Nexø kirke
Nexø Kirke is one of the oldest buildings in Nexø, a port town on Bornholm's eastern coast. The church was most likely established around 1346, when Nexø received its market town charter, as a small chapel dedicated to St Nicholas – the patron saint of sailors. Today it is instantly recognisable by its distinctive onion-shaped copper spire from 1910, which has become a landmark of the town.
Originally a modest fieldstone chapel in a poor fishing village, the building was expanded many times over the centuries. In 1730–31 the walls were raised by about 2 metres, and in 1760 a northern sandstone wing was added, bearing the crowned monogram of King Frederik V. The southern porch was rebuilt in 1777. The tower dates from the 16th century, and its present onion-shaped copper spire replaced an earlier one that stood from 1620 to 1797.
Good to know
- Nexø was heavily bombed by Soviet forces in May 1945 – the church survived, though damaged. The onion spire on the tower remained untouched
- The churchyard boasts one of Denmark's finest collections of historic tombstones, showcasing the craftsmanship of 19th-century stonemasons
- A memorial anchor near the church commemorates sailors and fishermen lost at sea
The interior and Nexø's maritime heritage
The church interior was thoroughly renovated in 1985, when artist Bodil Kaalund gave it a new colour scheme. The woodwork – pulpit, pews and gallery – was painted in shades of pink, green and violet that harmonise with the Nexø sandstone used for the altar and chancel floor. The pulpit and gilded crucifix above it date from the 17th century, while the baptismal font from 1784 was carved from local sandstone.
The north gallery features richly decorated biblical scenes, including Elijah in a chariot of fire, Moses with the tablets of law, Jesus walking on the water, and Paul's shipwreck – particularly fitting for the port of Nexø. Two large brass candlesticks on the altar were a gift from the crown prince and his wife in 1946, after the church was repaired following wartime damage. The great chandelier known as the "Danish Crown" (Danske Krone) was also donated after the bombing, funded by a collection across Denmark's churches.
How to get there
| By car | Nexø is on Bornholm's east coast; from Rønne it takes about 30 minutes via road no. 38 |
| By bus | BAT bus lines connect Nexø with Rønne and other towns; the stop in the centre is a few minutes' walk from the church |
| By bike | the eastern cycle route leads through Svaneke to Nexø; the church is right in the town centre |
Location
| Nexø Kirke | |
| Kirkestræde 2A, 3730 Nexø, DK | |
| nexokirke.dk | |
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