Madsebakke Rock Carvings

An Ancient Sacred Landscape

Madsebakke stands as Denmark's largest concentration of rock carvings, a granite cliff face situated northwest of Allinge in northern Bornholm. The petroglyphs date from the later Bronze Age, spanning approximately 2,500 to 3,000 years of history. Unlike many other carving sites on Bornholm, Madsebakke was never quarried for industrial use because the granite at this location is of poor quality. This fortunate circumstance has preserved one of Northern Europe's most important archaeological treasures intact for modern visitors to experience. Archaeologists believe Madsebakke functioned as a sacred ceremonial center for the local Bronze Age population. The carvings were not created simultaneously; evidence suggests a span of roughly 400 years separates the oldest from the youngest ritual markings. The site's significance extends beyond the visible carvings themselves—excavations beneath the cliff face have revealed evidence of human activity including fire-damaged stones, stone pavements, and structures interpreted as ritual spaces.

Symbols of Bronze Age Ritual and Belief

The rock carvings at Madsebakke display most of the major motifs found across Bornholm's Bronze Age petroglyphs. Ships are among the most prominent symbols, with some of the oldest examples dating to around 1,000–900 BCE. The sun cross—a circle with a cross inscribed within it—appears frequently and likely held deep spiritual significance. Footprints, both human and animal, are also carved into the stone, though their precise symbolic meaning remains subject to scholarly interpretation. The actual carving technique likely involved stone tools rather than metal implements, with artisans using pecking and scraping motions to create the designs. The granite's natural weathering, accelerated in recent decades by air pollution and lichen growth, gradually erodes these ancient patterns. To aid visibility and protect the carvings from further damage, the most prominent petroglyphs have been marked with a special red conservation paint that does not obscure the original carved surfaces.

Ritual Functions and Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological investigation has revealed that Madsebakke was far more than a carving site. A palisade once marked the boundaries of the sacred precinct, defining where priests and ritual specialists conducted ceremonies. Long hearths discovered nearby are interpreted as ritual cooking areas where sacrificial animals were prepared as offerings. A burnt dwelling structure found immediately adjacent to the carvings contained human remains resting on a layer of flint chips, suggesting mortuary practices intertwined with the site's sacred functions. The rituals performed here likely included offerings, communal feasting, music, dance, and possibly invocations of spiritual forces. These ceremonies would have reinforced social bonds, transmitted cultural knowledge, and connected the community to the spiritual realm. The deliberate placement of carvings on exposed rock faces suggests they served as permanent records of these sacred acts, visible to all community members and enduring across generations.

Preservation and Modern Challenges

Madsebakke was placed under legal protection in 1943, recognizing its exceptional historical and cultural value. The site is now owned and managed by Foreningen Bornholm, a heritage organization that has acquired approximately 8 hectares of protected land surrounding the main carving field. Despite this protection, the site faces ongoing threats from natural weathering, lichen growth, and visitor impact. Granite, though appearing durable, is vulnerable to environmental degradation. Weather cycles, moisture infiltration, and airborne pollutants gradually break down the stone's surface. Visitor behavior also poses risks—walking on the carvings, pulling on rock surfaces, and leaving debris accelerate deterioration. Conservation efforts include periodic repainting of the red markers and public education about respectful site visitation. Visitors are asked to avoid stepping on carved areas, refraining from touching the stone, and leaving no trace of their presence.