north coast into your living room.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
17.3 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
17.9 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
18.2 km
No‑frills late‑night disco bar in central Rønne, mixing local bodega charm with loud music, dancing and affordable drinks on Bornholm’s main island.
Musikhuzet
18.4 km
Bornholm’s Musikhuzet in central Rønne offers an ever-changing lineup of live concerts, cultural performances, and community events in a buzzing local landmark venue.
After Dark
18.6 km
Compact weekend nightclub bringing big-city beats, DJ-driven dancing and a lively bar atmosphere to the otherwise quiet island town of Rønne on Bornholm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly