Ny Kirke
Bornholm's smallest round church, a 12th-century gem of Romanesque architecture and medieval frescoes.
Ny Kirke is a 12th-century round church in the village of Nyker, approximately 7 km from Rønne on Bornholm. Built in Romanesque style with a distinctive round nave, central pillar, and Gothic porch, it is the smallest and youngest of Bornholm's four round churches. The church features remarkable medieval frescoes depicting the Passion, a 17th-century carved pulpit, and a Romanesque font imported from Gotland. Originally dedicated to All Saints, it remains an important example of medieval Danish ecclesiastical architecture.
A brief summary to New Church
- Nyker, Ellebyvej 1A, Rønne, 3700, DK
- +4556963024
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and experience the interior light at its best, illuminating the medieval frescoes on the central pillar.
- Allow time to examine the 13 Passion panels on the central pillar closely; the simple colour palette and Gothic style reveal details that reward careful observation.
- Check opening hours before visiting, as the church closes on weekends and may have restricted access during religious ceremonies or services.
- Combine your visit with Bornholm's other three round churches—Østerlars, Nylars, and Olsker—to appreciate the architectural variations and defensive features that distinguish them.
- The limestone staircase to the upper storey is uneven and narrow; wear appropriate footwear if you plan to explore both levels of the church.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Rønne
Local buses operate from Rønne town centre to Nyker village, with journey times of approximately 15–20 minutes depending on the route and stops. Services run several times daily on weekdays with reduced frequency on weekends. Fares are approximately 25–35 DKK per journey. Check local timetables for current schedules, as service frequency varies seasonally.
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Bicycle from Rønne
Cycling from Rønne to Nyker is a popular option, covering approximately 7 km on generally flat terrain with good road infrastructure. Journey time is typically 20–30 minutes depending on fitness level and route chosen. Bicycle rentals are available in Rønne from several providers at approximately 50–100 DKK per day. This option offers flexibility and allows exploration of the surrounding countryside.
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Car from Rønne
Driving from Rønne to Nyker takes approximately 10–15 minutes via local roads. Limited parking is available near the church on Ellebyvej. No entrance fee is required, though donations are welcome. This option provides direct access and flexibility for visiting multiple round churches on Bornholm in a single day.
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Guided tour from Rønne
Several tour operators in Rønne offer guided visits to Bornholm's round churches, including Ny Kirke, typically lasting 4–6 hours. Tours generally cost 300–500 DKK per person and include transportation and expert commentary on the island's medieval architecture and history. These tours often combine multiple churches and provide cultural context unavailable to independent visitors.
New Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about New Church
Medieval Romanesque Architecture and Design
Ny Kirke stands as a masterpiece of 12th-century Romanesque design, constructed around 1150 from granite fieldstone with finished limestone accents. The church's most distinctive feature is its circular nave, a design choice that sets it apart from conventional medieval churches. The structure comprises three primary Romanesque elements: a semicircular apse with three windows and a half-domed vault, a rectangular choir featuring a barrel vault, and the iconic round nave topped by a conical roof added in the early 17th century. The building's most striking interior element is the central round pillar, approximately 3 metres in diameter and 265 centimetres high, which rises majestically through both storeys and serves as the visual anchor of the interior space. The church's southern entrance features a remarkable semicircular tympanum carved from a single block of limestone, exemplifying the craftsmanship of the period. A Late Gothic porch, added centuries after the original construction, provides a graceful transition between the exterior and interior. The upper storey, accessed via an uneven limestone staircase from the choir's north wall, remains largely unvaulted with a bumpy floor and drainage scuppers, suggesting it may have originally featured a flat wooden roof rather than serving defensive purposes as some historians once theorized.Artistic Treasures and Medieval Frescoes
The interior walls of Ny Kirke contain some of Bornholm's most significant medieval artwork. A frieze encircling the central pillar is divided into 13 panels depicting scenes from the Passion in early Gothic style, dating to approximately 1300 or slightly later. These frescoes employ a deliberately simple colour palette of white, yellow, red ochre, and moss green, with figures rendered without excessive detail, creating a striking visual narrative that has captivated visitors for centuries. Above the north door, a medallion depicts the Lamb of God with chalice and banner of the cross, accompanied by two panels illustrating the Annunciation. A fresco of Saint Christopher bearing the infant Jesus, probably from the 15th century, once graced the left side of the north door but has since been whitewashed over due to its deteriorated condition. These artistic treasures were discovered by Jakob Kornerup in 1891 and underwent comprehensive restoration by Egmont Lind in 1937, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The frescoes represent a crucial link to Bornholm's religious and artistic heritage, offering insights into medieval devotional practices and aesthetic sensibilities.Liturgical Furnishings and Sacred Objects
The church's moveable furnishings reflect centuries of religious practice and craftsmanship. The pulpit, though reconstructed during recent restoration work, retains its original carved decorations from the early 17th century, created by Hinrich Ringering of Flensburg. Four panels on the pulpit depict key moments in Christian narrative: the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Circumcision. The Romanesque baptismal font in the choir, crafted from grey limestone imported from Gotland, dates to the church's founding period and represents a significant investment in imported materials during the medieval era. The church's chandelier, originally cast in 1594, was restored in 1688 and bears a stylized split double eagle alongside two coats of arms, serving as both functional lighting and heraldic statement. Two bells complete the acoustic landscape: the smaller bell, cast in 1639 for Sallerup Church in Scania, and the larger bell from 1725, cast in Lübeck, together create the distinctive soundscape that has called the faithful to worship for centuries.Historical Significance and Naming
Ny Kirke occupies a unique position among Bornholm's four round churches as both the smallest and youngest, yet it carries profound historical weight. Originally consecrated as "Ecclesia Omnium Sanctorum" (All Saints Church) during the Catholic period, the church received its present name—simply "New Church"—during the Reformation in the middle of the 16th century. This nomenclature reflects not the church's age but rather its status as the most recent addition to Bornholm's medieval ecclesiastical landscape. Unlike some of its sister round churches, Ny Kirke bears minimal evidence of defensive fortification, suggesting it was conceived primarily as a place of worship rather than refuge during times of conflict.Contemporary Access and Visitor Experience
The church remains open to visitors throughout the week, welcoming those interested in medieval architecture, religious art, and Bornholm's cultural heritage. Access is restricted during religious ceremonies including weddings, funerals, and services, ensuring that the church's primary function as an active place of worship is respected. The modest village setting of Nyker provides a peaceful context for contemplation, allowing visitors to experience the church within its original landscape rather than as an isolated museum piece.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hasle Smokehouse
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Det Røde Pakhus
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Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
