Step inside the largest and most dramatic of Bornholm's four extraordinary round churches — a 12th-century whitewashed fortress-church unlike anything else in Scandinavia. Its soaring central pillar, frescoed vaults, and moody atmosphere are genuinely jaw-dropping.
What to expect
Østerlars Rundkirke is a three-storey circular church built around a massive hollow central column — originally designed as both a place of worship and a fortified refuge against Baltic pirates. The interior is covered in remarkable medieval frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ, glowing in the candlelit half-dark. The surrounding churchyard is peaceful and photogenic, ringed by ancient stones and wildflower meadows. A small exhibition explains the church's Norse and Christian heritage in detail.
Good to know
The church is approximately 18 km northeast of Rønne — a short taxi or private car ride. Open daily from mid-April to mid-October, typically 09:00–17:00; confirm current hours at osterlarskirke.dk before visiting. Pair it with a stop in the artisan village of Gudhjem (15 min further north) for smoked herring and harbour views.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Bornholm — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Bornholm
- Private Bornholm Island Tour: Tailored for Cruise Guests
- Hammershus Castle Ruins: Nordic Fortress at the Edge of the Sea
- Dueodde Beach: Scandinavia's Finest White-Sand Shoreline
- Bornholms Rovfugleshow: Birds of Prey in Wild Nordic Landscape
- Helligdomsklipperne Cliffs & Bornholms Kunstmuseum: Art Meets Wild Coast