Elmelunde Kirke

Møn's oldest church

Elmelunde Kirke, between Stege and Møns Klint, is the oldest of the island's three celebrated fresco churches. Its core dates back to the 13th century, and it stands prominently on a rise that long served sailors as a landmark. But it's what unfolds above visitors' heads inside that has made it famous.

The Elmelunde Master

Around 1500, the Gothic groin vaults were painted by an artist whose name has never been recorded, known simply as the Elmelunde Master after this very work. In vivid colour, the frescoes depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, from the Creation through the Nativity to the Last Judgement. For a population that was largely unable to read, these images served as a "Biblia pauperum", a picture Bible for the poor.

Preserved and rediscovered

After the Reformation, the paintings were whitewashed over, as happened in many Danish churches, and only rediscovered and uncovered in the late 19th century. Today, the works of the Elmelunde Master in Elmelunde, Keldby and Fanefjord rank among the most important examples of medieval wall painting in Northern Europe. Visiting all three churches in turn is a good way to compare the styles of different periods, more in our overview of Møn's fresco churches.

What to expect

The interior is modest in size, but the richness of the ceilings is remarkable: almost every vault section carries its own scene, framed by scrollwork and ornament. Binoculars help pick out the detail overhead, and a small explanatory leaflet is often available on site. The frescoes are best seen in good daylight, from late morning to early afternoon, when the light illuminates the vaults most clearly. Half an hour is enough for an attentive look around; with leaflet and binoculars, allow closer to 45 minutes.

Visiting and practical information

The church stands at Leonora Christines Vej 1, 4780 Stege, in the Elmelunde district, directly on the old main road that crosses the island. It's easily reached by car, with ample parking nearby. Thanks to automatic door entry, it's open daily from 09:00 to 20:00, and admission is free. As a working, consecrated space, the parish asks visitors to be respectful, particularly during services and church festivals. Services are held, though without a fixed weekly slot, they rotate between the churches of the parish, with exact times listed in the parish calendar. For tips on getting to and travelling around the island, see our travel guide.