Hulbjerg Passage Grave (Hulbjerg Jættestue)
Crawl into a 5000‑year‑old Stone Age tomb on windswept Langeland and stand inside one of Denmark’s best‑preserved passage graves, where early surgery left its mark.
Set on a low hill near Bagenkop at the southern tip of Langeland, Hulbjerg Passage Grave is one of Denmark’s best‑preserved Neolithic tombs. This 5000‑year‑old mound hides a rectangular stone chamber reached by a low, 5 m passage you must crawl through, revealing beautifully crafted dry‑stone walls, capstones and a mysterious side “room”. Excavations uncovered the remains of more than 50 people, grave gifts, an early skull operation and Denmark’s oldest dental drilling, making this a compact but powerful window onto Stone Age life.
A brief summary to Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
- Søgårdsvej 10, Bagenkop, 5935, DK
- +4563516300
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Bring a small torch or use your phone light; the 5 m passage and inner chamber are dim, and details of the dry‑stone walls are easier to appreciate with extra light.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting a bit dusty and be prepared to crawl; adults cannot enter upright and the passage may be damp after rain.
- Combine Hulbjerg with a stop at Langeland Museum in Rudkøbing to see the excavated bones, flint tools, amber beads and the famous trepanned skull.
- On windy days, linger on top of the mound for broad coastal views over the South Funen Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark before or after going inside.
- If you are sensitive to confined spaces, assess the low entrance before committing to the crawl; you can still enjoy the mound and scenery from outside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rudkøbing (Langeland’s main town)
Driving from Rudkøbing to Hulbjerg Passage Grave takes about 35–40 minutes along main roads running south through Langeland’s countryside. The route is straightforward and paved throughout. There is a small, free parking area at the foot of the Hulbjerg hill, but spaces are limited in summer. The site itself is always open and there is no entrance fee.
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Local bus plus walk from Bagenkop
Regional buses run several times daily between Rudkøbing and Bagenkop, with a typical journey time of 45–55 minutes and single tickets usually in the range of DKK 25–35 depending on the ticket type. From the bus stop in Bagenkop, expect a 25–30 minute walk on minor rural roads and tracks across gently rolling terrain to reach the hill. The walk is mostly easy but can be muddy in wet weather and is not ideal for wheelchairs or strollers.
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Cycling from Bagenkop and southern Langeland
Bicycles are a practical way to reach Hulbjerg from Bagenkop and nearby villages, using quiet country roads with light traffic. From central Bagenkop the ride typically takes 10–15 minutes each way at a relaxed pace, over slightly undulating ground. There is no dedicated bike parking, but cycles can be left by the small parking area at the base of the hill. Cycling is free aside from any rental cost you may have for the bike itself.
Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
Ancient mound on the edge of the Baltic
Perched on a gently rising hill south of Bagenkop, Hulbjerg Passage Grave looks at first like a simple grassy mound. Only when you draw closer do the encircling kerb stones, the slightly raised profile and the narrow entrance on the eastern side reveal that this is no ordinary hill. Built around 3300–3200 BCE, the grave belongs to the Funnelbeaker culture, a community of early farmers who reshaped the landscape of Langeland with fields, livestock – and monumental tombs. From the top of the mound, the view opens towards the South Funen Archipelago, a landscape now recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark. It is easy to imagine why Stone Age people chose this spot: raised just enough to command the surrounding fields and sea routes, yet close to fertile soils that sustained their settlements. Today the site remains open, unfenced and atmospheric, a quiet patch of cultural heritage in a windswept coastal setting.Architecture of a Stone Age grave house
Hulbjerg is a textbook example of a passage grave, a type of tomb where a low corridor leads into a central stone chamber inside a round barrow about 20 m across. The passage here is roughly 5 m long and unusually wide for its kind, framed by large stones and marked by two distinct door frames with thresholds. At the inner end, a substantial flat stone likely once closed the entrance, sealing the dead inside. The burial chamber itself is rectangular, about 6.5 m by 2 m. Thirteen massive uprights form the walls, carefully packed on the inside with thin stone tiles to create an exceptionally tight dry‑stone wall. Three original capstones still cover the room, while granite beams added in the 20th century complete the roof line. The floor is paved with small slabs and burnt flint, giving the interior a surprisingly finished, almost domestic feel. Along the southern side, vertical stone plates enclose a smaller, coffin‑like space whose exact function remains unknown, adding a touch of enduring mystery.Bones, grave gifts and a thousand years of burials
When archaeologists excavated Hulbjerg in 1960, they uncovered more than 2,000 human bones representing at least 36 adults and 17 children, with some estimates suggesting upwards of 60 individuals over time. Radiocarbon dating shows that the earliest burials are around 5,000 years old, while the latest were placed here in the early Bronze Age, roughly 1700 BCE, meaning the mound remained in use for more than a millennium. The bones were not laid out in neat rows. Instead, they were scattered and partly sorted, as older remains were moved aside to make room for new burials. Among the skeletal material lay a rich assemblage of grave goods: finely worked flint axes and chisels, daggers, transverse arrowheads, decorated pottery and amber beads. These objects speak of a community skilled in craftsmanship and long‑distance exchange, sending amber out into wider Europe and receiving precious materials like flint of especially fine quality in return.Early surgery and Denmark’s oldest dental drilling
One of the most remarkable finds from Hulbjerg is a skull with clear evidence of trepanation: a portion of bone removed from the left side of the forehead by careful cutting and scraping. Only about ten such trepanned skulls are known from Neolithic Denmark, most from men with injuries in the same area, possibly from combat. The edges of the Hulbjerg hole are rounded and healed, proving that the patient survived the operation. Equally extraordinary is a molar from another individual bearing a drilled hole down to the tooth root. This is interpreted as an attempt to relieve the pain of an abscess, making it the oldest known dental drill hole in Denmark and the only one identified from local prehistory. The traces of calculus that formed after drilling show that this Stone Age patient also lived for some time after the procedure. Both finds highlight a surprisingly sophisticated medical practice and a willingness to experiment with invasive treatment long before metal tools or formal medicine.Visiting the chamber today
Today Hulbjerg Passage Grave lies on public land and is accessible year‑round. A small parking area sits at the foot of the hill, from where a short grassy ascent brings you to the mound. To enter the chamber, you must crouch low or crawl through the narrow passage, which can be damp and dark – so practical clothing and a flashlight or phone torch are helpful. Inside, the air is cool and still. The light falls softly on the stone walls, and as your eyes adjust you can pick out the careful masonry and the subtle curve of the chamber. Standing or sitting here, you are quite literally surrounded by Stone Age architecture, in a space designed both to shelter the dead and to host the living during rituals. The original bones and artefacts now reside at Langeland Museum in Rudkøbing, but the grave itself remains largely intact, offering a rare chance to inhabit, for a few minutes, the inner room of a 5000‑year‑old monument.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
11.4 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
17.0 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Rise Kirke
22.6 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Andelen Guesthouse
24.3 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
På Torvet
24.4 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
24.5 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
24.6 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
24.6 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hotel Ærøhus
24.7 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.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
24.7 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Forladt skorsten
28.3 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
29.9 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Tranekær Castle
31.5 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Søbygård
33.0 km
Discover Søbygaard: Ærø's historic manor offering cultural exhibitions, concerts, and family-friendly activities in a picturesque setting.
Ærø Museum
33.0 km
Explore Ærø Museum: A captivating journey through the unique history and culture of Ærø Island, Denmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vilde heste
1.3 km
A free‑roaming herd of hardy Exmoor ponies shaping a wild coastal landscape of grassland, marsh and cliffs at the southern tip of Langeland.
Dovns Klint
1.6 km
Wind-shaped cliffs, big Baltic skies and quiet pebble shores at the southernmost tip of Langeland, where Ice Age geology meets tranquil Danish coastal life.
Sydligste Punkt på Langeland
1.6 km
Wind‑sculpted cliffs, pebble shores and wide Baltic horizons at the southernmost point of Langeland, where Ice Age hills meet open sea and endless sky.
Fiskeriets Hus
1.8 km
Intimate harbor-side museum where Bagenkop’s fishing past comes alive through artifacts, stories, and an immersive ship simulator on southern Langeland.
Bagenkop Kunsthal
2.0 km
Harbor-front contemporary art in a former rescue station, where changing exhibitions and coastal light meet at the southern tip of Langeland.
Langelandsfort
2.6 km
A former coastal stronghold on Langeland’s southern tip where bunkers, ships and Cold War stories meet sea air, open skies and hands-on family exploration.
Broløkke
4.3 km
Historic Langeland manor reborn as a stylish countryside retreat with on-site dining, brewery, spa comforts, and spacious grounds for romantic stays and events.
Langdysse i Ormstrup
6.1 km
Experience Langeland’s ancient past inside Hulbjerg, a stunning Neolithic passage grave where Stone Age architecture, rituals, and landscape come vividly to life.
Tryggelev Nor bird sanctuary
6.4 km
Denmark's premier wetland sanctuary for vulnerable breeding birds and migratory raptors.
Tryggelev Kirke
7.6 km
A humble 12th‑century village church on South Langeland, with a rare medieval stone barn and a tranquil churchyard steeped in rural Danish history.
Ristinge Klint
11.4 km
Dramatic ice‑age cliffs, sweeping Baltic views and simple coastal trails make Ristinge Klint a quietly spectacular corner of southern Langeland.
Naturdestination Skovsgaard
12.8 km
Organic estate, wild-grazing herds and slow island living come together at this Langeland nature destination of trails, learning spaces and cosy stays.
Lindelse Kirke
14.6 km
Experience Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a Neolithic burial monument where prehistoric engineering and ancient stories come together amid stunning natural views.
Lindelse Mølle
15.0 km
Historic hilltop windmill and former mill farm on Langeland, blending rural views, traditional architecture and emerging community life in a compact village setting.
Badehusene i Marstal
16.0 km
A slender sand spit lined with vividly painted wooden bathing huts, Badehusene i Marstal capture Ærø’s gentle island spirit, maritime heritage and slow seaside living.
Essential places to dine
Spisestedet Havnen,Langeland, Bagenkop
1.9 km
Relaxed harbour-side brasserie in Bagenkop serving hearty Danish comfort food and fresh local fish just a few steps from the boats on Langeland’s southern tip.
Humble Pizza & Grill
10.0 km
Casual pizzeria, grill and café in the village of Humble, serving hearty pizzas, burgers and Bosnian-style grills for easy dine-in or takeaway on Langeland.
Humble Kro Hotel
10.1 km
Traditional Danish roadside inn in the village of Humble, serving classic kro food with simple, budget‑friendly rooms close to Langeland’s beaches and countryside.
Bistro Bredo
10.3 km
Casual roadside bistro in Humble on Langeland, serving American-inspired homemade burgers and classic sides in a relaxed, family-friendly village setting.
Restaurant Kædeby Cafeen
11.8 km
Hearty Danish classics in a former station house on south Langeland, where generous portions, cosy surroundings and a family-friendly feel anchor any island stay.
Café Haven
12.8 km
Danish brasserie with outdoor seating and local charm in central Rudkøbing.
Landevejskroen Lindelse (tidl. Lindelse Kro)
14.3 km
Classic Danish roadside inn on Langeland serving hearty kromad, hosting village gatherings and offering simple rooms in a warm, traditional kro setting.
Pizzeria Siciliana v/ Marcello Antonio
16.4 km
Harbor-close, no-nonsense pizzeria in Marstal serving crisp, generous Italian-style pies and takeaway boxes ideal for salty-haired sailors and island wanderers.
Sønderrendens Perle/Burger House Marstal
16.6 km
Casual harbourfront burger joint in Marstal serving hearty comfort food and ice cream just steps from the water, ideal for an easy seaside meal on Ærø.
Miss Sophy Gastroclub
16.7 km
Relaxed island bistro and wine bar in central Marstal, serving seasonal comfort dishes, creative burgers and cocktails in an intimate, hygge-filled setting.
Femmasteren Hotel & Vandrerhjem
16.7 km
Character-packed hotel and hostel in central Marstal, blending Ærø’s seafaring history, cozy communal living, and easy access to harbor-side attractions.
Prinsebroen
16.9 km
Harbour-side smokehouse and café in Marstal, serving Ærø’s signature smoked fish and open sandwiches with wide sea views and an easy-going island atmosphere.
Webers café og restaurant
16.9 km
A warmly lit former sailors’ pub in Marstal, serving compact Danish–French bistro dishes, local Ærø beers and well-chosen wines in a cosy brown-café setting.
Den Gamle Vingaard
16.9 km
Mediterranean-Nordic cuisine in a historic maritime setting with a tranquil garden courtyard.
MARSTANG café
17.0 km
Island café where sourdough bread bowls and natural wine capture Ærø's seasonal soul
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ulla - Keramik
1.6 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics with playful surprises, shaped by five decades of island inspiration.
Fiski
1.8 km
Fresh-caught Danish seafood and artisanal delicacies in a harbor town gem.
Den Gamle Fiskehytte
1.9 km
Polar explorer's gallery celebrating Arctic adventures, artisan crafts, and sustainable luxury by the sea.
Den Gamle Told
1.9 km
Cosy harbourside coffee and souvenirs in Bagenkop’s old customs-house setting, a relaxed stop for ice cream, drinks and a breather by the southern Langeland sea.
Humble Loppehaller
11.8 km
Langeland's most eclectic indoor flea market, where vintage treasures and Danish nostalgia await discovery.
Kræmmerne i Kædeby
11.8 km
Eccentric island flea-market on Langeland, where farm buildings brim with kitsch, curios and second-hand treasures in a relaxed rural setting.
Antikhjørnet
17.0 km
Curated vintage treasures and 4,000 Christmas ornaments in a charming Ærø antique shop.
Ærøpigen
17.1 km
Cozy island shop in central Marstal, blending woolly comforts, local delicacies and everyday essentials in a snug Kirkestræde setting on Ærø.
Chr. H v/Hanne Kromann
17.1 km
Locally anchored clothing shop in Marstal’s old town, offering classic Scandinavian styles for men and women with a subtle, maritime Ærø touch.
Bille Knudsen Isenkram
17.1 km
A densely stocked island hardware and homeware store in Marstal’s pedestrian street, supplying sailors, locals and holidaymakers with practical Danish everyday goods.
DCA Op Shop
17.1 km
Small island thrift shop in Marstal where second-hand treasures, community spirit and global charity work come together in a cozy, slow-paced setting.
Galleri Strandesen
21.5 km
Intimate island gallery in Ærøskøbing where sea light, harbour life and quiet streets are transformed into contemporary paintings you can linger over—and take home.
Pigekammeret v/Birgitte Nygaard Jensen
22.2 km
A cosy Rudkøbing boutique where Scandinavian-style gifts, home comforts and gourmet treats come together in one lovingly curated island shop.
Littlevillagepeople.dk
22.2 km
A small, carefully curated design shop in Rudkøbing, blending children’s wear, toys, interiors, ceramics and yarn into one cozy slice of Scandinavian everyday style.
Ostehuset Rudkøbing
22.2 km
Artisanal cheese and wine shop celebrating Danish heritage and international flavors in historic Rudkøbing.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
16.8 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Foley's Pub
17.0 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
17.0 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Skipperkroen
17.1 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
17.3 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Langelands Jazzklub
22.0 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
Basicbigband
22.0 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Dybendal
22.3 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Kasket karl
22.3 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
Sukker
22.4 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Paa Drejet Beach Bar
22.4 km
Laid-back beach bar and grill by Drejet Beach on Langeland, pairing sea air, sand and simple comfort food in the heart of Spodsbjerg’s holiday‑home area.
No. 10
22.5 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
22.5 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
22.5 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Arrebo
24.6 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
19.8 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.
CLUB ZANZI
30.5 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
36.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ærø Golf Klub
40.2 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Luna Club
57.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Luna Club in Kiel, where electrifying music, exquisite cocktails, and unforgettable events await you.
Orange Club
57.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kiel at Orange Club, where the music is pumping and the dance floor is waiting.
Rathausbunker Kiel
58.3 km
Experience the underground nightlife of Kiel at Rathausbunker, where music and energy collide for unforgettable nights.
Ben Briggs
58.5 km
Discover the heart of Kiel's nightlife at Ben Briggs, a lively disco club and bar where you can dance the night away in an electrifying atmosphere.
Anna Club & Discostadl
59.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kiel at Anna Club & Discostadl, a premier disco club where rhythm and excitement meet.
Old Danish Pub
60.7 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
60.7 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
61.0 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Muzirkus
63.7 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
64.5 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Dance All Over
67.1 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
