Nylars Rundkirke
Medieval fortress and artistic masterpiece—Bornholm's finest round church with stunning 12th-century frescoes.
Nylars Rundkirke is Bornholm's best-preserved round church, built around 1160 and dedicated to St. Nicholas. This fortress-like medieval structure features walls over two meters thick, stunning 12th-century Romanesque frescoes depicting the Creation and Fall of Man, and a distinctive central pillar. Originally serving both religious and defensive purposes, the church remains a masterpiece of medieval Scandinavian architecture and one of the island's most visited landmarks.
A brief summary to Nylars Church
- Nylars, Kirkevej 10K, Aakirkeby, 3720, DK
- +4556999003
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit outside of service hours for free entry and uninterrupted exploration of the interior frescoes and architectural details.
- Allow time to study the central pillar's Romanesque frescoes depicting the Creation and Fall of Man—these are among the finest medieval artworks on the island.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Almindingen forest, Rokkestenen (the rocking stone), and the town of Aakirkeby to experience Bornholm's interior landscape.
- Parking and restrooms are available on site, making this an accessible stop for all visitors exploring the island.
- The church's thick stone walls and circular design create a unique acoustic and spatial experience—take time to appreciate how the architecture shapes the interior atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Parking Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By Car from Rønne
Drive south from Rønne on Road 38 toward Aakirkeby, approximately 15 kilometers. Continue toward Nylars village, following local signage. The church is located at Kirkevej 10K, 3720 Aakirkeby. Journey time is approximately 20–25 minutes. Free parking is available on site near the church entrance.
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By Bicycle from Aakirkeby
Well-marked cycling routes connect Aakirkeby directly to Nylars. The route is peaceful and partly runs through green agricultural areas. Distance is approximately 8–10 kilometers from Aakirkeby town center. Journey time is approximately 30–40 minutes depending on terrain and fitness level. This is an ideal option for experiencing Bornholm's interior landscape.
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By Car from Dueodde
From Dueodde in the south, drive north through Pedersker on local roads toward Aakirkeby, then continue to Nylars village. Total distance is approximately 20 kilometers. Journey time is approximately 25–30 minutes. The route passes through rural Bornholm and provides context for understanding the church's medieval setting.
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By Bicycle from Rønne
Cycling routes from Rønne to Nylars are well-marked and peaceful, passing through green areas and small villages. Distance is approximately 12–15 kilometers. Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes. This option allows you to experience the transition from the island's main town to its quieter interior.
Nylars Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nylars Church
A Fortress of Faith: Medieval Architecture and Purpose
Nylars Rundkirke stands as a remarkable testament to 12th-century medieval engineering and religious devotion. Built around 1160 and dedicated to St. Nicholas, this round church represents one of only four such structures on Bornholm, each constructed during the turbulent medieval period when faith and fortification intertwined. The church's most striking feature is its massive stone construction—walls exceeding two meters in thickness create a fortress-like appearance that reflects its dual purpose as both a place of worship and a defensive refuge. The building's circular design and robust masonry were engineered to withstand both the elements and potential threats, making it a symbol of medieval Bornholm's need for spiritual sanctuary and physical security. The architectural sophistication of Nylars Rundkirke extends beyond mere thickness of walls. The structure rises with a conical roof and features a distinctive central pillar that serves as both a structural necessity and a canvas for artistic expression. From the upper floors, medieval inhabitants could maintain vigilance over the surrounding landscape, while the lower levels provided secure shelter during times of danger. This integration of defensive strategy with sacred space was characteristic of Scandinavian round churches, which emerged from a unique cultural moment when Viking heritage met Christian tradition.Artistic Treasures: Romanesque Frescoes and Medieval Craftsmanship
The interior of Nylars Rundkirke reveals one of Bornholm's greatest artistic achievements—a collection of 12th-century Romanesque frescoes among the best preserved on the island. These remarkable murals encircle the central pillar, depicting scenes from the Creation and the Fall of Man with bold lines and warm, earthy tones characteristic of medieval Scandinavian painting. The frescoes tell a visual narrative of humanity's origins and spiritual journey, rendered in a style that speaks directly across nearly nine centuries to modern viewers. The raw stone vaults and the interplay of light within the circular space create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting visitors to experience the church as medieval worshippers once did. Beyond the frescoes, the church contains numerous details of medieval craftsmanship. The original medieval portals, the carefully proportioned windows, and the structural elements all demonstrate the skill and care invested in the building's construction. Every element, from the smallest carved detail to the soaring vault above, reflects the values and capabilities of medieval Bornholm society. The preservation of these features makes Nylars Rundkirke an invaluable window into the artistic and technical knowledge of the period.A Living Monument: From Medieval Stronghold to Modern Landmark
Today, Nylars Rundkirke functions as both an active place of worship and one of Bornholm's most significant cultural landmarks. The church has retained its original medieval character to a degree rarely seen in European religious architecture, making it the best-preserved of Bornholm's four round churches. Visitors encounter not a reconstructed or heavily restored building, but an authentic medieval structure that has endured centuries of change while maintaining its essential character and purpose. The harmonious blend of history, art, and spiritual serenity has earned the church the affectionate title of the jewel of Bornholm's round churches. The church's location near Aakirkeby, in the peaceful south-central region of Bornholm, places it within easy reach of travelers exploring the island's interior. Unlike the more bustling coastal towns, this area retains a calm, local atmosphere where the rhythms of medieval life still seem to echo through the landscape. The surrounding agricultural lands and gentle hills provide context for understanding how this church once served as a beacon of faith and security for the farming communities that depended upon it. The experience of visiting Nylars Rundkirke is inseparable from the experience of Bornholm itself—a journey into the island's authentic spirit and medieval heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Slemmegrav
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Ronne Lighthouse
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Destination Bornholm ApS
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Geografisk knudepunkt
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Louisenlund
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Midterpilt
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Melsted Havn
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Vang Pier
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Snogebæk Havn
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Bornholm's easternmost harbor where fishing tradition, artisan culture, and pristine beaches converge.
Domen
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Madsebakke
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lundestenen Jættestue
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Slaus Stene
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Baptist Stein
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A raw clifftop terrace above Sose Bay where gravel, grass and sea meet, offering wide Bornholm coastal views, salty wind and simple, unfiltered Baltic scenery.
Bornholm Airport
4.2 km
Denmark's state-operated island gateway connecting Bornholm to Copenhagen and beyond.
Dronningestenen
6.0 km
Forest-framed viewpoint on a high Bornholm plateau, where the "Queen’s Stone" opens to sweeping vistas over southern fields and the far Baltic horizon.
Rytterknægten
6.2 km
Bornholm’s modest summit in Almindingen Forest, where a royal memorial tower, whispering pines and modern trail facilities meet in a quietly atmospheric hilltop clearing.
Jægergrotten
6.2 km
A modest historic grotto and garden on Bornholm, offering a quiet glimpse of Aakirkeby’s 19th‑century leisure life amid trees, stonework and gentle calm.
Ekkodalen
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Bornholm’s Echo Valley: a dramatic rift of cliffs, forest and meadow where geology, folklore and gentle walking paths meet in the heart of Almindingen.
Kongemindet
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Royal memorial, forest lookout and Bornholm’s highest point in one – a granite-and-steel tower rising above Almindingen with sweeping island and Baltic views.
NaturBornholm
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Bornholms Rovfugleshow
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Ekkodalen (Indgang/Entrance)
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Lilleborg
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Gamleborg
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Boderne Bornholm
7.4 km
A quiet ribbon of pale sand, dunes and harbour life on Bornholm’s south coast, where a former fishing hamlet now offers relaxed, low-key Baltic beach days.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Ekkodalshuset
7.0 km
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Hovedvagten
7.8 km
Historic 18th‑century guardhouse turned cozy Danish restaurant, serving Bornholm‑inspired comfort food in the atmospheric heart of Rønne’s old town.
Christianshøjkroen
7.9 km
Historic yellow forest kro on Bornholm serving refined Danish smørrebrød and Skovfrokost in a cosy cottage and garden terrace deep among the trees.
Café-Munter
8.0 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.
Texas Bornholm
8.1 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
8.1 km
Daytime patisserie-meets-brasserie in central Rønne, serving sourdough buns, cakes, coffee and casual Nordic plates in a cosy, modern café setting.
Casa Mia Di Vincenzo Guastafierro
8.1 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.
Râzapâz
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Natural wine, seasonal plates and bohemian charm come together at this intimate Rønne spiseri, where Bornholm’s culinary energy is poured by the glass.
Det Røde Pakhus
8.1 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
8.5 km
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Kadeau Bornholm
12.5 km
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Hasle Smokehouse
13.7 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.
Bakkarøgeriet
13.8 km
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The Ranch
15.9 km
Western-inspired group dining and celebrations in a former community hall on Bornholm, blending hearty cooking with relaxed, village-saloon atmosphere.
Restaurant Gudhjem Bakke
18.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Bornholm Farm Shop
5.1 km
Cooperative countryside farm shop near Rønne, bringing Bornholm’s meats, oils, honey, lambskins and island delicacies together in a relaxed rural setting.
Bornholms Valsemølle A/S
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Sparloppan
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Dansk
6.9 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.
My Home Furniture Ronne
7.1 km
Quality furniture and home goods at outlet prices in Bornholm's commercial heart.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
8.0 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.
Sct. Nicolai Genbrug
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William Dams Bookstore
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Din Tøjmand by Jan & Nalle
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People-Fashion.dk
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Sport Dres Bornholm v/Jesper Schiøtt
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KiDS Coolshop Bornholm
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Café Lille Per
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Den Marinerede Sild
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O'Malley
8.0 km
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Krystal Bodega
8.1 km
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Café 18
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Ølhuzed ApS
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Provianten
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Cabaret Bornholm
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Penyllan Brewery
19.5 km
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Sørens Værtshus
20.1 km
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The Golden Rooster
20.2 km
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Slævasted
20.4 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly