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Nylars Rundkirke

Medieval fortress and artistic masterpiece—Bornholm's finest round church with stunning 12th-century frescoes.

4.5

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
  • Environment icon 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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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.

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