Stenrækken i Nørreskoven

In Nørreskoven there is a remarkable row of stones, whose location and orientation provide an exciting insight into the Bronze Age's relationship to the rhythms of the seasons and the importance of keeping track of the calendar.

The row of stones stretches over approximately 70 meters and consists of 29 distinctive stones. It is located in Nørreskoven, an area known for its high concentration of ancient monuments – including long mounds, dolmens and several Bronze Age mounds – all within a relatively small area.
In Denmark, we know of a total of 137 stone rows.

The row of stones in Nørreskoven probably dates from the Bronze Age and is remarkable – not only because of its length and regular arrangement, but also because of its orientation from northwest to southeast. It points precisely at an angle of 303° in relation to the north – towards the point on the west side of Gravlev Ådal where the sun sets at the summer solstice.

Because of the surrounding forest, it is difficult to determine whether the row also points to sunrise at the winter solstice at an angle of about 123° to the north, but there are many indications that it does. Perhaps the row of stones functioned as a solar calendar with religious significance, linked to sun worship and fertility rituals – phenomena known to have been widespread in the Bronze Age.

Near the row of stones there are several archaeological finds, including a stone circle with about 100 stones and a smaller circle consisting of seven larger stones. These facilities may suggest that other calendar events have also been known, such as the spring and autumn equinoxes – but so far these are only speculations.

Parking
The nearest parking option is by the lake on Rebild Kirkevej. From here you can follow the yellow hiking route to and from the row of stones.

The row of stones is marked as a pick-up point (8) on the Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker/Gravlev Ådal maps. A few hundred meters from the Stone Row you will find (3) Lille Blåkilde.

Overview of the Danish Nature Agency's updated hiking map of Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov.