Slaus Stene – Story-Carved Stones of Bornholm

A hidden forest of carved stone characters

Slaus Stene sits in a modest patch of woodland along a former railway line near Rønne, where moss, roots and leaf litter mingle with dozens of carved stones. At first glance it feels like a regular Bornholm forest, but as your eyes adjust you start picking out faces in the granite: a long nose here, a grinning mouth there, eyes half-covered in lichen. The setting is deliberately informal, more like a secret discovered on a walk than a conventional sculpture park. The stones stand at different heights and angles, some emerging from the ground like buried giants, others propped along old boundaries. There are no paved paths or fences; instead, a network of simple tracks winds through the trees, inviting you to wander at your own pace, pause, and circle each rock to see how the contours of the stone have been used.

The man behind the mythic carvings

The carvings are the life’s work of Slaus, a local stonecutter and eccentric craftsman who transformed ordinary boulders into a personal gallery. Working with basic tools and a feel for Bornholm granite, he slowly populated the woods with an ever-growing cast of characters. The project was never a formal commission; it was a private obsession that gradually became a public curiosity. Many stones blend the natural shape of the rock with subtle cuts and grooves, as if Slaus believed the figures were already inside the stone waiting to be revealed. Over time the forest and the carvings have grown together: tree trunks lean over expressive faces, while moss softens sharp chisel marks, giving the impression that the sculptures have always been part of the landscape.

Myths, trolls and underground creatures

Look closely and you will recognise themes drawn from Norse mythology, Danish folk tales and the island’s own stories. Troll-like heads with heavy brows and tusk-like teeth hint at the underground beings said to roam Bornholm’s countryside. Other figures, with flowing hair or stern expressions, recall gods and heroes from northern sagas. Not every carving is grand or fearsome. Some are playful, almost cartoonish, while others feel melancholic or contemplative. Part of the appeal lies in this mix of moods; the forest becomes a three-dimensional storybook where every turn reveals another scene. Children often enjoy spotting faces, animals and imaginary monsters, while adults may be drawn to more abstract shapes and symbols.

Exploring the site at your own rhythm

Visiting Slaus Stene is a relaxed, self-guided experience. There is no ticket booth or formal entrance; instead, you simply step from the cycle path or track into the trees and start noticing stones. A leisurely circuit typically takes less than an hour, but those who linger over details can easily stay longer, especially if using the grove as a quiet rest stop on a longer ride or walk. The ground is uneven forest floor with roots, rocks and patches of mud after rain, so sturdy footwear is useful. Because there are no barriers, you can approach the carvings closely, though the stones are best treated with care to preserve both the artwork and the thin layer of moss and lichen that gives them such character.

Atmosphere through seasons and light

The mood of Slaus Stene changes noticeably with the seasons and time of day. On bright summer days, dappled sunlight picks out chisel marks and casts sharp shadows across the faces. In autumn, fallen leaves gather in eye sockets and crevices, adding rich colour to the grey stone. Winter’s low light can make the carvings feel more mysterious, especially when dusted with frost. Birdsong, the crunch of twigs and the rustle of wind through the canopy form a constant backdrop. Because the site is informal and outdoors, it rarely feels crowded; you can often pause in complete quiet between the trees, studying a single stone without distraction. For many visitors, that combination of gentle woodland and imaginative art is the real charm.

A small stop with lasting impressions

Slaus Stene is not a large attraction, but it leaves a vivid impression. It works well as a brief detour on a Bornholm cycling route or as a short nature break from Rønne. Those interested in outsider art, folklore or local stories will find layers of meaning in the carvings, while others may simply enjoy the whimsical surprise of a face in the moss. The site encapsulates something very Bornholm: a strong sense of place, granite underfoot, and a creative spirit that turns the island’s raw materials into something quietly memorable. Long after leaving the woods, many people recall particular expressions or shapes, as if the forest’s stone residents are still watching from beneath their green, mossy brows.