Bornholm's round churches

Both Baltic fortress and place of worship, Bornholm's round churches are fascinating windows back in time.

Baltic fortresses

Four of Denmark's seven medieval round churches (rundkirke) are located on Bornholm. The round churches were used as fortresses, as well as places of worship, and the fact that such a high concentration of them are found on Bornholm, is testament to the island's strategically important location in the Baltic Sea.

Striking white towers

The round churches are striking whitewashed buildings, with upper stories designed to double as shooting galleries against enemy attack. The largest round church is in Østerlars, with others found in the villages of Olsker, Nylars and Nyker.