St Nicholas Church (Skt. Nicolai Kirke), Rønne
Harbor-top parish church of Bornholm’s capital, where a medieval seafarers’ chapel evolved into the island’s largest Lutheran landmark of stone, music and light.
Rising above the harbor of Rønne on Bornholm, St Nicholas Church is the island’s largest church and one of its most recognizable landmarks. Rooted in a 13th‑century chapel and reshaped many times, today it is a classic cruciform Lutheran church with a distinctive western tower, granite floors, and historic fittings including a 14th‑century baptismal font and early modern furnishings. Quiet, atmospheric and central, it bridges seafaring tradition, island history and daily parish life.
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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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan 30–60 minutes inside to appreciate the granite floor, Gotland baptismal font and pulpit rather than treating it as a quick photo stop from the harbor.
- Check current opening hours in advance, as access can vary on Sundays, holidays and during services, when quiet dress and behavior are expected.
- If possible, time your visit for a summer organ concert or evening recital to experience the building’s acoustics and atmosphere at their most evocative.
- Walk a short loop around the church square and nearby streets after your visit for views back to the tower framed by traditional Bornholm houses.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the thick stone walls and granite flooring can make the interior feel noticeably cooler than the streets outside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Walk from central Rønne
From Rønne’s central shopping streets and main square, St Nicholas Church is typically a 5–10 minute walk uphill on paved, gently sloping streets. The route uses standard town pavements with a few cobbled sections, manageable for most visitors with reasonable mobility and prams, though some wheelchair users may find the gradient and cobbles a bit demanding. As a town-center walk there is no cost, and it is possible year-round in most weather, though in winter ice or snow can make surfaces slippery.
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City bus within Rønne
Several local Bornholm bus routes that circulate through Rønne stop within roughly 5–10 minutes’ walk of the church. Typical single tickets within the town cost in the range of 24–30 DKK and can be purchased on board or via local ticketing apps. Journeys across town usually take 10–20 minutes depending on the route and time of day. Services run most days but are less frequent in the evening and on Sundays, so checking the current timetable is essential, especially if you need step-free boarding.
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Bicycle from elsewhere in Rønne
Rønne is compact and well suited to cycling, with relatively low traffic and signed routes. From residential areas or the ferry terminal, you can typically reach the streets around St Nicholas Church by bicycle in about 5–15 minutes. Many visitors use rental bikes, commonly available in town for around 80–120 DKK per day depending on season and type. Expect short climbs on shared roads rather than fully separated cycle tracks, and be prepared to dismount and walk the final short stretch on cobbles near the church square.
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Taxi from Bornholm Airport or ferry terminal
From Bornholm Airport on the edge of Rønne, a taxi to the streets around St Nicholas Church usually takes about 10–15 minutes in light traffic. From the Rønne ferry terminal, the ride is even shorter, often 5–10 minutes. Fares within Rønne generally fall in the 120–220 DKK range depending on distance, time of day and waiting time. Taxis operate year-round but can be in higher demand when ferries arrive or during peak holiday weeks, so brief waits are possible.
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
Harbor Landmark with a Green Steeple
St Nicholas Church crowns a low hill just above Rønne’s harbor, its pale walls and green‑topped tower rising above red-tiled roofs and masts. For anyone arriving by sea, this is among the first silhouettes of Bornholm, a visual marker that has guided ships for centuries and still anchors the townscape today. Set on Kirkepladsen, a compact square framed by traditional buildings, the church feels both central and slightly removed, a short step away from the bustle of ferries and cruise calls. The tower, added and reshaped over time, gives the otherwise modest building a surprisingly commanding presence. From outside you can trace the layered history in the masonry: older stonework at the base, later additions higher up, and details from the major early‑20th‑century restoration that fixed much of the church’s current outline. On bright days the steeple’s color contrasts sharply with Baltic skies; in softer light it blends into the maritime palette of copper, slate and sea.From Medieval Chapel to Island’s Main Church
The story of St Nicholas Church reaches back to around 1275, when a small chapel dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers was first established here. Over the centuries the growing town of Rønne outgrew that humble building, and the church was gradually extended, rebuilt and reinforced as Bornholm’s maritime fortunes ebbed and flowed. The site’s continuity is remarkable: worship has taken place on this spot for more than seven hundred years without interruption. By the early 20th century the structure had become a patchwork of periods, prompting an ambitious refurbishment between 1915 and 1918. That campaign unified the building into the cruciform Lutheran church you see today, with a clear axial nave, transepts and the tower at the west. Yet traces of earlier phases remain in the walls and foundations, connecting visitors to medieval Rønne and its long relationship with the sea.Interior Details and Sacred Craftsmanship
Inside, the atmosphere is calm and surprisingly bright. The floor is laid in local Bornholm granite, giving each step a sense of weight and grounding while subtly tying the interior to the island’s rugged geology. Whitewashed walls and simple vaults keep the space uncluttered, a fitting backdrop for the church’s historic furnishings. One of the most prized pieces is the baptismal font, carved around 1350 on the island of Gotland and brought here in the late Middle Ages. Its weathered stone basin, with softly worn decoration, forms a visual hinge between past and present. Elsewhere you notice a characteristic Bornholm pulpit added during the 1915–18 works, combining regional style with Lutheran clarity. Look up and you may spot older chandeliers, ship models or maritime motifs, quiet reminders of the church’s connection to seafarers and fishermen.Music, Organ Concerts and Living Tradition
Although steeped in history, St Nicholas Church is not a museum but the main parish church of Rønne, with regular services, festivals and a lively musical calendar. The organ plays a central role, and during the summer, especially in August, the church hosts organ recitals and classical concerts that make full use of its resonant acoustics. On concert evenings the nave fills with layered sound, and the interplay of music, stone and light can be as memorable as any view outside. At quieter times you might find only the soft creak of pews and the faint echo of footsteps. Informal information boards or leaflets usually outline key dates and features, allowing independent visitors to orient themselves without disturbing the natural hush. The building’s scale makes it easy to explore in detail while still feeling intimate, and you can move from nave to side chapels in just a few steps, noticing how each corner has its own character.Part of Bornholm’s Church Landscape
St Nicholas Church forms one strand in Bornholm’s rich tapestry of churches, which ranges from iconic round churches in the countryside to small village sanctuaries. Here in Rønne, it acts as a counterpart to the lighthouses and harbor installations along the waterfront, symbolizing continuity on an island long shaped by winds, trade and conflict. Its elevated position makes it an excellent point from which to appreciate how the town’s lanes tumble toward the sea. Stepping back outside, you are only moments from cobbled streets, low half‑timbered houses and the waterfront promenade. Many visitors combine a visit here with time at nearby museums or a walk through the old town. Whether you stay a few minutes in quiet reflection or linger for a concert, St Nicholas Church offers a measured, thoughtful pause in the midst of Bornholm’s coastal scenery.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
- Casual
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
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
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
