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
Slemmegrav
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Bornholms Ø-arkiv
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Den russiske bjørn
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Ronne Lighthouse
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Vang Pier
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Klintebakken
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Melsted Havn
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Domen
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Louisenlund
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Midterpilt
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Geografisk knudepunkt
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Kanonstilling G3
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Snogebæk Havn
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bornholms Rovfugleshow
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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.
Kræmmerhuset Kunsthåndværk
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Præstemosen shelter, Klemensker
4.2 km
Free bog-side shelter in Bornholm's moraine landscape—rustic Nordic wilderness for one night.
Bagågraven
4.3 km
A former coastal clay pit turned wild hollow, where Jurassic layers, dinosaur history and Baltic waves meet just north of Rønne on Bornholm.
The Brogård stone
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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.
Kultippen Hasle
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A stark, moonlike coal tip above a soft Baltic beach, where Bornholm’s industrial past meets wild forest and wide, west-coast horizons.
Hasle Strand
5.6 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.
Bornholms Museum
5.8 km
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Erichsens Gård
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Hjorths Fabrik
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Jættebolden
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Bornholms Center for Kunsthåndværk - Grønbechs Gård
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St Nicholas Church
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Bornholm
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Svartingedalen
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Essential places to dine
Râzapâz
5.9 km
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Snurra
5.9 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Texas Bornholm
5.9 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.
Café-Munter
6.0 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.
Hovedvagten
6.1 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
6.1 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.
Hasle Smokehouse
6.1 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.
Det Røde Pakhus
6.2 km
Modern Bornholm cuisine in a historic red warehouse, where harbour and forest ingredients meet thoughtful cooking in the heart of Rønne.
Restaurant Bolsterbjerg v/Lola Mortensen
7.8 km
Countryside Danish cooking in a leafy Bornholm garden, where classic comfort dishes meet a tranquil event‑ready setting just outside Rønne.
The Ranch
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Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Christianshøjkroen
9.0 km
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Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
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Le Port i Vang på Bornholm
12.3 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
12.7 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.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
15.0 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Bornholm Farm Shop
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Torvehal Bornholm
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Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
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Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
5.8 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.
People-Fashion.dk
5.9 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Rønne, blending slow fashion, natural fabrics and easy Nordic style with Bornholm’s relaxed island atmosphere.
Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
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Bornholm's trusted menswear specialist on the heart of Rønne's main shopping street.
William Dams Bookstore
6.1 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.
Dansk
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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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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sNoir
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KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
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Scandinavia's coolest toy destination where children explore, play, and discover their next favorite adventure.
Snellemark Centret
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Bornholm's main shopping destination, conveniently located near the ferry terminal in charming Rønne.
Bornholmsk Pileflet
6.8 km
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Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
12.3 km
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Sparloppan
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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
Pølse baren på Campus Bornholm
5.0 km
Casual sausage bar on Campus Bornholm serving traditional Danish pølser to students and visitors.
O'Malley
6.0 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.
Den Marinerede Sild
6.1 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 Lille Per
6.1 km
Local bodega charm on Rønne’s central square, where simple drinks, easygoing vibes and everyday Bornholm life meet in one relaxed café-bar.
Krystal Bodega
6.1 km
No‑frills local pub in central Rønne, serving cold beers, bar games and late‑night Bornholm atmosphere in classic Danish bodega style.
Café 18
6.1 km
Casual bodega and cocktail bar where Rønne locals gather for coffee, conversation, and evening drinks.
Ølhuzed ApS
6.4 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.
Cabaret Bornholm
11.3 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.
Dagligstuen
12.3 km
Aakirkeby's unpretentious beer hall and community gathering space on the main square.
Buddha Bar
12.3 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.
Penyllan Brewery
12.9 km
Harbourfront craft brewery on Bornholm’s north coast, blending barrel-aged beer, Nordic flavours and Baltic sea views in a relaxed, intimate taproom.
Provianten
15.2 km
Cozy harbor-side wine bar and eatery in Gudhjem, blending thoughtful drinks, simple honest food and Bornholm’s relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Pilen bar & bodega
15.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar in central Allinge, serving cold beers, hearty plates and laid‑back Bornholm nightlife from lunchtime until late.
Ølstauan
15.6 km
Harbourside Bornholm bar where local craft beers, hearty Danish comfort food and Baltic Sea views come together in a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Underbar
16.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Doiazd7 Do Ronne
5.7 km
Compact island nightclub bringing late-night beats, colourful lights and an easygoing local crowd to the harbour town of Rønne on Bornholm.
Palæcafeen
5.9 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
6.1 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
6.3 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
- 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
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
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
