St Nicholas Church (Skt. Nicolai Kirke), Rønne
Historic hilltop parish church above Rønne’s harbour, blending 13th‑century roots, Bornholm granite craft and a living musical tradition in a serene Baltic setting.
Rising above the harbour on a low hill, St Nicholas Church is Rønne’s main Lutheran parish church and one of Bornholm’s key landmarks. Dating back to the late 13th century, the cruciform church has a distinctive tower, granite floor, medieval baptismal font and a serene, light-filled interior. Between services and frequent concerts, it offers a calm pause amid the island capital’s streets, with glimpses over red rooftops and the busy harbour below.
A brief summary to St Nicholas Church
- Kirkepladsen 20, Rønne, 3700, DK
- +4556953695
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Step close to the 14th‑century Gotland baptismal font and walk slowly around it to appreciate the carving and centuries of wear.
- Take a few minutes in the churchyard for harbour views and photos of the distinctive tower against Rønne’s red rooftops.
- Check current opening hours in advance, as access can vary on Sundays and during services or private ceremonies.
- If visiting in late summer, look for organ or choir concerts, which showcase the building’s acoustics and musical life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Rønne
From Rønne’s main commercial streets or the central square, allow 5–15 minutes to walk up to St Nicholas Church along gently rising cobbled lanes. The route is short but includes some uphill stretches and uneven surfaces, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility or wheeled luggage. Walking is free and ideal for combining the visit with nearby museums and historic streets.
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From Rønne ferry and cruise quay by shuttle or on foot
If you arrive by ferry or cruise ship, seasonal shuttle buses often run between the quay and the town centre in about 5–10 minutes at no extra charge as part of port services. From the drop‑off point in central Rønne, the church is a further 5–10 minute walk uphill. Alternatively, walking directly from the quay to the church takes around 25–30 minutes at a leisurely pace on paved paths with some gradients.
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Local bus from Bornholm towns to Rønne
Regular regional buses connect towns such as Nexø, Aakirkeby and Allinge with Rønne in roughly 30–60 minutes depending on distance. A single adult ticket typically costs about 30–60 DKK, with services running more frequently on weekdays and during summer. Most buses stop at Rønne’s central bus station; from there, expect a 10–15 minute walk with mild uphill sections to reach the church.
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Taxi from elsewhere on Bornholm
Taxis provide flexible access from villages, guesthouses or Bornholm Airport, which lies just outside Rønne. Journeys of 5–20 km usually take 10–25 minutes and cost in the region of 150–350 DKK depending on distance, time of day and any baggage surcharges. Taxis can drop you close to the church square, but availability may be limited late at night or off‑season, so advance booking is advisable.
St Nicholas Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about St Nicholas Church
The hilltop church watching over Rønne’s harbour
St Nicholas Church, or Skt. Nicolai Kirke, stands on a rise just above Rønne’s harbour, one of the first silhouettes you notice as ferries glide into Bornholm’s main port. Its green-capped tower and cruciform outline anchor the townscape of red roofs and cobbled lanes below. Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, it has long guided seafarers visually and spiritually as they approached the island’s safe waters. From the churchyard you can look down towards the harbour and out to the Baltic, a reminder of how closely Bornholm’s fortunes have always been tied to the sea. The setting feels both central and slightly removed: only a few steps from the town’s shops and cafés, yet elevated enough to feel like a lookout and retreat.Centuries of change from medieval chapel to island landmark
The story of St Nicholas Church begins around 1275, when a modest chapel was first built on this site, soon after Rønne was established as a market town. Over the centuries the building was enlarged and reshaped, gradually becoming the main church of the growing community. Towers and cross aisles were added as needs and architectural tastes evolved, turning the original chapel into a substantial cruciform church. A major restoration in the 1910s gave the church much of its present appearance. Rather than erasing the past, the work pulled together different historical layers into a coherent whole. The result is a building that feels both timeworn and carefully maintained, with medieval roots visible beneath a more modern Nordic clarity.An interior of Bornholm granite and quiet craftsmanship
Stepping inside, you meet an interior that balances simplicity with fine detail. The floor is laid in local Bornholm granite, its muted tones and subtle texture grounding the space in the island’s geology. Light filters through restrained stained glass, illuminating white walls, painted woodwork and the distinctive Bornholm-style pulpit added during the early 20th-century restoration. One of the most treasured pieces is the baptismal font, carved around 1350 and brought from Gotland. Its age and soft wear contrast with newer fittings, embodying the long continuity of worship here. Look up to notice chandeliers and ship models – maritime votive offerings that echo the church’s dedication to St Nicholas and the lives of generations who sailed from this harbour.Music, moments of reflection and seasonal life
Beyond regular services, St Nicholas Church has a strong musical life. Organ recitals and choral concerts are held throughout the year, with international organ performances particularly associated with the late summer period. The acoustics of the vaulted interior lend warmth and resonance to both organ and voice, turning an architectural visit into an auditory experience. Between events, the church is often open as a quiet haven. You might encounter a guide sharing stories about the building’s history, or simply find a pew to sit and absorb the atmosphere while the town hums outside. In winter the space feels protective and candlelit; in summer, cool and airy, with doors opening to the bright Baltic light.Exploring the churchyard and the town around it
Outside, the compact churchyard wraps around the building, dotted with gravestones and mature trees. It offers short paths and viewpoints where you can pause, read inscriptions and take in vistas of the harbour, cruise quay and the older quarters of Rønne. The church’s dominant position has made it a natural reference point when exploring the town’s network of lanes and traditional houses. Because of its central location, a visit to St Nicholas Church easily combines with nearby museums, historic streets and small parks. Whether you come for the architecture, the music, the views or a few minutes of stillness, the church connects many strands of Bornholm’s story: maritime trade, religious tradition, craftsmanship and the resilience of an island community on the Baltic frontier.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ronne Lighthouse
0.1 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
0.5 km
Experience community living at Asylcenter Rønne & Segen, a unique apartment-style accommodation in beautiful Bornholm, Denmark.
Destination Bornholm ApS
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting Danish island of Bornholm, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural traditions and unforgettable experiences await.
Den russiske bjørn
0.6 km
Explore the enchanting Den russiske bjørn in Rønne, a unique tourist attraction steeped in local culture and history, perfect for memorable experiences.
Bornholms Ø-arkiv
0.7 km
Bornholm's premier archive preserving centuries of island genealogy and local history.
Slemmegrav
2.5 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Slemmegrav, a hidden gem in Rønne, Denmark, perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Klintebakken
14.1 km
A billion-year geological journey where ancient granite meets younger sandstone at Bornholm's most scientifically significant fault line.
Vang Pier
16.4 km
Granite monument and sandy beach where Bornholm's industrial past meets modern recreation.
Domen
21.2 km
Geometric wooden dome on Allinge’s seafront, blending Baltic views, Folkemødet history and flexible cultural life in one striking, light-filled shell.
Melsted Havn
21.6 km
An authentic 1884 granite harbour preserving Bornholm's fishing heritage between protective skerries.
Geografisk knudepunkt
22.2 km
Where latitude and longitude meet: Denmark's geographic heart on the Bornholm coast.
Louisenlund
23.9 km
Over 50 ancient standing stones in a mystical woodland setting, revealing Bornholm's Neolithic ritual landscape.
Midterpilt
25.0 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.
Snogebæk Havn
28.1 km
Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Svaneke Havn
28.7 km
Experience the serene beauty and cultural charm of Svaneke Havn, a picturesque marina on the enchanting island of Bornholm, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hjorths Fabrik
0.4 km
Step into a 19th‑century ceramics factory in central Rønne where kilns still glow, clay still turns on the wheel, and 150 years of Bornholm stoneware come to life.
Erichsens Gård
0.5 km
Step through a low timbered doorway into 19th‑century Bornholm life, where a merchant’s home and secret garden in Rønne quietly preserve stories of art, family and island culture.
Bornholms Museum
0.5 km
Bornholm’s cultural heart in Rønne, where gold hoards, island clocks, and wartime stories trace 10,000 years of Baltic island history under one roof.
Bornholm Airport
4.7 km
Denmark's state-operated island gateway connecting Bornholm to Copenhagen and beyond.
Bagågraven
5.9 km
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
Slaus Stene
6.1 km
A whimsical forest of granite faces and folklore near Rønne, where local craftsman Slaus carved myths, trolls and stories into the Bornholm woods.
New Church
6.4 km
Historic seafaring heritage and coastal resilience at an evocative museum on Nexø’s bustling harbor, revealing Bornholm’s maritime stories and post-war rebuilding.
Kultippen Hasle
8.0 km
A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Nylars Church
8.0 km
Discover Bornholm’s dramatic maritime, wartime, and everyday history in a harborside museum filled with evocative exhibitions and authentic local stories.
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
8.0 km
Immersive birds-of-prey shows and evolution-themed encounters on Bornholm, where owls, falcons, reptiles and farm animals turn science into a full, family-friendly day out.
Hasle Strand
8.4 km
Long west-coast sands, quiet dunes and pine-backed shoreline where Bornholm’s soft side meets big Baltic sunsets just south of the harbor town of Hasle.
Lundestenen Jættestue
8.5 km
Quietly resting in a Bornholm field, Lundestenen Jættestue invites you into one of Denmark’s largest Stone Age passage graves for a brief, evocative step back in time.
The Brogård stone
9.0 km
Bornholm’s largest Viking runestone, standing quietly by a country road near Hasle, where clear runes in granite still tell a thousand-year-old story.
Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
9.4 km
A historic merchant’s house in Hasle transformed into Bornholm’s vibrant hub for contemporary ceramics, glass and design – with galleries, shop and café under one roof.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
10.0 km
A historic Bornholm schoolhouse where island ceramics, textiles and a 7,000 m² flower garden come together in a relaxed, countryside craft and garden escape.
Essential places to dine
Det Røde Pakhus
0.3 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Hovedvagten
0.3 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
0.3 km
A cosy Italian pearl in the heart of Rønne, serving generous pizzas, pastas and island‑evening warmth under the glow of a neighbourhood trattoria.
Café-Munter
0.4 km
Lively all-day café on Rønne’s main square, serving hearty comfort food, great coffee and cakes with a front-row view of Bornholm’s everyday life.
Texas Bornholm
0.6 km
Hearty American comfort food, cold drinks and year‑round street‑side seating in the middle of Rønne’s bustling pedestrian heart on the island of Bornholm.
Snurra
0.6 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Râzapâz
0.6 km
Natural wine, seasonal plates and bohemian charm come together at this intimate Rønne spiseri, where Bornholm’s culinary energy is poured by the glass.
Hasle Smokehouse
9.0 km
Historic alderwood smokehouses on Bornholm’s west coast, where traditional smoked fish, casual dining and Baltic Sea views meet in one atmospheric seaside stop.
The Ranch
13.0 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
13.0 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
13.3 km
Hearty Danish lunches and giant tartlets served in a cozy forest inn beside Bornholm’s echo valley, perfectly paired with walks in Almindingen.
Christianshøjkroen
13.5 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
16.8 km
Clifftop gourmet dining on Bornholm’s wild northwest coast, where refined French‑Nordic cuisine meets sweeping Baltic Sea sunsets over Vang and Hammershus.
Stammershalle Badehotel
18.9 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.
Kadeau Bornholm
20.2 km
Remote, refined and deeply Bornholm at heart, this seaside cottage restaurant turns island gardens, shorelines and smokehouses into an immersive New Nordic tasting journey.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
A small, colorful universe of Scandinavian-designed gifts, gadgets and creative essentials in the heart of Rønne, perfect for playful souvenirs and practical finds.
William Dams Bookstore
0.3 km
One of Denmark’s oldest family-run bookshops, blending 19th‑century heritage, live culture and 20,000+ books in the heart of Rønne’s main square.
sNoir
0.4 km
Cosy Bornholm lifestyle boutique for women, offering inclusive sizes, Scandinavian-inspired fashion, lingerie and accessories in the heart of Rønne’s Snellemark centre.
KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
0.4 km
Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
0.4 km
Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
0.5 km
Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
People-Fashion.dk
0.6 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
0.6 km
Volunteer-run thrift shop in central Rønne, where low-priced second-hand clothing and curios support local church social work and sustainable shopping on Bornholm.
Dansk
1.1 km
Relaxed, value-focused clothing outlet in Rønne offering practical Danish fashion and everyday basics for the whole family, with a cosy coffee corner on site.
Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
1.3 km
Compact but expertly stocked fishing specialist in central Rønne, where Bornholm’s anglers gear up, swap tips and prepare for time on the island’s lakes and coasts.
Torvehal Bornholm
1.5 km
Compact Bornholm food hall and roastery café in Rønne, bringing local flavours, natural groceries and island coffee culture together under one relaxed roof.
The Bornholm Farm Shop
8.6 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
13.2 km
A small rural workshop in Klemensker where traditional willow weaving becomes functional art and intimate encounters with Bornholm’s craft heritage unfold.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
14.3 km
Working island flour mill and cozy farm shop where Bornholm grain becomes characterful flour and local delicacies in the heart of Aakirkeby.
Sparloppan
14.6 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café Lille Per
0.3 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Den Marinerede Sild
0.3 km
A snug, Bornholm-flavoured pub on Lille Torv in central Rønne, pouring local craft beers and cocktails in a warm, intimate setting with easy island charm.
Café 18
0.4 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Krystal Bodega
0.4 km
No‑frills local pub in central Rønne, serving cold beers, bar games and late‑night Bornholm atmosphere in classic Danish bodega style.
O'Malley
0.5 km
Cosy Irish pub and sports bar in central Rønne, pouring stout and whiskies, screening live games and hosting lively evenings on Bornholm’s main town square.
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
1.4 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
Ølhuzed ApS
9.5 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.
Dagligstuen
14.5 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
14.6 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.
Cabaret Bornholm
16.9 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.
Penyllan Brewery
18.8 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Pilen bar & bodega
20.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
21.0 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Provianten
21.5 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Underbar
21.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
