Mårhøj / Snavehøjen Neolithic Passage Grave
Ancient Neolithic passage grave in the fields near Martofte, where you can crawl into a 5,000‑year‑old stone chamber and gaze out over Funen’s serene farmland.
Hidden in the rolling fields near Martofte on Funen’s Hindsholm peninsula, Mårhøj (also known as Snavehøjen) is one of Denmark’s most impressive Neolithic passage graves. More than 5,000 years old, this grass-covered mound hides a ten‑metre stone chamber, reached by a low, seven‑metre entrance passage. You can carefully crawl inside to stand beneath huge capstones, then climb the mound for sweeping views towards the fjord and the gently undulating farmland that surrounds this ancient burial site.
A brief summary to Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
- Martofte, 5390, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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 good flashlight or headlamp; the long passage and inner chamber are very dark, and artificial light really reveals the textures of the stones.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty, as you may need to crouch or crawl through the low entrance and walk on uneven ground.
- Allow time to climb onto the top of the mound; the views over Hindsholm’s fields and nearby water are a highlight in clear weather.
- If visiting with children, prepare them for a dark, enclosed space and agree on staying close together inside the passage grave.
- Combine your stop here with a wider exploration of the Hindsholm peninsula’s small villages and coastal viewpoints for a relaxed half‑day outing.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Car from Odense and central Funen
Driving from Odense to Mårhøj/Snavehøjen takes about 45–60 minutes, following main roads north and east onto the Hindsholm peninsula before smaller country roads lead towards Martofte. There is a small, free roadside parking area near the field track to the mound. The final approach is along an unpaved path through farmland, which can be muddy after rain, so low‑clearance cars should drive slowly but generally manage fine.
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Regional bus plus taxi from Odense
You can combine bus and taxi by first taking a regional bus from Odense towards Kerteminde or Munkebo, a journey of roughly 40–60 minutes depending on route and departure. From there, continue by local taxi to the Martofte area, which adds around 10–20 minutes of travel. Typical taxi fares for this final stretch are in the region of 300–400 DKK, varying with time of day and exact distance. Bus services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking timetables in advance is important.
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Cycling on Hindsholm peninsula
For a slower and more scenic approach, many visitors explore Hindsholm by bicycle, using quiet rural roads that wind through villages and farmland. From Kerteminde to the Martofte area, the ride generally takes 60–90 minutes each way at a moderate pace. The route is mostly gently rolling with a few short hills and is suitable for reasonably confident cyclists. There is no fee for access to the site, but weather and wind on the exposed peninsula can significantly affect how demanding the ride feels.
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
Ancient stone chamber beneath a quiet Danish hill
Mårhøj, or Snavehøjen, looks at first like a simple grassy mound set in cultivated fields near Martofte, but it conceals one of the largest single‑chamber passage graves in Denmark. Dating to the Neolithic era around 3000 BC, it is a reminder that this peaceful corner of Funen has been settled and spiritually important for thousands of years. From the small parking area, a farm track leads you towards the rise of the burial mound, with wide skies and open countryside all around. The mound itself forms a smooth, rounded hill, shaped by human hands and then softened by centuries of wind and weather. Walking around its base gives a sense of scale, but it is only when you find the low entrance on the side that the monument’s engineering really becomes apparent. Here, a passage constructed from upright stones invites you into the heart of the monument.Stepping into a 5,000‑year‑old passage grave
The narrow entrance corridor extends for about seven metres, built from massive boulders that frame the way towards the burial chamber. You need to stoop, or even crawl, to move inside, which immediately heightens the sense of crossing a threshold between the everyday landscape and a carefully constructed ritual space. Bringing a flashlight or a small torch is essential, though many visitors also like to use candles to appreciate the texture of the stone surfaces. At the end of the passage the space suddenly opens into a chamber roughly ten metres long, high enough for an adult to stand upright. Great capstones span the top of the room, supported by 18 upright stones that form the chamber walls. The sandy floor underfoot, the cool air, and the muted sounds from outside combine to create an intimate, slightly otherworldly atmosphere, ideal for imagining the ceremonies and burials that once took place here.Landscape vistas and the choice of location
Climbing to the top of the mound rewards you with broad views over Hindsholm’s gently hilly terrain and towards nearby waters and inlets. The location was almost certainly chosen with care: from here, the surrounding landscape feels ordered and visible, giving a sense of control and connection between the living community and their ancestors beneath the mound. The immediate area is largely agricultural, with fields changing colour through the seasons—from fresh green in spring to golden crops in late summer. The combination of open farmland, distant coastline and the solitary burial mound gives the site a tranquil, contemplative character. On clear days, the play of light across the fields and water adds to the drama of standing on a structure that predates written history by millennia.Preservation, research and quiet contemplation
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen was formally protected in the late 19th century, helping to safeguard both the mound and its internal chamber. Archaeological interest has focused on the construction techniques: how communities with only simple tools were able to quarry, move and position such enormous stones so precisely that the chamber still stands today. Despite its significance, the site remains remarkably low‑key. There is no visitor centre and only modest signage, so you are largely left to explore at your own pace. This simplicity is part of the experience: the absence of extensive infrastructure helps preserve the sense of discovery and quiet reflection. Time here tends to slow down, inviting you to sit on the grass, listen to the wind in the crops, and think about the people who built this monument and the beliefs that inspired them.Planning a thoughtful visit in all seasons
The burial mound is accessible year‑round, though the feeling of the site changes with the weather. On bright, clear days the chamber offers cool shade and a striking contrast between darkness and sunlit fields outside. In light rain or wind, the interior becomes a sheltered retreat where the sound of weather becomes a muffled backdrop. Because access involves uneven ground and a low, confined passage, good footwear and suitable clothing are recommended. The experience is best when you give yourself time: enough to explore the chamber slowly, circle the mound, and then simply sit on the hilltop, letting the long span of human history soak in while the contemporary rural landscape continues quietly around you.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
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Den Lille Kabys
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Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
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Giraffen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- 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
