Kolby: Windmill, Church and Village History

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Kolby, the village has a clear focus on architectural and village history. Kolby Mølle and Kolby Church tell stories of different periods, while the green cycle route provides a specific direction towards Vesborg Fyr. The surrounding landscape and nearby destinations round out the picture. You can plan your stay around whether you want to focus mainly on historic buildings, church art or including a cycle route in your itinerary.

Kolby Mølle: a building with two chapters

Kolby Mølle is on the road between Kolby Kås and Kolby and is Samsø’s only Dutch-style windmill. It was built in Søbyvad near Hammel in 1859 and moved to Samsø in 1899. The year it was built and the year it was moved mark two different chapters in its history: the mill was built in Søbyvad, then came to the island four decades later.

The mill can still be visited. You can see the intricate wooden structures that once powered the large millstones. If you are interested in historic technology, this offers a close-up look at the mechanics of a mill. Check seasonal opening details before your visit.

Kolby Church: architectural history and fresco

Kolby Church was probably built around 1300. It was later extended and enlarged with additions. The early date is uncertain; the later changes are also part of the church’s architectural history.

A distinctive architectural detail is on the north side of the chancel arch: there is a staircase from the chancel and an opening into the nave. It is probably a pulpit or reading desk from Catholic times. In the tower room, a fresco from 1558 can be seen on the west wall. It depicts Saint George killing the dragon to save Cleodolinde.

The church is open when staff are present at the cemetery. This is normally Mondays to Thursdays from 10:00 to 15:30 and Fridays from 10:00 to 11:45; exceptions are possible. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Village history, cycle route and forest

Kolby is one of the largest villages on Samsø. Several fires have led to the loss of many beautiful half-timbered farmhouses. The village’s history therefore includes both the historic buildings that remain and the farmhouses lost to fire.

The green cycle route runs from Brattingsborgvej towards Kolby and turns in the village towards Vesborg Fyr. These directions make Kolby a wayfinding point on the route, without implying any particular travel time or distance.

Nearby, walkers and cyclists can use the paths and roads in the privately owned Brattingsborg Forest daily from 6:00 until sunset. Occasional closures due to hunting may occur. The predominantly deciduous forest includes meadows, marshes and lakes; its wildlife is also diverse. This landscape of woodland and wetlands adds another focus to Kolby’s architectural and village history.

Vesborg Fyr and Kolby Kås Havn

Vesborg Fyr was built in 1858 on the old castle mound of Visborg. The ramparts and ditches of the medieval castle of Visborg are still visible around the lighthouse. The powder house at Vesborg Fyr contains a small exhibition about Samsø’s five medieval castle sites; Vesborg is the largest. From the area, the view extends across the Samsø Belt towards Funen, Zealand and Jutland.

The west-facing Kolby Kås Havn has places to eat as well as a nearby bathing beach and bathing jetty. As harbour facilities may change, it is a good idea to check for current information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Brundby, Samsø, Nordby, Ballen, Ørby, Mårup.

Return to the main travel overview: Samsø.