Damestenen – Denmark's Largest Glacial Boulder
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Damestenen, known as the Lady Stone, is Denmark's largest glacial erratic boulder, weighing over 1,200 tonnes and measuring 13 metres long. Located in open fields near the village of Hesselager on East Funen, this colossal granite block has captivated visitors since 1763. Transported from Sweden during the last ice age approximately 18,000 years ago, the boulder bears 12 Bronze Age cup marks and stands as a remarkable testament to the power of ancient glaciers. A dedicated car park and walking trails make this geological wonder easily accessible.
A brief summary to Damestenen
- Damestensvej 1, Hesselager, 5874, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in clear weather to fully appreciate the stone's scale and take photographs from multiple angles. The open field setting offers unobstructed views but provides no natural shelter.
- Look carefully at the stone's surface for the 12 Bronze Age cup marks—small circular depressions that are subtle but historically significant. Bring binoculars or zoom lens for closer inspection.
- Allow 15–30 minutes for your visit. The site is best combined with nearby attractions such as Egeskov Slot Castle, which lies within easy driving distance.
- Bring water and snacks, as the site has benches but no food vendors. The car park is free and accessible 24 hours, making it ideal for flexible scheduling.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Svendborg
Drive northeast from Svendborg town centre toward Hesselager, approximately 20 kilometres via regional roads. The journey takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Follow signs for Damestenen or Damestensvej. A free car park accommodates both private vehicles and tour coaches. Parking is available 24 hours.
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Bicycle from Hesselager
From Hesselager village centre, cycle northeast approximately 1.5 kilometres along country lanes to Damestensvej. The route follows quiet rural roads with minimal traffic. Journey time is 8–12 minutes. Terrain is flat and suitable for standard bicycles. No dedicated cycle path, but traffic volume is low.
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Bus from Svendborg
Regional bus services connect Svendborg to Hesselager with varying frequency depending on the day and season. Journey time is approximately 35–50 minutes. Check local transport schedules for current timetables and fares. From Hesselager bus stop, walk or cycle the remaining distance to the site.
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Walking from Hesselager
From Hesselager village centre, walk northeast along country lanes toward Damestensvej, approximately 1.5–2 kilometres. The route follows quiet rural roads with gentle terrain and open countryside views. Walking time is 20–30 minutes. No dedicated footpath; share the road with occasional vehicles. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Damestenen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Damestenen
A Colossus from the Ice Age
Damestenen stands as a silent witness to Denmark's glacial past, a massive granite boulder that arrived from Sweden during the last ice age, roughly 18,000 years ago. Originally part of the bedrock far to the north, this colossal stone was wrenched free by advancing glaciers, rounded and polished during its journey south, and finally deposited beneath the moraine clay at Hesselager. The boulder's journey likely involved being tossed between several different ice streams before finding its final resting place, a testament to the immense power of the Weichselian glaciation. The stone itself is composed of light grey granite and gneiss, materials that have endured millions of years of erosion and crustal movements. Today, the visible portion measures approximately 13 metres long, 10 metres wide, and 6.5 metres high, with a circumference of 46.8 metres and an estimated weight exceeding 1,200 tonnes. However, the boulder has never been fully excavated, so its true dimensions remain a mystery—it may extend considerably deeper into the earth than what meets the eye.Historical Investigations and Royal Interest
Damestenen has attracted scholarly attention for centuries. The boulder was first documented in 1763 by Danish theologian Erik Pontoppidan in his comprehensive work Den Danske Atlas. In 1840, geologist J.G. Forchhammer examined the stone and theorized that it might extend far deeper into the ground than its visible surface suggested. This curiosity prompted King Christian VIII to order an excavation on the north-eastern side of the boulder, an investigation designed to determine whether Damestenen was solid bedrock protruding from Funen's soil or merely an unusually large loose boulder. The excavation confirmed it was indeed a transported erratic, not bedrock. On 8 April 1846, the boulder was formally protected and donated to the state by landowner Dons of Hesselagergård, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This act of stewardship transformed Damestenen into a public treasure, accessible to all who wished to marvel at its scale and geological significance.Archaeological Significance and Local Legend
Beyond its geological importance, Damestenen carries cultural and archaeological weight. The surface of the boulder bears 12 Bronze Age cup marks—small circular depressions created by prehistoric peoples—though they are subtle and require careful observation to discern. These marks connect the stone to Denmark's distant past, suggesting it held ritual or symbolic significance for ancient communities. Local folklore adds another layer of intrigue. A folk legend tells of a female giant from the north of Langeland island who hurled the stone at the spire of Svindinge's church in an act of destruction. Despite her supernatural strength, the stone fell midway, landing at Hesselager where it remains today. This tale reflects humanity's tendency to explain the inexplicable through mythology, transforming a geological marvel into a narrative of power and fate.A Modern Tourist Destination
Since its first documented mention in 1763, Damestenen has been a magnet for visitors and curious minds. The site is well-equipped for tourism, with a car park capable of accommodating both private vehicles and tour coaches, along with directional signage guiding visitors to the location. Benches are provided for those wishing to rest and contemplate the stone's immensity, and the open field setting allows for unobstructed views and photography from all angles. The boulder's impressive dimensions and the story of its geological journey make it an ideal educational stop for those interested in glacial processes, Scandinavian prehistory, and natural wonders. It exemplifies the raw power of ice-age glaciers, which could transport and deposit objects of such staggering weight and size across vast distances.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Damestenen
0.0 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
14.3 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
Mindesmærke for kaptajn Peter Bredal
14.4 km
A solemn memorial to a 17th-century Danish captain whose frozen fleet became legend.
Den Hvide Jomfru
14.4 km
A modest white monument on Nyborg’s old fortress embankment, Den Hvide Jomfru blends legend, landscape and history into a quiet, atmospheric pause.
Nyborg Vold
14.6 km
Stroll the grassy ramparts and mirror-still moats that once guarded Denmark’s medieval power center, now a peaceful green belt wrapping historic Nyborg.
Erik Ballings Plads
14.7 km
Where Danish cinema's greatest visionary is celebrated through iconic characters and cultural memory.
Nyborg Fortress
14.7 km
Medieval parliament seat where Danish kings shaped a nation's destiny and founded a Nordic empire.
Nyborg St.
14.9 km
A historic rail gateway on Funen’s east coast, Nyborg Station links castle town charm with fast, modern connections across Denmark via the Great Belt.
Saint Nicolai's Church
16.7 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.
Rolfshøj
20.5 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
20.9 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Tranekær Castle
20.9 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.
Johannes Larsen Museum
31.1 km
Explore the preserved home and studios of Danish nature painter Johannes Larsen in Kerteminde, featuring art, lush gardens, and scenic views.
The Funen Village
31.4 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Bunkermuseum Of Odense
31.8 km
Step beneath Odense to explore a preserved Cold War-era civil defense bunker packed with original equipment, interactive exhibits, and chilling local history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slipshavn light
12.3 km
A modest working lighthouse on Nyborg Fjord, Slipshavn Light weaves quiet coastal scenery with centuries of naval, customs and harbour history on Funen’s east coast.
Befrielsessten i Sulkendrup
12.4 km
Reflect on Denmark's liberation amidst the serene beauty of Sulkendrup's Befrielsessten memorial park.
Holckenhavn Castle
12.4 km
Moated Renaissance manor on Funen’s fjord, blending centuries of noble history with an intimate, high-end setting for events, stays and guided castle visits.
Nyborg Fjord
12.7 km
A calm Funen bay where marina life, sea trout, waterbirds and views of the Great Belt Bridge come together along Nyborg’s gently curving coastline.
Østerø sø, Knudshoved
13.1 km
A sheltered coastal lake on the Knudshoved peninsula, where salt meadows, open skies and rich birdlife create a quietly beautiful nature escape just outside Nyborg.
Nyborg, Bagfyr
13.2 km
A compact coastal lighthouse on Nyborg’s shoreline, Nyborg Bagfyr offers a quiet glimpse of Denmark’s maritime past amid open sky, sea breeze and simple forms.
Dyrehave Mølle
13.4 km
One of Denmark’s tallest brick windmills, Dyrehave Mølle combines historic milling machinery, steep stairways and airy views over Nyborg, its harbour and the Great Belt.
Knudshoved Fyr
13.4 km
Historic lighthouse, rare “knaldfyr” signal beacon and protected coastal landscape combine at Knudshoved Fyr, where big skies and maritime heritage meet the Great Belt.
Nyborg Marina
14.1 km
A lively Funen waterfront where yacht masts, cafés and coastal walks meet historic Nyborg’s streets at the sheltered edge of the Great Belt.
Nyborg Destilleri
14.2 km
Organic Danish whisky, gin and rum in a vast 1870s harbour workshop, blending industrial heritage, Nordic cuisine and hands-on distillery experiences.
Schønheyders Plads
14.2 km
A modest harborfront square on Nyborg’s Vesterhavnen, where everyday maritime life, open water views, and the town’s coastal character quietly meet.
Nyborg Badestrand
14.3 km
Broad sandy shore, Blue Flag waters and sweeping views of the Great Belt Bridge make Nyborg Badestrand a quietly spectacular slice of Danish coastline.
Mindesmærke for D-Dag
14.3 km
Compact yet powerful, Nyborg’s D‑Day Memorial quietly honours Danish war sailors and links a small coastal town to the vast drama of 6 June 1944.
Tour de France-monument
14.4 km
Oversized yellow bike, big cycling memories: Nyborg’s open-air Tour de France Monument celebrates the 2022 stage finish on Funen’s windswept waterfront.
Chr. Hansens Have
14.4 km
A former pharmacist’s private refuge turned public pocket park, Christian Hansen’s Garden offers calm greenery, local history and a gentle pause on Nyborg’s Blue Clover Path.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Marina's
10.4 km
Relaxed Danish harbour restaurant in Lohals, serving classic comfort dishes and local flavours with wide views over the marina and the waters of northern Langeland.
Restaurant Kaos Langeland - VI KA‘OS
10.6 km
Slow, seasonal fine dining on Langeland, where a cosy village restaurant turns local island produce into lingering multi-course dinners and lingering memories.
Monarch Nyborg
13.9 km
Busy roadside restaurant by the Great Belt corridor, serving straightforward comfort food and practical facilities for drivers taking a well-earned break.
Den Smalle Fish n' chips
14.0 km
Casual harbourfront fish and chips on Nyborg’s marina, serving crispy, comforting seaside favourites with relaxed views of boats and the Great Belt.
Café Clark's
14.0 km
Harborside dining with fresh Danish cuisine and sweeping marina views in the heart of Nyborg.
Restaurant Remisen
14.2 km
Contemporary Danish brasserie flavors, seasonal menus and local spirits meet waterfront light and coastal atmosphere at Nyborg’s Restaurant Remisen.
Nyborg Grill
14.2 km
No‑nonsense Danish grill bar on Nyborg’s edge, serving hearty burgers, hot dogs and fries for a quick, wallet‑friendly bite between coast and town.
Pizza & Curry/Pizza Al Capone
14.3 km
Casual seaside takeaway in Nyborg serving generous Danish-style pizzas, grill plates and curries for hungry locals, families and road-trippers along the Great Belt coast.
Lauses Grill
14.3 km
Harbourfront Danish fast‑food classic serving roast pork, hotdogs and towering ice creams with live summer music and sea‑air ambience in Nyborg.
Burger King
14.4 km
Highway-side Burger King by Nyborg offering classic flame-grilled fast food, a drive-thru and family-friendly seating for quick, convenient road-trip meals.
Sunset Boulevard
14.4 km
Danish fast-food favourite by the E20, serving spiced fries, burgers and quick, casual meals for road-trippers, locals and families in Nyborg.
Carl's Jr. Danmark
14.4 km
Flame‑grilled Californian‑style burgers, thick shakes and easygoing roadside convenience on the outskirts of Nyborg.
Det Lille Vaffelbageri
14.4 km
Homemade waffle cones and generous scoops in a cosy Nyborg side street, blending simple Danish ice-cream joy with the charm of a historic royal town.
Nurs Burger & Steakhouse Restaurant
14.5 km
Harbour‑side burgers and steaks in the centre of Nyborg, pairing hearty plates with relaxed, modern interiors and views towards the boats and waterfront.
McDonald's Nyborg
14.5 km
Roadside McDonald’s by the Great Belt route, offering familiar fast food, long hours and easy access for drivers, families and travellers crossing Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Havneloppen
14.2 km
Treasure-filled thrift market where community spirit meets sustainable shopping in Nyborg.
Loppetjansen.dk
14.4 km
Denmark's trusted family pet supply specialist with expert guidance and quality products for every companion.
Red Cross Op Shop
14.5 km
Community-powered Danish thrift store in central Nyborg, where budget-friendly finds and second-hand treasures directly support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Lidl
14.5 km
Discount supermarket with quality groceries and everyday essentials in central Nyborg.
Tøjeksperten
14.5 km
Premium menswear specialist in Nyborg's heart, offering quality clothing with exceptional customer service and a generous 365-day return policy.
Pyre Studio
14.6 km
Independent Nyborg boutique offering thoughtfully curated contemporary clothing in a calm, studio-like space on historic Kongegade.
Tinga Tango v/Anette Langholm
14.6 km
A cosy Nyborg design boutique blending Scandinavian home décor, colour and hygge across two light-filled shopfronts on lively Kongegade.
Tippy
14.6 km
Contemporary women's fashion in the heart of historic Nyborg's charming medieval center.
Imerco
14.6 km
Central Danish homeware and kitchen store on Nyborg’s historic square, ideal for practical gear, Scandinavian design pieces and thoughtful gifts in one stop.
Kop & Kande
14.6 km
Compact Danish homeware and gift shop in Nyborg’s town centre, blending practical kitchen tools, tableware and lamps with a cozy, everyday local atmosphere.
Intersport Nyborg
14.6 km
Nyborg's trusted sports retailer with expert service and complete outdoor gear selection.
Linn V/Tina Rasmussen
14.6 km
Intimate owner-run womenswear boutique in central Nyborg, offering classic Scandinavian style and personal service along cosy Mellemgade.
Helle Svansø
14.6 km
A cosy Nyborg specialty shop where Italian delicacies, handpicked wines and colourful ceramics come together in lovingly curated gift-worthy combinations.
Uldbutikken Marcusholm
14.6 km
A small, personal yarn and craft shop in Nyborg’s historic centre, where warm wool, handmade ceramics and expert advice create a cosy creative retreat.
Pigernes Magasin
14.6 km
Intimate women’s fashion and lingerie boutique tucked above a central Nyborg street, blending personalised fittings with relaxed, small‑town Danish charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Den Gyldne Hund
10.4 km
Smoky, harbourfront pub in Lohals where locals, sailors and visitors share simple drinks, sea air and classic Danish værtshus atmosphere.
Marina's Sportslounge
10.4 km
Laid-back village sports bar in Tranekær, mixing live matches, simple small plates and a friendly Langeland local-pub feel.
Corner Bar
14.3 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bar on Nyborg’s Strandvejen corner, serving cold drinks, easy conversation and a playful weekend wheel of fortune from late morning.
Phønix I/S
14.5 km
Cozy, no-frills bar and burger spot in central Nyborg, serving cold beers, simple comfort food, and relaxed local nightlife just off the town’s historic streets.
Laboratoriet Nyborg
14.5 km
Atmospheric wine bar and bottle shop in a historic 1824 apothecary laboratory, tucked in a Nyborg courtyard and serving carefully chosen wines, snacks and coffee.
Øksendrup Cider
14.6 km
Cosy Nyborg cider bar showcasing organic East Funen apples, slow‑fermented bottles and intimate tastings in the historic heart of Denmark’s former royal city.
Chr. II's Pub
14.6 km
Casual Danish pub in Nyborg's historic centre, where locals gather for authentic neighbourhood hospitality.
Ophav
14.6 km
Nyborg's refined casual dining hub blending bar, restaurant, and café culture with seasonal local cuisine.
Grønne Post
15.2 km
Unpretentious neighborhood beer hall on Nyborgvej, where loud laughter, low prices, and everyday Svendborg life blend over cold draughts and casual company.
Ørkild
15.9 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
16.0 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
16.4 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
16.4 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Strandbar
16.5 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
The Drunken Sailor
16.5 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Muzirkus
13.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
14.7 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.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
16.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
28.2 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
33.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dansebar Odense
33.6 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
33.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
33.7 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Grand Bar & Lounge
33.8 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Sir Club
33.8 km
Sir Club in Odense blends classic Danish bar atmosphere, lively open mic nights, and friendly pool competitions, making it a top choice for sociable evenings downtown.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
34.3 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Ommel
38.7 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.
Ærø Jazzfestival
39.2 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
39.5 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Landbogården
39.5 km
A cherished hub in Ærøskøbing where island tradition and contemporary culture meet over local food, craft drinks, and memorable music-filled evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly