Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen, Rævdalvej
A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.
Tucked into the rural landscape south-west of Frederikshavn, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen is a modest stone monument marking the memory of a local figure from the early 20th century. Set by fields and farm tracks near St. Rævdal in Gærum parish, the stone stands in a small, simply landscaped clearing that was renovated in the 2010s. This quiet spot offers a glimpse into local history and a moment of reflection amid classic Vendsyssel countryside.
A brief summary to Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
- Rævdalvej, Frederikshavn, 9900, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a brief stop at the memorial with a wider countryside drive or cycle route between Frederikshavn and the inland villages to make the detour more rewarding.
- Wear sturdy shoes; access is directly from a rural roadside with uneven ground that can become muddy after rain.
- Bring any background notes or downloaded local-history material in advance, as there is little on-site interpretation.
Getting There
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Car from central Frederikshavn
From central Frederikshavn, reaching the memorial by car typically takes 10–15 minutes, following regional roads through the outskirts into open countryside. The route uses standard paved roads suitable for any vehicle, and there is space to pull safely onto the verge near the stone rather than a formal car park. The drive is free apart from normal fuel costs, and the site is accessible year-round, though extra caution is advisable in winter conditions or after heavy rain when roadside surfaces can be soft.
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Bicycle from Frederikshavn area
Cyclists can reach the memorial from the Frederikshavn area in about 30–45 minutes, depending on starting point and pace. The ride follows minor country roads with light traffic but includes gentle hills and open stretches exposed to wind, so it is best suited to reasonably confident riders. There is no dedicated bike infrastructure at the site, but bicycles can be leaned against nearby fences or hedges. The journey is free and pleasant in mild, dry weather, less comfortable in strong winds or heavy rain.
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Walking from nearby rural accommodation
If you are staying at nearby farms or rural accommodation within a few kilometres, you can walk to the memorial in roughly 30–60 minutes. Expect narrow roadside verges, occasional passing vehicles and uneven, sometimes muddy ground. Good walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. There are no costs involved, but this option is best during daylight hours and in stable weather, as there is little shelter along the way.
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
A quiet memorial in the fields of Vendsyssel
The Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen stands beside Rævdalvej in the gently undulating farmland outside Frederikshavn, in the northern Danish region of Vendsyssel. At first glance it is a simple stone in a modest clearing, framed by low vegetation and open fields, but it anchors an otherwise anonymous corner of the landscape in a specific human story. The surrounding country roads, hedgerows and scattered farmsteads give the area a distinctly rural character, a contrast to the nearby harbour town. Today the stone is approached along a verge or farm track, with views across cultivated fields that change colour with the seasons. The landscape feels exposed to the wind coming in from the Kattegat coast, and on clear days the sky seems to take up more space than the ground. It is a small, easily overlooked memorial, but precisely this understatement suits the quiet, working countryside that surrounds it.The story behind a local commemorative stone
The monument was originally erected in 1925 in memory of Laurits (often written Laurits or Lauritz) Thomsen, a man with roots in this part of Gærum parish. Local historical archives describe him through his descendants and the ceremony for the stone, emphasizing family continuity and a strong attachment to the place. The exact wording on the stone is simple, focusing on his name and dates rather than long inscriptions, in keeping with Danish rural memorial traditions of the time. Rather than celebrating grand national events, stones like this record the lives of farmers, educators, or local benefactors whose importance was felt most strongly within a limited radius of home. The decision to place the stone near St. Rævdal underscores the link between person and landscape: this is not an abstract monument, but a marker rooted in the fields and farm roads that shaped his daily life.Renovation and renewed attention
By the early 21st century the surroundings of the memorial had become worn and overgrown. Around 2010, local enthusiasts and Gærum’s church council supported a small renovation, improving the ground around the stone with new gravel and tidying vegetation. Photographs from the time show a cleared, almost garden-like pocket cut into the rural edge, subtly separating the rememberance space from the working land beyond. This renovation did not turn the place into a formal park, but it did reinforce its status as a defined, cared-for site. The renewed setting makes it easier to pause safely by the stone, read the inscription, and take in the atmosphere. It also reflects a broader Danish tradition of maintaining even small, local memorials so that they continue to carry meaning for later generations.Experiencing the memorial today
For visitors, the experience here is primarily one of quiet reflection rather than sightseeing. There are no large signs or extensive information boards, and facilities are minimal. The interest lies in noticing details: the rough surface of the stone, the lettering worn slightly softer by years of weather, and the way the monument sits just off a minor country road that might otherwise be passed without a second thought. The spot works well as a short stop on a wider exploration of the countryside between Frederikshavn and the inland villages. It invites you to slow down, step away from the car or bicycle for a moment, and imagine the family gatherings held here during anniversaries and re-dedication ceremonies. The low-key setting makes it suitable for a contemplative break on a walk or a ride through the area.Local memory and the North Jutland landscape
Mindesten like this one form a network of small memory points scattered across North Jutland. Each carries a name and story that might be unfamiliar to visitors, yet together they tell how closely personal identity and local landscape are intertwined in rural Denmark. The Laurits Thomsen stone is one such anchor, tying a single life to a specific stretch of road, field, and horizon line. Standing here, you are reminded that history is not only found in major museums or large monuments. It is also present in modest stones raised by families and neighbours, maintained by local associations, and quietly visited on commemorative days. The winds, birdsong, and distant sounds of farm work provide the soundtrack, ensuring that the memorial remains part of a living, working countryside rather than a sealed-off historic site.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen
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A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
