Kolby on Samsø: Mill, Church and Vesborg Lighthouse

Kolby on Samsø combines village history with paths through woodland and natural landscapes, as well as excursion destinations along the Samsø Belt. Kolby is one of the largest villages on Samsø. However, several fires have resulted in the disappearance of many beautiful half-timbered farmsteads. Anyone looking for accommodation on Samsø will therefore find Kolby above all a place whose character can be discovered through preserved buildings, historical traces and the surrounding nature.

The Mill and Church as Historical Highlights

A prominent landmark is Kolby Mølle. The mill is located on the road between Kolby Kås and Kolby and is Samsø’s only Dutch windmill. It was built in 1859 in Søbyvad near Hammel and moved to Samsø in 1899. Kolby Mølle can still be visited. Visitors can examine the intricate wooden structures that once powered the large millstones. For anyone interested in technology and island history, the building therefore offers more than just an exterior view.

Kolby Church also preserves several layers of history. It was probably built around 1300 and was later extended and enlarged with additions. On the north side of the chancel arch is a staircase from the chancel with an opening onto the nave. This is probably a pulpit or lectern from the Catholic period. On the west side of the tower room, there is also a fresco from 1558: it depicts Saint George killing the dragon to save Cleodolinde.

Kolby Church is open when staff are present at the cemetery. Normally, this applies from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 15:30 and on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:45. This limited guidance helps you plan your church visit specifically as part of your daily itinerary.

Forest, Cycling Route and the Traces of Visborg

In the surrounding area, pedestrians and cyclists may use the paths and roads in the privately owned Brattingsborg Forest every day from 6:00 until sunset. The forest, consisting predominantly of deciduous trees, includes meadows, bogs and lakes in the vicinity of Brattingsborg, as well as a diverse range of wildlife. This provides a variety of landscapes for active days, without limiting Kolby to a single type of holiday.

The green cycling route leads from Brattingsborgvej towards Kolby. In Kolby, it turns towards Vesborg Lighthouse. Nearby Vesborg Lighthouse was built in 1858 on the old castle mound of Visborg. The ramparts and moats of the medieval Visborg Castle are still visible in the surrounding area. The powder house at Vesborg Lighthouse houses a small exhibition about Samsø’s five medieval castle complexes, of which Vesborg is the largest. The view also extends across the Samsø Belt towards Funen, Zealand and Jutland.

Kolby as a Base on Samsø

Nearby is the west-facing port of Kolby Kås Havn, with restaurants as well as a nearby beach and bathing jetty. Depending on your priorities, you can combine historical sightseeing, cycling, woodland landscapes and a trip to the coast in Kolby. When looking for accommodation, it is worth considering these different interests first and then assessing Kolby as a suitable base for your own stay on Samsø.

For further orientation, you can also compare Ørby Ørby, Nordby Nordby, Samsø Samsø, Brundby Brundby, Ballen Ballen and Mårup Mårup.

For the overarching travel overview: Samsø.