Bornholm’s rune stones: A guide to the island’s historical runes

The story behind the rune stones

The rune stones on Bornholm date back to the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. They were erected in memory of the deceased, as markers of territories or as religious monuments. The runes on the stones give us an insight into the beliefs and lives of the ancient inhabitants of Bornholm.

Christian inscriptions on rune stones on Bornholm

Some of the rune stones on Bornholm bear Christian inscriptions. These stones show the transition from paganism to Christianity on the island and are important historical artefacts. Many of these rune stones are located at churches, and Vestermarie Church is an excellent example with as many as six rune stones in the churchyard, making it a worthwhile place to visit for those who want to explore the island’s runic art.

Churches with rune stones

Alongside the beautiful collection of rune stones in the cemetery at Vestermarie Church, many other churches on Bornholm also have rune stones, often located in the porch or in the cemetery.

Many Christian rune stones depict crosses and other Christian symbols alongside the runes. You can find the rune stones here: St. Clement’s Church, Nylars Round Church, Østerlars Round Church, Rø Church, St. Bodil’s Church, Østermarie Church and Nyker Round Church.

Aakirkeby: Baptismal font with runic inscriptions

Aa church is distinctive due to its baptismal font with runic inscriptions. This unique artefact attracts historians and tourists interested in the use of runes in Christian ceremonies. If you visit Aa Church in Aakirkeby, the first thing you’ll notice is stone master Sighraf’s signed masterpiece – a unique baptismal font made of Gotland sandstone from the 13th century. The font is decorated with 11 beautifully carved images illustrating scenes from the life of Jesus. Above these reliefs is a runic inscription that explains the scenes and adds a historical and cultural dimension to the font.

Baptismal font in Aa Church

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are rune stones?
Rune stones are stones with engraved runes that were often used as memorials or religious symbols in the Viking Age.

What are runes?
Runes are the oldest written signs of the Germanic peoples, originating from around the time of Christ’s birth. For almost 1,000 years, runic writing was the most common form of writing in the Nordics and was replaced by other forms of writing in the 15th century.

How many rune stones are there on Bornholm?
Bornholm has 38 rune stones

Which rune stone on Bornholm is the most famous?
The Brogårds stone is the largest on Bornholm. It measures 2.7 metres in height and the runes here are very easy to read. It is located close to Hasle, where Svalhøjvej and Simblegårdsvej meet.

Can you visit the rune stones all year round?
Yes, many rune stones can be visited all year round, although some are located indoors and may require access to churches or museums.