Galgebakken
Denmark's haunting reminder of the witch hunts that claimed eleven lives in Ribe between 1572 and 1652.
Galgebakken (Gallows Hill) is a historically significant open-air site on the outskirts of Ribe, Denmark's oldest town. This somber landmark commemorates the execution of Maren Spliid, Denmark's most famous witch trial victim, who was burned at the stake here in 1641. The site stands as a powerful reminder of the witch hunts that swept through Ribe between 1572 and 1652, during which eleven people were executed. Today, Galgebakken offers visitors a contemplative space to reflect on this dark chapter of Danish history.
A brief summary to Galgebakken
- Jernkærvej 1, Ribe, 6760, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Galgebakken as part of a guided walking tour of Ribe's old town to fully understand the historical context and see the memorial tablet marking Maren Spliid's former home.
- Combine your visit with the HEX Museum of Witch Hunt in Ribe town center for comprehensive documentation and personal accounts of the trials and executions.
- Visit during daylight hours to safely navigate the open hillside and to appreciate the landscape where these historical events unfolded.
- Bring respectful contemplation rather than casual tourism—this is a memorial site to real human tragedy and suffering.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Ribe town center
From central Ribe, drive approximately 2 kilometers northeast via Jernkærvej toward the outskirts of town. The journey takes about 5–8 minutes by car. Parking is available near the site. The road is well-maintained and accessible year-round, though winter conditions may occasionally affect access.
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Walking from Ribe old town
From Ribe's medieval town center, a walking route of approximately 2.5 kilometers takes 30–40 minutes depending on pace and terrain. The walk follows local roads and paths leading northeast toward Jernkærvej. The route is moderately accessible but involves some uneven surfaces and open countryside. Wear appropriate footwear and bring weather protection.
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Guided walking tour
Local tour operators in Ribe offer guided walks that include Galgebakken as part of broader historical tours of the town's witch trial heritage. Tours typically last 2–3 hours and depart from central Ribe. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Costs range from approximately 150–250 Danish kroner per person.
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Bicycle from Ribe town center
Cycling from central Ribe to Galgebakken takes approximately 10–15 minutes via local roads. The route is relatively flat and follows established cycling paths where available. Bicycle rental is available in Ribe town center for approximately 80–120 Danish kroner per day.
Galgebakken location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Galgebakken
A Dark Chapter in Danish History
Galgebakken, or Gallows Hill, sits on the outskirts of Ribe as a stark memorial to one of Denmark's most troubling historical episodes. Between 1572 and 1652, the town of Ribe witnessed 22 witch trials, resulting in eleven executions—a concentration of witch hunts that earned Ribe the grim distinction of being Denmark's answer to Salem. The site itself became the stage for these tragic events, where accused witches were brought to face their final moments. The most infamous execution at Galgebakken occurred on November 9, 1641, when Maren Spliid, a wealthy tailor's wife, was burned at the stake. Her case exemplifies the hysteria and injustice of the era. Spliid was initially accused by a nobleman named Didrik, who claimed she and two other witches had visited him in the night and blown into his mouth, causing him to vomit an object he believed to be of supernatural origin. Though initially acquitted by local courts and supported by her husband, the case was reopened by King Christian IV himself. Under torture in the Blue Tower of Copenhagen Castle, Spliid eventually confessed and named six other women as part of her supposed coven. She was then transported back to Ribe for public execution.The Witch Hunt Era and Royal Involvement
The witch trials in Ribe occurred almost entirely during the reign of King Christian IV, who passed a law making witchcraft a criminal offense. The king's personal involvement in cases like Spliid's—even presiding over her trial at the highest court—demonstrates how deeply the witch hunt hysteria penetrated Danish society, reaching even the monarchy. The first execution in Ribe, Johanne Christensdatter Rygge, took place in 1572, while the last, Anna Bruds, occurred in 1652. With Christian IV's death, the fervor surrounding witchcraft accusations gradually subsided, though executions continued elsewhere in Denmark until 1693. The trials were marked by procedures that violated even Denmark's own laws. Torture, officially prohibited by a Danish statute from 1547, was routinely employed to extract confessions. The accused faced impossible odds: Spliid was required to find fifteen character witnesses to swear her innocence—a task she could not accomplish in a climate of fear and suspicion.Public Spectacle and Community Impact
Executions at Galgebakken were public events that drew enormous crowds. Contemporary accounts suggest that so many people gathered to witness Maren Spliid's execution that the priest could barely move through the throng. Before her execution, Spliid was given half a pitcher of mead to calm her nerves—a grim courtesy before she was tied to a ladder and thrown into the flames. These public executions served as warnings to the community and reinforced the fear that sustained the witch hunt hysteria. The impact on Ribe's social fabric was profound. The trials touched families across the town, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and dread. The memorial tablet now set into the wall of the house where Maren Spliid lived with her tailor husband serves as a quiet acknowledgment of this tragedy, reminding visitors of the human cost of mass hysteria.Remembrance and Historical Significance
Today, Galgebakken stands as a place of reflection and remembrance. The site has no elaborate monuments or visitor infrastructure—its power lies in its simplicity and the weight of history it carries. For those interested in understanding the darker aspects of European history, Galgebakken offers a tangible connection to the witch hunt era. The location is particularly meaningful for those studying the intersection of politics, religion, and justice in early modern Europe, as the Danish trials demonstrate how royal authority and legal systems could be weaponized against the vulnerable. Ribe itself has embraced its complex history, with museums and walking tours dedicated to exploring the witch trials and their victims. The HEX Museum of Witch Hunt, located in the town, provides deeper context and documentation of these events. Visiting Galgebakken as part of a broader exploration of Ribe allows visitors to understand how a prosperous medieval trading town became the site of one of Northern Europe's most significant witch hunts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
1.4 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
19.3 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
19.4 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.5 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Dronning Louise
24.6 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.6 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Vadehavskysten
24.6 km
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Denmark
24.7 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
24.8 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Skulptur “Kobberkors”
25.8 km
A weathered copper cross stands free on Treenighedskirken’s square in Esbjerg, uniting modern church architecture, simple geometry and quiet urban contemplation.
Bunker und Bunkertour Römö
25.9 km
Explore Rømø's WWII bunkers in Tvismark Plantation for a unique historical adventure.
Bunker
26.0 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Fanø Krogaard
26.0 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fanø Museum
26.0 km
Discover Fanø Museum, where island life, seafaring tradition, and local culture come alive through immersive exhibits in a historic building at the heart of Nordby.
Unmissable attractions to see
Riplay - Børnenes Ribe
0.9 km
A 12,500 m² free outdoor play park in Ribe, where towers, slides and obstacle courses turn Denmark’s oldest town into a giant adventure for children.
Ribe Water Wheel
1.2 km
A quietly turning water wheel on Ribe’s old dam, where rushing river water and medieval streets meet in a small but evocative glimpse of the town’s working past.
Ribe Kunstmuseum
1.2 km
Elegant 19th-century villa turned art museum, showcasing Danish masterpieces and a romantic garden with tranquil views towards Ribe Cathedral and the stream.
Flood column in Ribe
1.3 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Stormflodssøjlen
1.3 km
Experience Danish creativity at Holmegaard Værk, where heritage glassmaking, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge design exhibitions come together in a vibrant historic setting.
Museet Ribes Vikinger
1.3 km
Dive into 1,000 years of Ribe’s past, from bustling Viking marketplace to medieval port city, in an intimate museum packed with original finds and stories.
Museum For Vikingtid Og Middelalder
1.3 km
Step into a thousand years of Ribe’s past, from bustling Viking marketplace to medieval trading town, in an engaging riverside museum of artefacts and stories.
Wooden bridges
1.3 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
1.3 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
1.3 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Jacob A. Riis Museum
1.3 km
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
P Dovns Slippe
1.4 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Riberhus Slotsbanke
1.4 km
Grassy castle ramparts, a serene Queen Dagmar statue and wide Ribe panoramas reveal the quiet remains of Denmark’s former royal stronghold by the Wadden Sea.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
1.4 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
1.4 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Essential places to dine
Skovgrillen Ribe
0.2 km
Authentic Danish grill house serving hearty smørrebrød and grilled specialties in historic Ribe.
Ribe Pizza & Grill
0.8 km
Laid-back neighborhood pizzeria and grill in Ribe serving generously topped pizzas, hearty grill plates and comforting oven classics every afternoon and evening.
Mama Mia Pizza
0.9 km
Relaxed pizzeria and takeaway near Ribe’s historic heart, serving generous, family-friendly pizzas, pastas and café classics at moderate prices all week.
Ribe Bryghus
1.0 km
Sample handcrafted Danish ales and lagers in Ribe’s beloved local brewery, a cozy hub where craft beer meets medieval charm and social Danish tradition.
Mongolian Barbeque
1.1 km
All‑you‑can‑eat Asian grill in Denmark’s oldest town, where you build your own bowl and watch chefs flash‑fry it on a blazing hot plate in cozy Ribe surroundings.
Sct. Peder Butik & Café
1.1 km
Medieval charm meets modern comfort in Ribe's cosiest courtyard café and vintage boutique.
Mr.Fish Sushi Ribe
1.1 km
Modern sushi and casual all‑you‑can‑eat style dining in the heart of Ribe’s cobbled Old Town, offering classic, fusion and vegan rolls for eat‑in or takeaway.
Saltgades Pølsevogn
1.1 km
Ribe's beloved hot dog stand serving grilled perfection for over 25 years.
Postgaarden
1.2 km
Historic 16th‑century café and bed & breakfast in the heart of Ribe, blending crooked beams, cozy courtyard corners and simple rooms full of old-town character.
Huset Ribe
1.2 km
Casual café-brasserie and gourmet deli on a cobbled street in Ribe’s old town, perfect for light meals, good coffee and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Peking House Restaurant
1.2 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Terpager & Co
1.3 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Brorsonsminde -by Skovmose
1.3 km
Historic 1899 mission house turned warm Danish restaurant and celebration hall in Ribe’s old town, serving hearty, seasonal cuisine with a sense of occasion.
Restaurant Sælhunden
1.3 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
1.3 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
0.8 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting Danish charity and international relief.
Like ANNA Ribe
0.9 km
Friendly women’s fashion boutique in historic Ribe, blending Scandinavian style, practical wardrobe pieces and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Inger S V/inger Holst Sinkjær
0.9 km
A cozy Ribe boutique mixing Scandinavian everyday style, personal service and small‑town charm just beyond the medieval center’s cobbled streets.
Kvickly Ribe
1.0 km
Modern supermarket serving Ribe's medieval heart with quality groceries and extended daily hours.
Mr & Frøken
1.0 km
Scandinavian menswear and womenswear in a characterful old-town boutique, blending modern fashion with the intimate charm of historic Ribe.
NORMAL Ribe, Saltgade
1.1 km
Compact everyday-discount store in Ribe’s historic center, ideal for low-priced toiletries, snacks, and household basics between sightseeing stops.
Only
1.1 km
Contemporary women’s fashion and denim in a compact, easy-to-browse boutique set among Ribe’s cobbled streets and historic architecture.
Room by Inge
1.1 km
A small, quietly curated women’s boutique on Ribe’s cobbled Saltgade, blending Scandinavian wardrobe staples with the historic charm of Denmark’s oldest town.
Moxi
1.1 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on Ribe’s historic Saltgade, blending Scandinavian style, quality fabrics and curated labels in a cosy old-town setting.
Frøken Anna
1.2 km
Cozy Ribe boutique blending Scandinavian everyday style, curated women’s fashion and relaxed small-town atmosphere in the cobbled heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Mega Outlet
1.2 km
Discounted designer fashion in the heart of Denmark's oldest city.
Tip Top I/S
1.2 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Maude Retro & Vintage
1.2 km
Colorful, craft-filled treasure trove in Ribe’s old town, where retro charm, handmade ceramics, knitwear and quirky art meet on a cozy cobbled-street corner.
Butik B
1.2 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tøjeksperten
1.2 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vin For Dig Ribe
1.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Café Valdemar
1.2 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Strygejernet
1.4 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Stenbohus
1.4 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Klubben 1811
1.5 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Termansens
1.5 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Grosmann's
6.7 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
20.2 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
20.2 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.4 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.5 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.5 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.5 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
King George
24.5 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.5 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.6 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Fanø Blokart
24.9 km
Experience high-speed land sailing on the scenic sands of Fanø, where wind, adventure, and stunning North Sea landscapes converge at Fanø Blokart.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.2 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
27.5 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Bilka-søen
27.7 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Romo Golf Links
31.6 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
34.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
45.4 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
45.4 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
46.9 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
47.4 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
47.4 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Mørks Kælder
47.5 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
47.8 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Jazz 6000
48.0 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Contemplative
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access