St. Nikolai Church is a landmark in Nakskov and one of the city’s most significant historical buildings. As you walk around the town, you can spot the church’s 70-meter-high tower from a distance.
The church dates back to the 1200s and was originally dedicated to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his generosity and miracles. St. Nicholas is also known for later inspiring the character we now know as Santa Claus.
The church has undergone several restorations and expansions, including a Gothic reconstruction around 1400, which was completed in 1653.
The impressive tower, originally lower, has also been rebuilt multiple times, and the current copper spire was erected in 1906.
When you visit the church, you’ll experience several historical treasures that provide insight into both the church’s and the city’s development over time.
A notable feature is a piece of the shell from a cannonball fired into the church during the Swedish Wars in 1659. You might also spot a black round plaque inside the church marking the spot where the cannonball struck.
The beautiful baptismal font made of white marble, the exquisite pulpit from 1630 by Jørgen Ringnis, the oldest parts of the organ from 1648, and the unusual money chest from 1573 with five locks are all key elements reflecting the church’s significance as a spiritual and cultural center through the ages.
A visit to St. Nikolai Church offers a unique opportunity to experience both the impressive architecture and exciting history.
