The Bell Stone (Klokkestenen), Lyø
Prehistoric dolmen on a hilltop grove, where a resonant capstone, sweeping sea views and island folklore turn an ancient burial site into a quietly magical stop.
Set on a low hill on the west side of the small island of Lyø near Faaborg, the Bell Stone is a remarkably well‑preserved Neolithic dolmen chamber dating back to around 3500–3100 BC. Surrounded by fields and a later-planted grove, this ancient burial site combines sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago with myth and folklore: tap the capstone in just the right place and it is said to ring like a bell and grant a wish.
A brief summary to The bell stone
- Vestensvej 19, Faaborg, 5601, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; access involves walking on uneven grassy slopes around the mound and can be slippery after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities at the dolmen itself and services on the island are limited and seasonal.
- Visit on a clear day or around golden hour to enjoy the views over the Little Belt and the Lyø Trille spit system below.
- Tap gently on different parts of the capstone with your knuckles rather than hard objects to hear the bell-like tone without damaging the stone.
- Pack a light windproof layer; the exposed hilltop can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the village streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry from Faaborg and walk
From Faaborg, take the regular passenger-and-car ferry to Lyø, a crossing that typically takes around 35–45 minutes and runs several times daily in most seasons. A standard adult ticket usually costs in the range of 70–110 DKK one way, with discounts for children. Once on Lyø, expect a pleasant walk of 2–4 km on minor roads and paths to reach the Bell Stone, with gently rolling terrain that may be uneven in places but manageable for most reasonably fit visitors.
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Bicycle on Lyø
Bring a bicycle on the Faaborg–Lyø ferry for an additional fee, often around 20–40 DKK each way, or rent a simple bike on the island in peak season. The ride from the harbour to the Bell Stone typically takes 15–30 minutes along quiet rural lanes with light traffic and a few mild hills. Surfaces are mostly paved or compacted gravel, but in wet weather some sections can be soft, so basic cycling confidence is recommended.
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Guided excursion from Faaborg region
In summer, local operators and accommodation providers in the Faaborg area occasionally offer half- or full-day excursions to Lyø that include ferry tickets, guiding and a walk to the Bell Stone and other island highlights. These packages often last 5–7 hours door to door and typically range from about 400–800 DKK per adult depending on inclusions. Departure times and availability can be seasonal, and group sizes and walking distances vary, so check details when booking.
The bell stone location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The bell stone
Ancient Stone Chamber Above the Sea
Perched on a modest 20 m hill on Lyø’s western side, the Bell Stone is the island’s largest and best-preserved prehistoric dolmen chamber, built between roughly 3500 and 3100 BC. Once part of a dense ritual landscape with dozens of barrows and dolmens, it now stands as one of only a handful of surviving megalithic monuments on the island, a solitary guardian of deep time overlooking the Little Belt and the low coastline of Horneland. The dolmen consists of hefty upright stones forming a small burial chamber, capped by a broad cover stone weathered by thousands of winters. Grass and wildflowers frame the mound, softening the monument’s imposing geometry and reminding you that this was both a sacred place and part of everyday farmland for countless generations.Burial Place for Lyø’s Prehistoric Elite
Archaeologists interpret dolmen chambers like the Bell Stone as tombs for leading figures and their families in early farming communities. The effort involved in hauling and raising such massive stones on a small island speaks to the prestige and ritual power invested in this site. The chamber would originally have been partly buried under an earthen mound and may have been used repeatedly over generations, with bones and grave goods placed carefully inside. Even without excavated finds on display here, standing beside the stones makes it easy to imagine processions climbing the hill, ceremonies marking harvests, deaths and seasonal turning points, and stories being passed on by firelight.A Name Born from Sound and Legend
The dolmen’s Danish name, Klokkestenen – the Bell Stone – comes from its most curious feature. When you strike specific spots on the capstone, it produces a bell-like tone. The ringing is caused by the stone’s internal structure and the way it is supported, but local folklore adds a more magical explanation. According to tradition, if you find the "right" place to tap and hear the clear tone, you are granted a wish. This simple act of testing the stone’s resonance connects modern visitors with centuries of tales and small private rituals, turning a static monument into an interactive encounter with myth.Island Meeting Place in a Shaded Grove
Around 1920 a grove was planted around the Bell Stone, turning the hill into a natural gathering place. For many years, islanders met here for Constitution Day events and community assemblies, adding a modern civic layer to a prehistoric sacred landscape. Today the grove gives welcome shade on hot days and frames views between the tree trunks towards the sea and the Lyø Trille spit system below. The mix of trees, open grass and ancient stones creates a quietly dramatic setting that feels both intimate and expansive.Views Across the South Funen Archipelago
From the mound you can look out over fields, hedgerows and the broken coastline of Lyø, with changing glimpses of the Little Belt and nearby islands on the horizon. Cloud shadows race across the water, seabirds trace low arcs and, on clear days, the layered silhouettes of Funen and Horneland emerge in the distance. These broad views help explain why the hill has mattered for millennia: it is a natural vantage point, a place where people have watched the weather, the sea and one another’s comings and goings since long before written history.Quiet Moments on a Living Island
Visiting the Bell Stone is as much about atmosphere as about archaeology. The sounds are gentle – wind in leaves, distant farm activity, the rustle of insects in the grass. There are no displays or exhibits, just the stones themselves, the grove and the landscape. It is an inviting spot to sit for a while, trace the lichens on the megaliths, test the capstone’s bell note and let the island’s slower rhythm sink in. Here, the distance between Neolithic farmers and modern travellers feels surprisingly small.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bregninge Kirke
20.6 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Forladt skorsten
22.4 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
25.1 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
25.1 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Ærøfærgerne
25.1 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
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Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Danish Island Weddings
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På Torvet
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Andelen Guesthouse
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Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen
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Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral
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Memory stone
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Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen
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Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer
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Iskonditoriet
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lyø
1.5 km
Small, green and gently shaped by sea and history, Lyø is a tranquil South Funen island where half-timbered villages, soft hills and bird‑rich coasts invite slow exploration.
Bjørnø
8.0 km
Tiny, car‑free Bjørnø blends hilly Ice Age landscapes, rich birdlife and easy shoreline walks into one tranquil South Funen island escape.
Øhavsmuseet
8.8 km
A sensory, barefoot museum journey in Faaborg where sound, light and touch reveal how the South Funen Archipelago’s nature has shaped human lives through the ages.
Faaborg Clock Tower
9.0 km
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Skjoldnaes Lighthouse
10.0 km
Discover Marstal’s iconic row of colorful bathing huts, a living symbol of Ærø’s seaside heritage and Danish summer life along the Baltic shore.
Ærø Golf Klub
10.0 km
Wind-shaped seaside golf wrapped around a working lighthouse at the northern tip of Ærø, with sea views from every hole and a cosy clubhouse in the old keeper’s house.
Svanninge Bjerge
12.4 km
Undulating forested hills, glacial valleys and far‑reaching views over South Funen make Svanninge Bjerge a quietly dramatic corner of the so‑called Funen Alps.
Holstenshuus
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Hafenbune Mommark
13.7 km
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Jørbæk Strand
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A tranquil Baltic beach with picnic facilities and authentic island charm on Ærø's quieter southern shore.
Fine , die Fischmagd
14.0 km
A quiet coastal waypoint on Als where the simple life of a fish maid meets the far‑reaching consequences of the 1864 war in a contemplative rural setting.
Hans, der Fischer
14.0 km
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Mommark Marina
14.0 km
A restored maritime gem where working fishermen, award-winning cuisine, and Blue Flag beaches meet scenic Danish coastline.
Fyrtårn vestmole
14.2 km
Walk across the seabed to encounter 3,000 seals on Denmark's most dynamic tidal landscape.
Fyrtårn østmole
14.2 km
A small harbour lighthouse on Ærøskøbing’s eastern mole, Fyrtårn Østmole adds quiet maritime character and wide sea views to this fairytale Danish island port.
Essential places to dine
Lyø Havnegrill
1.9 km
Casual harbourfront grill on tiny Lyø, serving burgers, chicken and classic Danish comfort food with sea views, salty air and a relaxed South Funen island vibe.
Avernakø Havnecafé
7.9 km
Sunlit harbour café on tiny Avernakø, serving local, seasonal dishes and seaside views just steps from the ferry and marina in the South Funen Archipelago.
Restaurant Klinten
9.3 km
Waterfront Danish dining on Faaborg Fjord, blending fresh seafood, local produce and wide-open views of the South Funen archipelago in a relaxed, modern setting.
Crêperie Ærø
14.4 km
Authentic French crêpes in a serene Danish island harbor village.
Vindeballe Kro
24.2 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Bone's Sønderborg
24.6 km
American-style ribs, burgers and salad bar in a lively, family-friendly setting on the edge of Sønderborg.
Restaurant The Grill Sønderborg
24.6 km
All‑you‑can‑eat grill buffet and easygoing dining inside Sønderborg’s Bowl’n’Fun and Maximum entertainment complex, ideal for families, groups and relaxed nights out.
Café & Restaurant Friends
24.6 km
Casual, cosy and central, Café & Restaurant Friends brings together bar, café and restaurant comforts in one easygoing hangout on Nordborg’s Storegade.
Carl's Jr.
24.7 km
Flame-grilled American burgers made fresh to order, served daily in Sønderborg's Bilka shopping center.
Sunset Boulevard
24.8 km
Danish-style fast food with burgers, sandwiches and coffee in a bright, casual setting on Grundtvigs Allé, perfect for a quick, reliable stop in Sønderborg.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
25.0 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
25.1 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
25.2 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Landbogården
25.2 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Den Hemmelige Café
25.2 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Herremark
16.5 km
A charming farm shop in a white Ærø cottage, where curated vintage finds, handmade crafts and natural products capture the quiet beauty of island life.
Honninghuset
19.1 km
A cosy countryside honey house on Ærø, where local beekeeping, small-scale farm products and rural calm come together just beyond historic Ærøskøbing.
Denmark's Smallest Gallery
19.5 km
A tiny, characterful art space in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where intimate paintings and island light turn a single small room into a memorable creative stop.
Handweaving & more
20.3 km
A cosy island weaving studio near Ærøskøbing, where handloom textiles, natural fibres and Ærø-inspired colours come together in small-batch garments and scarves.
Ærø Soap Company
20.4 km
Handmade organic soaps crafted from island-grown herbs in a working workshop where visitors observe the ancient craft of soap-making.
Ærø Gårdbutik Uldgården
20.8 km
Rustic island farm shop in Bregninge, where soft wool, natural textiles and sturdy outdoor clothing fill old stables and a hayloft in the heart of Ærø.
Uldgaarden gårdbutik
20.8 km
Artisanal wool shop in a converted barn, celebrating Danish fiber craftsmanship and island heritage.
Guldhammer
21.3 km
Cozy village boutique on Als where Scandinavian everyday style, personal outfit advice and a relaxed pace turn clothes shopping into a warm local experience.
Høkildegård
21.4 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Bregninge Store Kro
21.4 km
Antique-filled country kro in the village of Øster Bregninge, where island history, rustic objects and rural Ærø atmosphere meet under one creaking roof.
Sunrice.dk
24.0 km
Compact Indian grocery in Sønderborg, packed with rice, spices, frozen specialties and vegetarian staples that bring the flavors of South Asia into Danish kitchens.
Fun Fyn
24.1 km
A cheerful one-stop party shop in Ringe, stocking balloons, decorations, costumes and tableware for everything from kids’ birthdays to elegant Funen celebrations.
DanChurchSocial Op Shop
24.5 km
A spacious Kirkens Korshær thrift warehouse in Sønderborg, where budget-friendly furniture and second-hand finds fund vital local social work.
dansk Sønderborg
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Functional family clothing outlet in Sønderborg, ideal for picking up affordable layers and everyday wear between coastal walks, castle visits and town sightseeing.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
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Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rådhuskælderen
15.1 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Kompasset
23.8 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Arrebo
25.1 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Posthuset
25.2 km
Historic post office transformed into Sønderborg's beloved social hub for drinks, conversation, and Danish nightlife.
Værtshus Chr. Iv
26.0 km
Classic brown beer hall on Sønderborg’s main street, serving simple drinks, local atmosphere and everyday Danish hygge from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Viking - Pool and billiards Sønderborg
26.0 km
Authentic Danish neighborhood pub where locals gather for affordable drinks, billiards, and genuine community atmosphere.
the tea house
26.4 km
South Jutland's premier bubble tea destination with customizable flavors and signature boba varieties.
Den Lille Vinbar
26.4 km
Cosy fromagerie-style wine bar on Perlegade, pairing carefully selected bottles with generous cheese tapas in an intimate, continental-feeling corner of Sønderborg.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
26.5 km
Intimate, association-run jazz club in central Sønderborg, serving up New Orleans–inspired live music, close-up performances and a friendly, community atmosphere.
Bar' Vinbar
26.5 km
Central Sønderborg’s relaxed corner wine bar, pouring around 50 wines by the glass plus cocktails, coffee and light bites in a warm, informal atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Sønderborg
26.6 km
Loud alpine-themed beer hall and late-night party bar bringing après-ski energy, big steins and sing-along hits to Sønderborg’s central Rådhustorvet.
Freia Bar & Lounge
26.6 km
Harbourfront hotel bar with Nordic myth touches, crafted drinks and hygge-rich lounge seating overlooking Sønderborg’s Alssund and skyline.
Old Danish Pub
26.6 km
Classic hygge-filled pub near Sønderborg’s main square, with affordable drinks, games, sports on screen and lively karaoke evenings on two cosy floors.
SKAAL Sønderborg
26.6 km
Modern craft beer bar and kitchen on Sønderborg’s main square, pouring rotating Danish brews and serving hearty comfort food in a stylish, urban setting.
Penny Lane Sønderborg
26.7 km
Lively late‑night bar in central Sønderborg serving cocktails, beer and loud tunes from evening warm‑up to near‑club energy on weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kaizen ApS
26.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
Dance All Over
29.0 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
Ommel
30.1 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
30.9 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Kasket karl
39.2 km
Discover authentic Danish hospitality and local color at Kasket Karl, Rudkøbing’s beloved bodega on Langeland—a lively gathering spot offering drinks, history, and community.
Langelands Jazzklub
40.1 km
Experience the vibrant local jazz scene at Langelands Jazzklub in Rudkøbing, where live music and island hospitality meet in one of Denmark’s most charming settings.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
40.6 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
41.6 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
41.8 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Den Brølende And
42.0 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Dansebar Odense
42.1 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
42.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
42.2 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
42.3 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
42.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Romantic
- Zen
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Remote
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly