Simmerbølle Church
A small medieval church on Langeland, where fieldstone walls, an east-end tower and quirky frescoes – including a playful Danish coat of arms – invite quiet exploration.
Simmerbølle Church is a small medieval parish church in the village of Simmerbølle, just east of Rudkøbing on Langeland. Built in the 13th century of hefty fieldstones, it blends simple village charm with standout interior details, including late-medieval frescoes and an unusual version of Denmark’s coat of arms. Surrounded by a peaceful churchyard and open daily, it is an inviting stop for travelers exploring Langeland’s gentle landscapes and historic churches.
A brief summary to Simmerbølle Church
- Simmerbølle Kirkevej 12, Rudkøbing, 5900, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit within daytime hours; the church is generally open during the day, but services and ceremonies can limit access to the interior.
- Allow time to sit beneath the vaults and study the frescoes closely, especially the unusual depiction of Denmark’s coat of arms near the chancel.
- Combine Simmerbølle with nearby Rudkøbing and other Langeland churches for a relaxed architectural and cultural circuit of the island.
- Remember this is an active parish church; keep voices low, dress respectfully, and avoid photography during any ongoing service.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Car from Rudkøbing
From central Rudkøbing, driving to Simmerbølle Church typically takes around 5–10 minutes via the local road network. Traffic is usually light, but narrow village roads require low speeds and care around cyclists. Parking is free and generally available near the churchyard, though space can be limited during services, weddings and funerals.
-
Bicycle from Rudkøbing
Cycling from Rudkøbing to Simmerbølle usually takes 10–20 minutes, following small country and village roads with gentle hills typical of Langeland. The route is suitable for most reasonably confident cyclists, including families with older children. There are no formal bike racks at the church, but bicycles can be left along the churchyard wall without blocking access.
-
Local bus on Langeland
Regional buses on Langeland often run between Rudkøbing and nearby villages, including stops within walking distance of Simmerbølle Church. Journey times are typically 10–20 minutes depending on the route. Single adult tickets on local buses on Langeland generally cost in the range of 20–35 DKK, with reduced fares for children. Services run less frequently in evenings and on weekends, so checking current timetables is important.
Simmerbølle Church location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about Simmerbølle Church
A modest village church with deep medieval roots
Simmerbølle Church sits quietly in the small village of Simmerbølle, a short way east of Rudkøbing on the island of Langeland. From the outside it looks like many traditional rural churches in Denmark: whitewashed walls, a sturdy profile, and a compact churchyard that has served the community for centuries. Its story, however, reaches back to the Middle Ages, when the first stone church was raised here to serve a scattered farming population. Like several churches on Langeland, Simmerbølle was built in the 13th century using large fieldstones gathered from the surrounding countryside. Later additions in brick refined its outline, but the thick medieval walls still define the building, giving it a solid, almost fortress-like feel. The church today belongs to the Church of Denmark and forms the heart of Simmerbølle Parish under the Diocese of Funen.Stone, tower and an unusual eastern silhouette
Architecturally, one of the most distinctive features of Simmerbølle Church is the placement of its tower. Unlike the more common western towers of many Danish churches, here the tower is attached at the eastern end, creating a slightly surprising silhouette when you first approach. This atypical arrangement reflects the layered building history of the site, where expansions and alterations were fitted to an existing structure rather than drawn from a single grand plan. The nave and chancel retain their medieval character, with small, relatively low windows and a simple, rectangular footprint. The whitewashed exterior stands out against the green of the surrounding fields, especially on clear days when the sky over Langeland seems to stretch endlessly. Around the church, the graveyard is enclosed by stone walls and hedges, dotted with traditional Danish gravestones and carefully tended plantings that add color through the seasons.Frescoes and a playful take on Denmark’s coat of arms
Inside, the church’s real treasures are its frescoes. Hidden for centuries beneath layers of limewash, they were uncovered and restored to reveal colorful scenes dating from the late Middle Ages. Among them are decorative patterns and biblical motifs, but also a particularly intriguing curiosity: an unusual version of Denmark’s coat of arms incorporated into the painted decoration. This reimagined coat of arms, with its stylized lions and hearts, hints at the way national symbols filtered into local church art in creative ways. It gives the interior a uniquely local character and is often the detail that most surprises attentive visitors. Combined with the warmly painted vaults and arches, the frescoes add a gentle richness to what might otherwise feel like a very simple village church.Crafted interiors from bells to ship model
Simmerbølle Church also preserves a collection of historic fittings that quietly tell of changing tastes and devotional practices. The bells in the tower include examples from the late 15th and 18th centuries, their inscriptions worn smooth by time yet still calling people to services. The altarpiece, painted in the 19th century, reflects a more classical sensibility, with clear lines and balanced composition that contrasts with the freer medieval wall paintings. A votive ship, suspended from the ceiling, continues a strong maritime tradition seen throughout Danish coastal churches. Model ships were often donated in gratitude for safe voyages or as prayers for protection at sea. Here, the ship subtly links the inland village to the wider seafaring world around Langeland, where fishing and shipping have long been part of local life.A quiet pause on a tour of Langeland’s churches
Today, Simmerbølle Church is open daily during daytime hours, inviting both worshippers and casual visitors. Step inside and you are likely to find a calm, uncluttered interior: simple wooden pews, pale light filtering through small windows, and the soft echo of your footsteps on the stone floor. It is an easy place to pause for a few moments of reflection while tracing the painted details on the ceiling. Many travelers explore Simmerbølle as part of a wider route linking Langeland’s historic churches, each with its own story. In that context, this modest building stands out not for grandeur but for its blend of unusual features: the east-end tower, the medieval masonry, and especially the imaginative version of the national coat of arms. Together they make Simmerbølle Church a rewarding, low-key highlight on the island.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tranekær Castle
8.7 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
12.4 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Saint Nicolai's Church
16.0 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
18.2 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
23.2 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
23.2 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
23.2 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Andelen Guesthouse
23.3 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
På Torvet
23.3 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
23.3 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Hotel Ærøhus
23.4 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Rise Kirke
25.3 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Damestenen
26.3 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
26.5 km
A hilltop peace memorial with sweeping Baltic views, uniting island heritage and contemplative solitude.
Vandtårnet I Nakskov
27.1 km
An iconic 136-year-old water tower anchoring Nakskov's medieval town center and industrial heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelands Museum
3.1 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Tobaksladen
6.0 km
A tiny former village shop in Tranekær, Tobaksladen preserves the feel of a historic tobacconist and general store on the Danish island of Langeland.
Oehlenschlägers Bøg
6.3 km
A storied beech on Langeland’s Baltic shore, where coastal light, quiet forest and a beloved national anthem come together beneath one sweeping crown.
Medicine gardens in Tranekær
8.5 km
Northern Europe’s largest medicinal plant garden, where themed circles, an arboretum and playful kids’ areas turn botanical medicine into a vivid, hands-on landscape.
Tickon
8.6 km
Where monumental art dissolves into nature—a 83-hectare gallery of impermanence and beauty.
Souvenirmuseet Souvenariet
8.7 km
A whimsical museum celebrating the art of souvenir collecting in a historic Danish castle town.
Lindelse Mølle
8.7 km
Historic hilltop windmill and former mill farm on Langeland, blending rural views, traditional architecture and emerging community life in a compact village setting.
Lindelse Kirke
9.1 km
Experience Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a Neolithic burial monument where prehistoric engineering and ancient stories come together amid stunning natural views.
Leuchtturm
9.3 km
Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave, a remarkable Stone Age burial mound with walk-in chamber, panoramic island views, and a powerful sense of Denmark’s prehistoric past.
Tranekær Slotsmølle
9.6 km
Historic hilltop windmill above Tranekær Castle, combining traditional milling heritage with a small seasonal museum and cosy café overlooking rural Langeland.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
10.6 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Valdemars Slot
11.1 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Naturdestination Skovsgaard
11.1 km
Organic estate, wild-grazing herds and slow island living come together at this Langeland nature destination of trails, learning spaces and cosy stays.
Ambrosius's Oak
11.3 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Beautiful Beach
11.7 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Essential places to dine
Skrøbelev Gods
2.3 km
A 17th‑century manor on Langeland, where candlelit dining, period‑style suites and tranquil island landscapes create an indulgent country‑house escape.
Cafe 10’eren
3.1 km
Casual hall-side café in Rudkøbing serving hearty Danish comfort food, cold beers and easy takeaway, right at the centre of everyday life in Langelandshallen.
Ristorante & Pizzeria "Viking Pizza"
3.1 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria in the heart of Rudkøbing, serving hearty pizzas and easy comfort food that suits families, couples and hungry island explorers alike.
Restaurant hotel Rudkøbing skudehavn
3.2 km
Waterfront Danish dining with 25 years of culinary tradition overlooking Rudkøbing harbor.
Grand House Burger
3.3 km
Cozy, crowd-pleasing burgers, pizzas and comfort dishes in a relaxed café on Rudkøbing’s main pedestrian street, with indoor tables, street seating and a sheltered courtyard.
Thummelumsen
3.3 km
Cozy, colorful café-restaurant on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous Danish-style comfort food and relaxed island atmosphere from lunch through early evening.
Langelands Pizza & Kebab House
3.4 km
Casual island pizza-and-kebab joint on Rudkøbing’s main street, serving generous, budget-friendly comfort food and easy takeaway after a day exploring Langeland.
GAARDHAVEN
3.4 km
Courtyard tapas and wine in the heart of Rudkøbing, where a hidden garden, shared plates and candlelight turn evenings on Langeland into long, relaxed gatherings.
Efes Café & Restaurant
3.4 km
Cosy family‑run café‑restaurant in Rudkøbing’s old town, serving Turkish, Italian and Danish comfort food with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere all year round.
Korea kaffebar
3.4 km
Cosy specialty coffee bar by Rudkøbing’s main square, serving light-roast brews, local baked goods and relaxed island atmosphere indoors and out.
Ø-Cafeen
3.6 km
Casual harbourfront grill and café in Rudkøbing, serving hearty plates and classic Danish comfort food just steps from the boats and sea air of Langeland.
Færgegårdens Mad og Is Cafe
4.5 km
Laid-back seaside grill, ice-cream bar and mini-golf course between beach and campsite in Spodsbjerg, serving classic Danish barbecue, local sausages and sweet treats.
Spodsbjerg Kutterfisk
4.7 km
Harbor-side fish shop and casual café on Langeland serving fresh, local seafood, smoked specialties and easy take-away to enjoy on the terrace or by the sea.
Tranekær Slotskro
8.3 km
Historic Danish inn beside a castle, serving African and Nordic cuisine with genuine warmth.
Restaurant Generalen - Pichardts
8.6 km
Elegant seasonal Danish cuisine in a historic castle setting on Langeland's charming island.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
XL tøj - Tøj til store mænd - Shop online og fysisk
2.4 km
Specialist plus-size menswear store in Rudkøbing, focusing on comfortable fits, extended sizes and practical everyday styles for big and tall men.
Butik
2.6 km
Unmanned island farm shop on Ravnerydvej 11, open 24/7 for honest, self-service shopping with fresh, seasonal produce from the fields of Langeland.
Dansk
3.0 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Pigekammeret v/Birgitte Nygaard Jensen
3.1 km
A cosy Rudkøbing boutique where Scandinavian-style gifts, home comforts and gourmet treats come together in one lovingly curated island shop.
Littlevillagepeople.dk
3.1 km
A small, carefully curated design shop in Rudkøbing, blending children’s wear, toys, interiors, ceramics and yarn into one cozy slice of Scandinavian everyday style.
Ostehuset Rudkøbing
3.1 km
Artisanal cheese and wine shop celebrating Danish heritage and international flavors in historic Rudkøbing.
Skind og Uld Rudkøbing
3.1 km
Eco-tanned Icelandic sheepskins and wool in a historic Danish market town.
Gine Rudkøbing ApS
3.1 km
Cozy women’s fashion boutique on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending Scandinavian style with relaxed island atmosphere in a small, welcoming space.
Tøjmanden Langeland
3.2 km
Expert menswear styling in the heart of Rudkøbing's charming island center.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
3.2 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Butik Knag I/S
3.3 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Imerco
3.3 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
3.3 km
Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Kaj Hansen
3.4 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Skovhus Keramik
3.4 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Basicbigband
2.7 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Langelands Jazzklub
2.7 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
No. 10
3.2 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
3.3 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
Sukker
3.4 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Dybendal
3.4 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
3.6 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
3.6 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Paa Drejet Beach Bar
4.8 km
Laid-back beach bar and grill by Drejet Beach on Langeland, pairing sea air, sand and simple comfort food in the heart of Spodsbjerg’s holiday‑home area.
tøsingen ivs
14.7 km
Discover Tøsingen IVS, Svendborg's cozy bar offering a diverse selection of drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
15.7 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Strandbar
15.7 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
15.7 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
15.8 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
Loftet
15.8 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
