Nykirke: Discover Church Art and Trails

Nykirke combines medieval church art with cycling routes and local experiences. At its heart is the stone Nykirke Church, with dated works of art and a restored ship model. Other attractions include a former inn on the Old King’s Road, a forest activity package and seasonal pick-your-own fruit. This mix gives you specific points to consider when choosing a place for your holiday rental stay: the key question is whether cultural history, cycling or seasonal activities will shape your travel plans.

Nykirke Church and Its History

Today’s Nykirke Church was probably built in the early 13th century as an annex church of Borre Church. It is one of Horten’s three medieval churches and is a stone long church. Its original name was Sancti Nicholaj Nya kirkia.

The church’s furnishings include several works with clear dates: The 1890 altarpiece depicts the baptism of Jesus as its main subject. The church also contains two bells from 1777 and a painting of the crucifixion from 1735. The restored ship model Laura was installed as a votive ship in 1952. There is also a pilgrim stamp in the church.

Farm History and Local Experiences

The Bruserød farm in Nykirke was once an inn and post station on the Old King’s Road. It preserves a historic farmyard; the garden is maintained by the history society’s garden committee. The farm’s history thus complements the traces of the church with another aspect of the area’s past.

Tufte Gård, Tufteveien 5, 3180 Nykirke, offers an activity package in the forest. At Moskvil Bær, covered pick-your-own fruit is available on certain days in September. The specific dates are announced separately. So if you would like to plan this seasonal experience, check the announced dates.

Cycling Routes and Getting There

The two historic cycling routes differ in length and direction. Cycling route 15B runs for 6.8 kilometres from Løvøy Chapel to Nykirke Church; its season runs from April to October. Cycling route 15C runs for 10.7 kilometres from Nykirke Church to Borre Church. Both are described as one-way routes. Nykirke Church is therefore the endpoint of the shorter route 15B and the starting point of the longer route 15C.

There is good parking at Nykirke Church. The bus between Horten and Holmestrand stops at Nykirke. The area is also close to the E18 and the Vestfold Railway. Check the current timetable before taking the bus; you can also check the parking situation at the church before you travel.

More to Discover in the Wider Destination of Horten

In the wider destination of Horten, you will find more ways to explore culture and nature. Borre Church is a listed medieval brick church dating from the 12th century, in the Romanesque style. In comparison, Nykirke Church is a stone long church whose construction probably dates to the early 13th century. Anyone interested in church architecture can use this to place two different building periods and materials in the context of the Horten destination.

The routes also differ in character: Horten has a continuous coastal path from Åsgårdstrand to Falkensten. The disused Hortenlinja railway line has been converted into a walking and cycling path that is easily accessible for cyclists and wheelchair users. Swans, ducks, geese and gulls are typical bird species in the Borrevannet nature reserve. These examples broaden the picture beyond Nykirke’s church, farm and cycling themes to include the coast, a former railway line and birdlife.

Choosing Nykirke as Your Base

When choosing a place for your holiday rental, consider Nykirke if the church, cycling routes and local experiences suit your travel plans. If you would also like to focus on the coastal path or birdlife at Borrevannet, include the wider destination of Horten in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Åsgårdstrand, Horten, Skoppum.

Go to the wider travel overview: Horten.