Tryggelev Kirke
A humble 12th‑century village church on South Langeland, with a rare medieval stone barn and a tranquil churchyard steeped in rural Danish history.
Tryggelev Kirke is a small, atmospheric medieval parish church in the village of Tryggelev on South Langeland. Dating back to the 12th century, it combines whitewashed walls, a sturdy tower and a rare stone-built church barn from around 1300, once used to store tithes. Inside, you find simple Nordic light, a carved pulpit, epitaphs and modest medieval details that tell the story of centuries of rural faith. It is a peaceful stop for anyone exploring Langeland’s villages, landscapes and history.
A brief summary to Tryggelev Kirke
- Tryggelev 27A, Humble, 5932, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check local parish or provsti information for current opening times, as village churches are not always unlocked outside services and events.
- Walk around the outside to see the separate medieval stone church barn, which is one of the most distinctive historic features on the site.
- Keep noise low and dress respectfully, as this is an active parish church where services, funerals and private ceremonies take place.
- Allow a little extra time to wander through the churchyard; some of the older gravestones and family plots offer insight into local history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Rudkøbing (Langeland’s main town)
Driving from Rudkøbing to Tryggelev Kirke typically takes about 25–30 minutes, following the main north–south route on Langeland before turning inland toward the village. The roads are paved and straightforward, and standard cars are sufficient. Parking is usually available near the churchyard without charge, but spaces can be limited during services, weddings or funerals, so allow extra time if you expect an event to be in progress.
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Bus from Rudkøbing towards South Langeland
Regional buses connect Rudkøbing with the southern part of Langeland in around 30–45 minutes, depending on route and stops. Services are not very frequent, especially in the evening and on weekends, and you may need a short walk from the nearest bus stop in Tryggelev village to reach the church. A single adult ticket on local buses is typically in the range of 25–40 DKK, with discounts for children and multi-zone cards.
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Bicycle along Langeland’s country roads
Cycling from Rudkøbing to Tryggelev Kirke usually takes 60–90 minutes, depending on your pace and chosen route. The terrain is generally gentle, with rolling countryside and low traffic on smaller roads, making it pleasant for moderately experienced cyclists. There are no special fees, but bring water and be prepared for changing coastal winds and occasional showers, as shelter along the way can be limited.
Tryggelev Kirke 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
Discover more about Tryggelev Kirke
A quiet village church on South Langeland
Tryggelev Kirke sits slightly elevated above the small village of Tryggelev in southern Langeland, its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof a familiar silhouette against fields and low farmhouses. The church has served as the spiritual centre of the local community for centuries, and even today it feels closely tied to the surrounding farmland and the rhythm of rural life. From the churchyard, there are glimpses of the open South Langeland landscape, with its patchwork of fields, hedgerows and the distant suggestion of the sea. Stepping through the churchyard gate, you pass old gravestones and family plots that gently curve around the building. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; birdsong and the wind in the trees set the tone before you even reach the entrance. This is not a grand urban monument but a working village church, and that modesty is a large part of its charm.Medieval roots and changing architecture
The core of Tryggelev Kirke dates back to the 1100s, making it a true medieval survivor on Langeland. The original Romanesque nave was likely built in rough fieldstone with small, narrow windows and a simple rectangular ground plan. Over the centuries, as needs and tastes changed, the church was altered and expanded, adding the characteristic brick tower and later architectural details that give it its present appearance. On the exterior, you can pick out traces of these phases in the masonry. Lower walls often preserve older stonework, while higher sections and the tower show later brick construction. Gothic-style, larger windows have replaced many of the original small openings, filling the interior with a softer, more generous light than the early builders could have imagined.A simple interior with historical details
Inside, the church feels bright and intimate rather than imposing. Whitewashed vaults and walls reflect the daylight that filters in through clear or lightly tinted panes, creating a quiet, even light over the wooden pews. The atmosphere is one of simplicity: painted benches, a modest font, and a small, focused chancel area draw the eye forward without distraction. Among the interior treasures is a baroque epitaph set near the organ, dating from the 1600s. It commemorates the parish priest Erik Christensen Humble, his wife Sara Madsdatter and their daughter, and includes portraits and carved decoration that speak of both piety and status in 17th-century rural Denmark. The pulpit and altarpiece, with their carved and painted ornament, add further historical layers, showing how generations have continued to invest care and craftsmanship in this relatively small building.The rare stone church barn
One of the most distinctive features of Tryggelev Kirke lies just outside: a separate church barn built around the year 1300. Constructed from large, unworked fieldstones, this sturdy structure once stored tithes paid in grain and other produce by local farmers. Church barns like this were once common across Denmark, but only a few survive today, making the example at Tryggelev particularly interesting for anyone with a taste for rural history and old building techniques. The barn’s heavy stone walls and simple openings contrast with the more refined masonry of the church itself. Together, they tell a broader story about how closely intertwined faith, land and livelihood were in medieval and early modern times. Standing between the church and the barn, you can almost picture wagons arriving with grain and the busy, practical life that once surrounded religious observance.A contemplative pause on a Langeland journey
For present-day visitors, Tryggelev Kirke offers a calm, reflective pause while exploring South Langeland’s coastal landscapes, manor houses and nature areas. The churchyard is a pleasant place for a short stroll, and the combination of medieval stonework, later additions and the rare barn rewards an unhurried look from outside as well as within. Services, concerts and local events still take place here, so the church remains very much in use. When it is open, you can slip inside for a few quiet minutes on a bench, letting the soft light, distant sounds of the village and faint scent of old wood and stone sink in. Even a brief visit gives a sense of continuity: generations have marked life’s big moments here, and the building quietly holds those stories while welcoming new guests.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
3.8 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
12.9 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
20.2 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
20.8 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
På Torvet
20.8 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
20.9 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
20.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
21.0 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
21.0 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
21.0 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.
Tranekær Castle
24.1 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.
Forladt skorsten
25.8 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
27.0 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Saint Nicolai's Church
28.9 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Anne Hvide's House
29.1 km
Svendborg's oldest house: a ochre-yellow Renaissance gem where nobility, hospitality, and history converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langdysse i Ormstrup
2.0 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
2.9 km
Denmark's premier wetland sanctuary for vulnerable breeding birds and migratory raptors.
Broløkke
4.1 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.
Naturdestination Skovsgaard
5.5 km
Organic estate, wild-grazing herds and slow island living come together at this Langeland nature destination of trails, learning spaces and cosy stays.
Langelandsfort
5.8 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.
Bagenkop Kunsthal
6.0 km
Harbor-front contemporary art in a former rescue station, where changing exhibitions and coastal light meet at the southern tip of Langeland.
Fiskeriets Hus
6.3 km
Intimate harbor-side museum where Bagenkop’s fishing past comes alive through artifacts, stories, and an immersive ship simulator on southern Langeland.
Ristinge Klint
6.5 km
Dramatic ice‑age cliffs, sweeping Baltic views and simple coastal trails make Ristinge Klint a quietly spectacular corner of southern Langeland.
Lindelse Kirke
7.0 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
7.5 km
Historic hilltop windmill and former mill farm on Langeland, blending rural views, traditional architecture and emerging community life in a compact village setting.
Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
7.6 km
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.
Vilde heste
8.8 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
9.1 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
9.1 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.
Erik's Tail
12.0 km
A narrow ribbon of sand lined with colourful huts, Erik's Tail puts you between two seas at once: sheltered lagoon on one side, open Baltic waves on the other.
Essential places to dine
Humble Pizza & Grill
2.5 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
2.5 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
2.7 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
4.2 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
5.6 km
Danish brasserie with outdoor seating and local charm in central Rudkøbing.
Spisestedet Havnen,Langeland, Bagenkop
6.1 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.
Landevejskroen Lindelse (tidl. Lindelse Kro)
6.7 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
12.6 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
12.7 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.
Femmasteren Hotel & Vandrerhjem
12.8 km
Character-packed hotel and hostel in central Marstal, blending Ærø’s seafaring history, cozy communal living, and easy access to harbor-side attractions.
Miss Sophy Gastroclub
12.8 km
Relaxed island bistro and wine bar in central Marstal, serving seasonal comfort dishes, creative burgers and cocktails in an intimate, hygge-filled setting.
Prinsebroen
12.8 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
12.9 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.
Restaurant Fru Berg
12.9 km
Harbourfront fish plates, Ærø pancakes and cosy nautical charm right on Marstal’s working quay, where local flavours meet everyday life on the Baltic.
Hotel Marstal
13.0 km
Family-run harbour hotel and Danish kitchen in the heart of Marstal, perfectly placed for Ærø’s maritime history, beach walks and relaxed island days.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Humble Loppehaller
4.2 km
Langeland's most eclectic indoor flea market, where vintage treasures and Danish nostalgia await discovery.
Kræmmerne i Kædeby
4.2 km
Eccentric island flea-market on Langeland, where farm buildings brim with kitsch, curios and second-hand treasures in a relaxed rural setting.
Ulla - Keramik
6.0 km
Handcrafted Danish ceramics with playful surprises, shaped by five decades of island inspiration.
Den Gamle Told
6.0 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.
Den Gamle Fiskehytte
6.2 km
Polar explorer's gallery celebrating Arctic adventures, artisan crafts, and sustainable luxury by the sea.
Fiski
6.3 km
Fresh-caught Danish seafood and artisanal delicacies in a harbor town gem.
Antikhjørnet
13.1 km
Curated vintage treasures and 4,000 Christmas ornaments in a charming Ærø antique shop.
Chr. H v/Hanne Kromann
13.1 km
Locally anchored clothing shop in Marstal’s old town, offering classic Scandinavian styles for men and women with a subtle, maritime Ærø touch.
Ærøpigen
13.1 km
Cozy island shop in central Marstal, blending woolly comforts, local delicacies and everyday essentials in a snug Kirkestræde setting on Ærø.
DCA Op Shop
13.1 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.
Bille Knudsen Isenkram
13.1 km
A densely stocked island hardware and homeware store in Marstal’s pedestrian street, supplying sailors, locals and holidaymakers with practical Danish everyday goods.
Pigekammeret v/Birgitte Nygaard Jensen
14.6 km
A cosy Rudkøbing boutique where Scandinavian-style gifts, home comforts and gourmet treats come together in one lovingly curated island shop.
Littlevillagepeople.dk
14.6 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
14.6 km
Artisanal cheese and wine shop celebrating Danish heritage and international flavors in historic Rudkøbing.
Skind og Uld Rudkøbing
14.6 km
Eco-tanned Icelandic sheepskins and wool in a historic Danish market town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
12.7 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.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
12.9 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Foley's Pub
13.0 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
Skipperkroen
13.1 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
13.3 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Langelands Jazzklub
14.4 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
14.4 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
14.7 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
14.8 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
14.8 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
No. 10
14.9 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
14.9 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
14.9 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.
Paa Drejet Beach Bar
15.3 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.
Arrebo
21.0 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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