Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
Ancient stone monument honoring the Cimbri tribe amid Denmark's historic heaths and rolling landscape.
A monumental stone carving set amid the rolling heaths of Rebild Bakker, Kimbrerstenen commemorates the ancient Cimbri tribe who departed these lands around 120 BCE. Sculpted by renowned Danish artist Anders Bundgaard, this rhombic porphyry stone features an intricately carved Cimbri bull—a powerful symbol of the tribe's spirit and longing. The monument stands as a poignant link between Denmark's Iron Age heritage and the dramatic landscape that shaped these early inhabitants.
A brief summary to Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
- Skørping, 9520, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the monument's carved details and the expansive views across Rebild Bakker's rolling heaths.
- Combine your visit with walks through the surrounding heath landscape to experience the terrain as the ancient Cimbri would have known it.
- Allow time to read the inscription carefully and reflect on the monument's historical context within Denmark's Iron Age heritage.
- Consider visiting nearby Rebild Skovhuse to learn about the exceptional wooden figure discovered during peat extraction, now preserved in regional collections.
- Visit in spring or early autumn when the heaths display their characteristic colors and the weather is most favorable for outdoor exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Parking Areas
Getting There
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Car from Skørping
From Skørping town center, drive northwest toward Rebild Bakker via local roads. The journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available near the monument site. No entrance fee required.
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Bus from Aalborg
Regional buses operate from Aalborg to Skørping and surrounding areas. Journey time is approximately 45–60 minutes depending on service and stops. From Skørping, local transport or taxi connections to Rebild Bakker are available. Typical fare ranges from 80–120 DKK. Service frequency varies seasonally.
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Walking from Rebild Bakker visitor area
If visiting the broader Rebild Bakker region, the monument is accessible via marked walking trails through the heath landscape. Walking time from the main visitor facilities is approximately 20–40 minutes depending on starting point and route chosen. Terrain is generally accessible but includes some gentle slopes.
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Cycling from Skørping
Cycling routes connect Skørping to Rebild Bakker via local roads and paths. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes. The terrain includes some gentle hills. Bike parking is available at the monument site. No fee required.
Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Kimbrerstenen i Rebild Bakker
A Monument to Ancient Warriors
Kimbrerstenen rises from the heath-clad slopes of Rebild Bakker as a testament to one of Denmark's most significant prehistoric peoples. The stone commemorates the Cimbri tribe, who inhabited this region during the Iron Age before departing around 120 BCE. The inscription reads: "The Cimbri departed from these lands in the year 120 BCE," anchoring the monument to a specific moment in ancient history when this warrior culture left Himmerland to seek new territories. The Cimbri would become legendary throughout the Roman world, their migrations and conflicts shaping Mediterranean history for generations.Artistic Vision and Sculptural Mastery
The monument was created by Anders Bundgaard, one of Denmark's most celebrated sculptors of the early 20th century. Carved from a massive block of rhombic porphyry, the stone features Bundgaard's characteristic artistic style—a powerful Cimbri bull rendered in bold, expressive lines. The bull became an enduring symbol of the Cimbri spirit: their vitality, their restlessness, and their yearning for distant horizons. Bundgaard's interpretation captures not merely an animal but the essence of a people defined by movement and ambition. The sculptor's work resonates with romantic nationalism that characterized Danish cultural identity in the 1920s, transforming archaeological memory into monumental art.Landscape and Setting
The monument sits within Rebild Bakker, a landscape sculpted by the last Ice Age. The characteristic rolling hills and heaths were formed when massive volumes of glacial meltwater carved deep furrows into the terrain, creating the dramatic topography visible today. This natural amphitheater of heath and hill provides a fitting setting for contemplating the Cimbri's departure—a landscape that speaks to geological time and human history simultaneously. The open heaths, dotted with low vegetation and ancient soil, evoke the environment these Iron Age people would have known, making the monument not merely a historical marker but an immersive encounter with deep time.Cultural Resonance and National Memory
The Cimbri hold a unique place in Danish consciousness, representing a bridge between prehistoric identity and modern nationhood. The monument was formally erected in 1924, a period when Denmark was reasserting its cultural identity following World War I. The Cimbri's legendary status—their conflicts with Rome, their migrations across Europe, their reputation as formidable warriors—made them ideal symbols for national pride. Beyond Rebild, the Cimbri bull appears on Vesterbro in Aalborg, where another Bundgaard sculpture stands with a dedicatory poem by Johannes V. Jensen, Denmark's Nobel Prize-winning author. These monuments collectively weave the Cimbri into the fabric of Danish cultural memory.Archaeological Significance and Regional Heritage
Rebild Bakker and its surrounding forests have yielded remarkable archaeological discoveries that illuminate Iron Age life in Himmerland. In 1946, during peat extraction near Rebild Skovhuse, workers uncovered an exceptional wooden figure carved from birch wood, standing 105 centimeters tall. This artifact, preserved through centuries in the anaerobic peat environment, underwent a three-year conservation process involving petroleum and oil baths to restore its integrity. The figure's purpose remains enigmatic—possibly a deity or spiritual figure—but its discovery underscores the region's rich archaeological heritage and the spiritual practices of its ancient inhabitants. Such finds transform Rebild from a mere landscape into a palimpsest of human meaning and belief.Visiting the Monument Today
Kimbrerstenen remains freely accessible year-round, inviting visitors to stand before this carved stone and contemplate the sweep of history. The monument's placement within the natural landscape encourages reflection on the relationship between people and place, between ancient migrations and modern belonging. The surrounding heaths offer walking opportunities through terrain largely unchanged since the Cimbri's time, allowing visitors to experience the landscape as these ancient people would have known it. The monument serves not as a museum piece behind glass but as a living marker in the Danish countryside, weathered by centuries and integrated into the ongoing life of the region.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hotel BramslevGaard
19.2 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
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Mariager Fjord
19.9 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
20.9 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
21.5 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
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Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Kirke
22.0 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Mariager Church
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A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Alstrup krat
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Explore Alstrup Krat near Mariager: Hike through ancient forests, discover Bronze Age burial mounds, and enjoy stunning views of Mariager Fjord. A blend of history and nature awaits.
Rosenhaven
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Munkholmanlægget
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Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
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Ivan Evigvår trold
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Lille Vildmose
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Aalborg Zoo
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Explore Malmö’s premier museum for technology, science, and seafaring, featuring interactive exhibitions, classic vehicles, and Sweden’s only public submarine display.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bålhytten i Rebild Bakker
0.1 km
Octagonal fire shelter honoring Danish-American heritage in Rebild's protected hills.
Rebild National Park
0.1 km
Denmark's historic heathland where glacial hills meet Danish-American heritage and Europe's finest certified hiking trails.
VINGES VANDRING
0.1 km
Experience Denmark’s most iconic heathland vistas and heritage on the well-marked Kvalitetssti Rebild hiking trail in the legendary Rebild National Park.
RebildPorten
0.1 km
Contemporary welcome center and terrace at the gateway to Rebild Hills and Rold Forest, where maps, stories and local insight prepare you for the landscape ahead.
Museum Rebild
0.1 km
Where Danish emigration stories meet transatlantic friendship in historic northern Jutland hills.
Kvalitetssti Rebild
0.2 km
A certified premium hiking loop through Rebild Bakker’s purple heaths, deep springs and ancient forest, showcasing some of Denmark’s most dramatic lowland terrain.
Rebild Bakker Information
0.2 km
Compact visitor hub with restrooms and trail information at the edge of Rebild Bakker, linking Skørping’s everyday life to Denmark’s heather-clad national park.
Danhostel Rebild
0.2 km
Welcoming hostel near Denmark's scenic Rebild Bakker hills with modern rooms, friendly staff, and included breakfast.
Comwell Rebild Bakker
0.4 km
Luxury resort immersed in Denmark's most visited national park, blending Nordic wellness with historic landscape.
Lars Kjærs Hus
0.9 km
Tiny forest cottage, big folk tale: step into the poacher Lars Kjær’s world and his fortune-telling wife’s home in the hills of Rebild Bakker.
Skovtårnet
1.0 km
Modest in height but rich in views, Skovtårnet lifts you above Rold Skov’s twisted pines for wide horizons over Rebild’s hills and valleys in every season.
Troldeskoven
1.1 km
A compact corner of Rold Skov where centuries‑old beech trees twist into troll-like sculptures, blending folklore, forest history and quietly enchanting woodland atmosphere.
Røverknolden
1.2 km
Artistic forest playground where imagination meets adventure in Denmark's largest woodland.
Ravnkilde
1.2 km
A powerful clear-water spring hidden in the wooded folds of Rebild Bakker, where rare wetland plants, cool streams and seasonal sea trout share a tranquil valley.
Hvasstræet
1.3 km
A modest memorial tree in the depths of Rold Skov, Hvasstræet quietly honours forester Jens Hvass amid rustling conifers and tranquil North Jutland woodland.
Essential places to dine
Top Karens Hus
0.1 km
Historic countryside traktørsted at the gateway to Rebild Bakker, serving traditional Danish food, coffee and cake in intimate low‑ceilinged rooms and garden.
Westernhuset
0.1 km
Skørping's premier venue for group celebrations and traditional Danish dining
Rebildhus
0.2 km
Hearty Danish lunch and countryside charm on the edge of Rebild Bakker’s rolling hills, a relaxed restaurant base for walks, family outings and day trips.
Bb Rold
0.2 km
A homely little café and B&B-style retreat in a quiet Skørping street, offering simple comforts and easy access to the forests and hills of Rold Skov.
Røverstuen
0.3 km
Woodland restaurant at Rebild’s edge, where Danish comfort cooking, rustic interiors and forest legends combine into a relaxed, story-rich meal stop in Skørping.
Papas Pizza Og Kebab House V/Serdar Keskin
2.9 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and kebab house in central Skørping, serving generous Danish-style pizzas, kebabs and grill favorites at moderate prices all week.
Mosskovpavillonen
3.8 km
Historic forest pavilion serving French-Danish cuisine beside a pristine lake in North Jutland's natural heart.
Restaurant Hul19
5.0 km
Laid-back Scandinavian clubhouse dining with sweeping views over Rold Skov Golfklub’s closing hole and the forested landscape beyond in Skørping.
Ice Sushi
6.4 km
Straightforward sushi takeaway on Hobrovej in Støvring, serving practical sharing boxes and casual eat-in options for easy weeknight dinners and road-trip stops.
Bella Italia Støvring
6.8 km
Cozy pizza and steakhouse on Støvring’s main street, serving generous Italian-inspired comfort food and easygoing Danish hospitality for locals and road‑trippers alike.
MesterBageren Støvring
6.8 km
Lively neighborhood bakery-café in central Støvring, serving classic Danish breads, pastries and celebration cakes from early morning until late afternoon.
MADUMSØHUS ISBAR
7.4 km
Homely countryside ice cream stop by Madum Lake, where classic Danish soft ice meets quiet Jutland landscapes and relaxed summer-evening vibes.
Burger King
10.3 km
Flame-grilled burgers and quick meals in rural Jutland's convenient fast-food hub.
Motorvejsgrillen
10.4 km
Old-school Danish roadside grill off the Nørager motorway, serving hearty burgers, fries and classic fast food to drivers, locals and truckers all week.
Sønderup Landkøkken v/Dorthe Nørhave Johansen
11.6 km
Rural North Jutland kitchen turning classic Danish farm recipes into hearty daily meals and generous buffets for locals, pensioners and countryside celebrations.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Roldhøj Lopper og Luksus
0.1 km
A cosy vintage barn near Rebild Bakker packed with Danish design, retro furniture and quirky treasures for slow, sustainable treasure hunting in Skørping.
Rebild Bakker (Rebildvej / Rebild)
0.3 km
Heather-clad hills, glacial gorges, and cross-Atlantic heritage unite in Rebild Bakker, Denmark’s iconic national park and cultural meeting ground.
Vinhandel La BourGogne
1.5 km
Discover Vinhandel La BourGogne in Skørping: A curated selection of fine wines and expert guidance await wine enthusiasts.
Holy Moses Wineshop
2.2 km
Characterful neighbourhood wine shop in Skørping, pouring American bottles, local vintages and sustainable delights from morning to evening every day.
Lenas Blomster
2.9 km
Friendly neighbourhood florist and gift boutique in the heart of Skørping, blending seasonal blooms, curated presents and local small-town charm.
Bogby 9520
2.9 km
Volunteer‑run book town in Skørping, where thousands of second‑hand volumes and a cosy, local atmosphere turn browsing into a slow‑travel highlight.
REMA 1000
2.9 km
No‑frills Danish discount supermarket in Skørping, ideal for stocking up on groceries, snacks and everyday essentials before exploring Rebild Bakker and Rold Skov.
Maggies Gemakker
2.9 km
A cosy Skørping fashion boutique offering timeless, mix-and-match women’s clothing and personal styling advice focused on longevity rather than fast trends.
FKN Genbrug / DCA Op Shop
3.0 km
Cozy volunteer-run charity thrift shop in central Skørping, where slow treasure-hunting, reuse and global solidarity all meet on one compact shop floor.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
3.0 km
Small-town Danish charity shop where second-hand fashion, homeware and local community spirit come together to support global humanitarian work.
Meny
3.0 km
Modern Danish supermarket in Skørping Centret with fresh counters, local specialties and a strong wine selection – a practical one‑stop shop for travelers.
Garndamen
3.0 km
Intimate yarn shop in the heart of Skørping, brimming with colourful fibres, patterns and friendly expertise for knitters and crocheters of every level.
Kirkens Korshær Genbrug
3.0 km
Small-town Danish thrift shop where every second-hand bargain helps fund social work and offers a glimpse into everyday community life in Skørping.
Rold Forest Bike Shop
3.2 km
Denmark's premier mountain bike hub in the heart of Rold Forest's 50-kilometer trail network.
Louise Nørgaard
3.2 km
A cosy holistic beauty clinic and natural lifestyle boutique in small-town Skørping, blending personalised treatments, clean products and a calm, slow-paced atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Skørping Bodega
2.9 km
Down-to-earth local bodega in central Skørping, serving cold beers, simple drinks and small-town atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Happy Friday
5.5 km
Cozy Støvring cocktail bar with crafted drinks, warm lighting and a Friday-night feeling any day of the week.
City Bar Støvring
6.6 km
Unpretentious local bar in Støvring’s City Centret, offering simple drinks, friendly chat and a down-to-earth glimpse of everyday Danish small-town life.
Støvring Mc
6.8 km
Laid‑back neighborhood bar in small‑town Støvring, with a subtle motorbike vibe, simple drinks and a down‑to‑earth atmosphere on Viborgvej.
Loke's Ølstue
8.7 km
Suldrup’s no-frills bodega bar, where cold beer, local stories and small-town Danish pub culture come together in a cozy, lived-in corner on Aarestrupvej.
Carsten fenger
10.2 km
A low-key rural bar near Skørping where locals gather, travelers are welcomed, and simple drinks fuel long conversations in a relaxed countryside setting.
Rottehullet / Bodega
11.0 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
Center Pubben ApS
13.4 km
Cozy neighborhood pub in Terndrup Center, pouring cold beer, simple drinks and warm small-town atmosphere in a no-nonsense Danish bar setting.
Skotten
18.6 km
Aalborg's casual neighborhood bar for relaxed socializing and unwinding with friends
Club 85@Nibe Festival
20.8 km
Small-town bar turned festival hotspot, Club 85 is where Nibe’s intimate music nights spill over into easygoing drinks, local charm and late-night singalongs.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
20.8 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
Jagtstuen
21.0 km
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Kælderen
21.0 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Jernkroen
21.2 km
Cozy harbor-side kro-bar in the heart of Nibe, where inexpensive drinks, a friendly courtyard and true small-town atmosphere invite you to linger.
ar
21.3 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
21.6 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Mjølner
21.9 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Mariager Fjord Golf
22.6 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Night Cirque
24.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
24.8 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
24.8 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
24.8 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
24.8 km
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C Night Club
24.9 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Hugos Garage
24.9 km
Experience Aalborg's iconic party vibe at Hugos Garage, a lively bodega-style bar and dance club on Jomfru Ane Gade featuring live music and classic Danish hospitality.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
24.9 km
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Rocken
24.9 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
24.9 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
Randers Rave
40.5 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Jazzens Venner
41.7 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
