Monoliths on Bornholm
Bornholm is home to some of Denmark’s most impressive monoliths. The island boasts several monolith fields, where groups of these stones rise from the landscape, often with strong symbolic or ceremonial significance. One of the largest and most well-known sites is the area known as Gryet, where several monoliths stand in close formation. This page features our pick of the most famous monolith collections on Bornholm.
Gryet: A Bronze Age burial ground
Gryet is located in a small forest near Nexø and is one of Bornholm’s largest burial grounds. The oldest monolith dates back to the Bronze Age, but the vast majority of the stones are from the Iron Age. Today the area has 67 monoliths, several of which also bear carvings. They are easy to spot, standing like silent guardians over the ancient burial mounds. The area is protected and owned by the Danish Nature Agency (Danmarks Naturfond).
Gryet
Louiselund: A hidden treasure
Louiselund is located east of Østermarie and is home to Bornholm’s second largest collection of monoliths. There are 50 stones scattered across the landscape here, surrounded by forest, which gives the place an almost mystical atmosphere. Louiselund is a great example of how nature and history live side by side on Bornholm.
Louiselund
Hjortebakke: Denmark’s only area to boast a stone circle
Hjortebakken has 10 larger and 9 smaller monoliths. Particularly noteworthy are the 9 small flat monoliths arranged in a stone circle. Archaeological excavations at the stone circle at Hjortebakken revealed burned human bones. It is believed to be a burial site from the late Iron Age.
Hjortebakke
Hellig Kvinde (Sacred Woman): A powerful female figure
Hellig Kvinde is the name of the largest of the 17 monuments located close to the mouth of the Gyldenå river, not far from Svaneke. Hellig Kvinde is 2.6 metres tall and stands on a stone cairn, with several of the smaller stones surrounding it. This stone is shrouded in folklore and is said to possess special powers, giving it an important place in local mythology.
Hellig Kvinde
Hestestenene (the horse stones) Legends and myths
Hestestenene are located on the coastal path just outside Gudhjem in the direction of Helligdommen. They comprise four monoliths that stand at the top of the cliff high above sea level. Several different myths are associated with these stones. One of the most enduring tales is about a young bride and groom who lost control of their carriage in dense fog, went over the cliff and plummeted to their deaths. The horses were left petrified. Another story recounts that the site was an ancient place of sacrifice, where horses were thrown over the cliff as an offering to Salene Bay.
Hestestenene
