The stone in the Glavendrup Grove

One place is though unique if you want to follow the footsteps of the Vikings - the Glavendrup Grove near Skamby.

In the Glavendrup Grove the Glavendrup stone was found. The Vikings buried their dead fellowmen in burial mounds or stone ships, a symbol of the voyage to the land of the dead. Burial mounds are found all over Northfunen, whereas ship burials are rare.

The stone in the Glavendrup Grove is dated back to the 9th century. The longest inscription found in Denmark carved on three sides was found on the stone. 210 runic letters is carved in the stone.The stone was put up by Ragnhild and her sons and it was erected in memory of the Viking chieftain Alle den Blege in English: Alle the Pale.

The Glavendrup Stone is standing at the end of the largest preserved stone ship in Denmark - originally 60 m long and 12 m wide. The place is open for everyone and you will find beautiful surroundings. Glavendrup is worth a visit to see the restored Viking ship-building rig. It forms part of a series of stones arranged in the form of a ship that are around sixty metres long. A grove of trees has been built around the stones to protect them. But be aware - on the stone is a detailed inscription ending with a threat to damage the stone.

Here's a translation of the runes from both sides of the stone, adapted from a couple of sources:"Ragnhildr placed this stone in memory of Alle, the housecarls' chieftain, high priest of the sanctuary. Alle's sons made this monument in memory of their father, and his wife in memory of her husband. And Sóti carved these runes in memory of his lord. Thor bless these runes. A warlock be he who damages this stone or drags it (to stand) in memory of another."