Olsker on Bornholm: Round Church and Højlyngsstien

Olsker Round Church and Visiting Conditions

At 28 metres, Olsker Round Church is the tallest of Bornholm’s four round churches; it has nine gunports in total. This brings together a comparison of height within Bornholm and a specific architectural feature. The church is normally open to visitors, unless church services are taking place. It is closed from 1 December to 1 March. Before your visit, check whether church services are scheduled for your chosen date.

Højlyngsstien: Changing Surfaces

On the section of Højlyngsstien from Olsker towards Rø Plantage, the first approximately four kilometres follow small asphalt roads; after that, the route is mostly on gravel paths. The change in surface is a practical point of reference for route planning. Check the latest route information before setting out.

The two local themes require different preparations: for a church visit, take note of the closing period and church services; for Højlyngsstien, consider the changing surface and the latest route information. This lets you consider the church’s visiting conditions and route planning separately.

Bornholm as a Broader Travel Destination

Other interests in nature, culture and food on Bornholm add to the local perspective on Olsker. At the NaturBornholm Experience Centre, you can see dinosaurs, live crocodiles, an aquarium and a bison exhibition. As exhibitions may change, check which exhibits are currently on display before visiting.

Bornholm’s Medieval Centre is a 15-hectare open-air museum that presents Bornholm in the 14th century in an engaging, interactive way. This historical focus complements the architectural perspective on the round church with a clearly defined period and a different form of interpretation.

Ekkodalen in Almindingen is Bornholm’s largest rift valley. The viewpoints also offer different perspectives: from the Hammershus visitor centre, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hammershus; from the cliffs above Opal Lake, the view takes in the surrounding area, the Baltic Sea and the Hammershus castle ruins.

Another round church on Bornholm is Østerlars Round Church. When no church service is taking place, visitors can enter for a fee and climb up to the roof beams. Check in advance whether this access is currently available.

Two details about Bornholm’s smokehouses highlight different aspects. The island’s first smokehouse opened in Gudhjem in 1866, and herring has been smoked there ever since. Hasle Smokehouse is the last smokehouse on Bornholm where fish is smoked in the traditional way, using open chimneys and alder wood.

Bornholm can be reached by ferry, plane, bus or train. The ferry crossing from Ystad in Sweden to Bornholm takes one hour and 20 minutes. As routes and services may change, check the latest timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Tejn, Gudhjem, Muleby, Rø, Vang, Boderne, Årsdale, Knudsker.

For the broader travel overview: Bornholm.