Poskær Stenhus
Denmark's largest Stone Age burial chamber, a 5,300-year-old megalithic marvel of granite and mystery.
Denmark's largest round barrow, Poskær Stenhus is a monumental Stone Age burial chamber dating to around 3300 BC. Located near the village of Knebel in Djursland, this remarkable megalithic site features 23 towering kerb stones surrounding a central chamber capped by an 11-tonne granite slab. The site offers a profound connection to prehistoric Denmark and stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of Funnelbeaker culture peoples.
A brief summary to Poskær Stenhus
- Knebel, DK
- +4587521800
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during spring or summer equinox for the astronomical alignment experience—position yourself at the chamber entrance to witness the sunrise above the surrounding hills.
- Allocate 10–15 minutes for the main stones, but extend your visit by exploring the surrounding walking paths and natural landscape for different perspectives and photography opportunities.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including Mols Bjerge National Park, Aarhus Old Town, and the Viking Museum, all within 20 kilometres.
- Bring a picnic and use the picnic table near the parking area to enjoy a meal surrounded by 5,300 years of history in a serene, uncrowded setting.
- The site is best approached from the north via the road through Mols Bjerge hills for the most impressive first view of the monument.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Aarhus
Drive approximately 30 kilometres northeast from Aarhus city centre toward Knebel, following signs for Mols Bjerge National Park. The journey takes 35–45 minutes via Route 16 and local roads. A car park is available at the site. Parking is free.
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Bus from Aarhus
Take regional bus service from Aarhus central station toward Knebel or Grenå (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on route and connections). Alight at Knebel or nearby stops, then walk 1–2 kilometres to the site. Bus fares typically range from 50–80 Danish kroner. Service frequency varies seasonally; check local timetables in advance.
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Bicycle from Knebel village
Rent a bicycle in Knebel village and cycle approximately 3–4 kilometres to the site via local roads through Mols Bjerge. The journey takes 15–25 minutes depending on fitness and terrain. Rental costs typically range from 80–150 Danish kroner per day. The route is scenic but includes some hills.
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Guided tour from Aarhus
Book a guided tour operator in Aarhus that includes Poskær Stenhus as part of a regional heritage or national park itinerary. Tours typically depart in the morning or early afternoon and last 4–6 hours including travel and multiple sites. Costs generally range from 400–700 Danish kroner per person, depending on group size and inclusions.
Poskær Stenhus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Poskær Stenhus
An Ancient Monument from the Stone Age
Poskær Stenhus stands as Denmark's largest round barrow, a monumental burial structure dating back approximately 5,300 years to around 3300 BC, during the Funnelbeaker culture period. The site consists of a central burial chamber with a diameter exceeding 2 metres and a ceiling height of nearly 1.8 metres, crowned by a massive capstone weighing 11 tonnes. This capstone is remarkable not only for its size but for its origin—it is half of an enormous granite slab that was transported to Denmark by Ice Age glaciers from Northern Scandinavia. The other half of this slab, weighing 19 tonnes, was placed as a capstone on another dolmen, Agri Dyssen, located 2 kilometres to the northwest.The Circle of Stones and Their Arrangement
The burial chamber is encircled by 23 kerb stones, many of which rise more than 2.5 metres high, creating a striking geometric arrangement with a diameter of approximately 20 metres. Originally, there were 24 stones completing the circle, but one was removed in the 1890s by a stone cutter who had purchased it with the intention of cutting it into pieces for building material. Local officials intervened to stop the destruction, preserving the site as it largely remains today. Each of these massive stones weighs approximately 5 tonnes, and their precise arrangement suggests sophisticated understanding of spatial planning and ceremonial purpose among prehistoric peoples.The Mystery of Stone Transport and Construction
One of the enduring mysteries surrounding Poskær Stenhus is how Stone Age people transported and erected these enormous granite slabs. It is believed that all the stones were originally sourced from the beach of Knebel Bay, approximately 2 kilometres west of the site. The logistics of moving multi-tonne stones across this distance and positioning them with such precision remains unknown, prompting ongoing speculation about the methods, tools, and social organization required for such an undertaking. The flat underside of the capstone is particularly remarkable, suggesting it may have been deliberately split from its larger parent stone by the dolmen builders themselves.Rescue from Destruction and Modern Protection
The site's survival into the modern era was far from assured. In 1859, the landowner Ole Hansen, struggling to make a living from the land where the barrow stood, began dynamiting stones from the monument to sell them as building material. A local priest, recognizing the historical significance of the site, initiated a formal process to halt the destruction. This effort culminated in official protection of Poskær Stenhus in 1860, with Hansen receiving compensation of 100 rigsdaler for his loss. A broken slab bearing drill marks from the dynamiting remains visible at the site, serving as a tangible reminder of this near-catastrophic episode. The site is now protected as part of Mols Bjerge National Park, established in 2007.Astronomical Alignment and Seasonal Significance
Poskær Stenhus is believed to be aligned with the rising sun of the summer equinox, a characteristic shared with many other megalithic stone circles across Northern Europe. At the spring equinox, observers positioned at the entrance to the burial chamber can witness the sunrise appearing directly above the surrounding hills, suggesting that the site's builders possessed considerable knowledge of celestial movements and incorporated this knowledge into the monument's orientation and design.Landscape and Regional Context
The monument is situated on the hilly southern part of the Djursland peninsula, positioned at the entrance to the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden. The surrounding landscape, particularly the beautiful Mols Bjerge hills to the east, provides a striking natural backdrop that enhances the sense of stepping back in time. The area's geology is significant—apart from Denmark's easternmost island, Bornholm, the country has no bedrock, making large granite slabs exceptionally valuable for construction purposes. This scarcity explains why so many dolmens have disappeared or been damaged over the centuries, making Poskær Stenhus's preservation all the more remarkable.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Viking Museum
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Unmissable attractions to see
Mols bjerge
0.9 km
Rolling Ice Age hills, ancient burial mounds and sunlit coasts meet in this varied East Jutland national park, a free, year‑round gateway to wild Danish landscapes.
Mols Mountains Holiday Resort
1.0 km
Relaxed holiday base in rural Knebel, placing you within easy reach of Mols Bjerge’s heather‑clad hills, quiet beaches and the atmospheric ruins of Kalø Castle.
Molsløbet
1.1 km
A one-day trail-running festival that turns quiet Knebel into the gateway to Mols Bjerge’s steep hills, forest paths and wide-open national park views each September.
Tinghule
1.3 km
A dramatic Ice Age kettle hole in the hills of Mols Bjerge, Tinghule blends striking natural form with quiet atmosphere and hints of ancient local gatherings.
P-plads Tinghulen
1.7 km
Simple trailhead car park in the heart of Mols Bjerge, giving instant access to Tinghulen’s kettle hole, heather-clad hills and evocative Ice Age scenery.
Mols
1.9 km
A softly contoured Danish peninsula of hills, heather and shallow bays, where Mols Bjerge’s wild ridges meet quiet villages, manor fields and long, sheltered beaches.
Trehøje Mols
2.3 km
Three Bronze Age hilltop mounds with sweeping sea-to-sea panoramas, heathland colours and classic glacial scenery in the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park.
Trehøje Plantage
2.4 km
A small, sheltering forest near Knebel, Trehøje Plantage offers quiet paths, soft light and a calm woodland pause between Mols Bjerge’s open hills and Bronze Age mounds.
mounds from the bronze age
2.4 km
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Tremosegaard
2.5 km
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Tipi Tur
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Sølballegaard
3.1 km
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Fuglsøcentret
4.2 km
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Karpenhøj Naturcenter
4.3 km
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Mols Cross Club
4.4 km
Club-run motocross in the rolling Mols Bjerge landscape, where off-road riders test their skills on a sculpted dirt track just outside coastal Ebeltoft.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Mols Bjerge
1.0 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of Danish countryside, near Mols Bjerge.
Knebel Bro Pizza Grill
2.6 km
Casual harbour-neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Knebel, serving hearty, inexpensive takeaway classics to sailors, locals and holidaymakers on the Mols peninsula.
MolsCafeen
4.0 km
Rural cafe and cozy bed and breakfast on Kølbakken, pairing homely Danish cooking with wide countryside views toward the Mols Bjerge landscape near Ebeltoft.
Restaurant Skovmøllen Femmøller
5.4 km
Authentic Danish comfort food beside a peaceful mill pond, where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Labacate Café
6.4 km
Brazilian warmth, specialty coffee and artisan sourdough in a cozy coastal café just steps from the beach in Femmøller near Ebeltoft.
Molsboden
6.4 km
A small red beach stand at Femmøller Strand serving burgers, ice cream and local drinks, perfectly placed between Ebeltoft’s calm bay waters and the hills of Mols.
Molskroens Isbod
6.4 km
Casual seaside ice cream stand near Mols Bjerge and Ebeltoft, serving classic Danish soft ice and scoops to beachgoers, walkers and cyclists on sunny days.
Molskroen Strandhotel og Molskroens Brasserie
6.6 km
A coastal Danish strandhotel pairing sea views, Nordic comfort and refined local cuisine on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park near Ebeltoft.
Stenbækhus / mad på Mols
8.0 km
Family-run Danish kitchen celebrating seasonal ingredients and coastal charm in Knebel's welcoming courtyard.
Restaurant Moment
8.8 km
Radically green fine dining in a timber-clad restaurant at Friland, where Nordic tasting menus grow out of the surrounding permaculture gardens and seasons.
Restaurant Bag Søjlen
9.1 km
Intimate Danish–French dining on Rønde’s main street, pairing warm candlelit ambience with carefully plated seasonal dishes and indulgent desserts.
Restaurant Stockfleth
10.7 km
Harbourfront hygge in a historic fillet factory, serving fresh Danish seafood, hearty classics and steaks with wide Ebeltoft harbour views from terrace and table.
Karens Brasserie
10.9 km
Comforting Danish home cooking and generous brunches by Ebeltoft’s harbour, where casual brasserie dining meets views towards the historic frigate Jylland.
Ristorante Italia
11.0 km
Cosy Italian trattoria in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, serving stone-baked pizzas and classic pasta with a summery courtyard that feels surprisingly Mediterranean.
Restaurant Mellem Jyder
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Garn10
1.0 km
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Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem
1.1 km
Curated gifts and home décor in the heart of scenic Mols Bjerge
Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe
2.0 km
Beloved outdoor café and ice cream bar at the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park, renowned among hikers and cyclists for homemade treats and countryside atmosphere.
EnergyBar.nu
2.7 km
Compact organic food shop in rural Vrinners, specializing in Danish-made energy bars and protein products that power explorations around Knebel and Mols Bjerge.
Troldhedesten
3.2 km
Coastal fitness hub where quality equipment meets active Danish living.
Mols Haven
3.3 km
A cosy countryside fruit and vegetable store in Knebel, offering seasonal Danish produce and a friendly village welcome on the doorstep of Mols Bjerge.
Nixn
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Aktivstrikdesign
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Huset Frost
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It’s a Flower Thing
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Handcrafted ceramics and seasonal flowers grown in harmony with nature's rhythms.
Havstok
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Handcrafted rustic furnishings in Denmark's charming maritime heritage town.
Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard
7.8 km
Small-scale wine importer and honey producer in a Mols village home, blending European bottles and local Molshonning in a relaxed, personal cellar-style setting.
WestWind Ebeltoft
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Coastal clothing and outdoor gear on Ebeltoft’s waterfront road, keeping visitors warm, dry and comfortable for walks, beach days and bay-side adventures.
Mols Bolsjer A/S
11.1 km
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Nordic Bar Group
12.1 km
Denmark's trusted supplier of professional bar equipment and sustainable glassware to European hospitality.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mejeriets Bar
3.6 km
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Bodega Kringlen v/Annelise Dalgaard
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Umage Ølbar
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Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
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Ebeltoft Strandbar
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Laid-back beachfront bar on Ebeltoft Bay, serving simple seaside food, cold drinks and big-sky sunsets just steps from the sand on Strandvejen.
Toldboden
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Klub K
11.0 km
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Sir Henry Bodega
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Den Skæve Bar
11.1 km
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Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
11.2 km
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Bar Pia
11.3 km
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Mørke Roadhouse
15.4 km
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Byportene Bodega
15.6 km
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K
18.4 km
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Peder Wessel
18.5 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
DCD STUDIO
19.1 km
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Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
19.2 km
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Lounge 8000
19.3 km
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GBAR
19.3 km
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ZenZa Cocktailbar
19.4 km
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Bernhardt Natklub
19.4 km
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Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
19.4 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- National Park
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
