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Glavendrup Runestone

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Glavendrup Runestone, located on the island of Funen, is a monumental relic from the Viking Age and bears the longest runic inscription in Denmark. It was erected in the 10th century by a woman named Ragnhild in memory of her husband Alle, who was a high-ranking priest and local chieftain. The inscription consists of 210 runic characters and concludes with a fearsome curse directed at anyone who might desecrate the stone or the funerary monument. The stone stands at the head of an impressive 60-meter-long stone ship setting, a series of stones arranged in the shape of a Viking vessel situated within a small grove. Glavendrup is part of a larger ritual complex and provides unique insights into the social hierarchy and religious beliefs of the Danish Vikings. The site's discovery and research in the late 18th century contributed significantly to the understanding of runic culture in Scandinavia. Today, it is a protected national monument and a significant destination for cultural heritage tourism.

Location: Denmark
Top sights: Gåsesten · Pengesten · Nislevgård
Nearby: Nørreby (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	1	3	7	12	15	18	18	15	10	6	3
Rain mm	58	47	43	36	49	68	74	78	58	69	61	61

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Glavendrup runestone stands freely accessible in the landscape. Visitors can view it at any time without an entrance fee. The stone is easily reachable from a small parking lot. It is a freestanding monument with no closing hours.

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Typical hours

As it is an open-air monument, there are no fixed opening hours. The stone is accessible around the clock. However, it is advisable to come during daylight to clearly see the inscriptions. The area is not lit.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions. The best time for shots is late afternoon when the light highlights the runes. A tripod can be useful but is not necessary.

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Time needed

Allow about 15-30 minutes for viewing the runestone. The surroundings invite a short walk. If you want to study the inscriptions, take a little more time.

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Combine with

The runestone is located near Glavendrup and can be combined with other Viking sites such as Fyrkat. The nearby city of Odense also features further attractions.

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Getting there

The stone is reachable by car on small roads. There is a small parking lot nearby. Detailed driving directions can be found on local maps.

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Insider tip

Bring binoculars to better see the details of the runes. Visit the stone best in the early morning when the light is soft and the runes are clearly visible.

Geography

Coordinates

55.51860, 10.37050

Facts

Longest runic inscription in Denmark
Erected in the 10th century
Contains 210 runic characters
Part of a 60m long stone ship
Erected by Ragnhild for Alle
Rediscovered in 1792

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nørreby11 km · NWExplore →

Odense14 km · SExplore →

Odense Zoo15 km · SExplore →

Bogense18 km · WExplore →

Kerteminde20 km · SEExplore →

Frøbjerg Bavnehøj23 km · SWExplore →

Sandager35 km · SWExplore →

Nyborg35 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Glavendrup Runestone (8)

Gåsesten🏺 historical

A prominent glacial erratic on Funen associated with local legends.

Pengesten 🏺 historical

A glacial erratic in Denmark to which folk tradition attributed special powers.

Nislevgård 🏰 castle

A historic manor house located on the Danish island of Funen.

Ørritslevgaard 🏰 castle

Ørritslevgaard, a castle near the Glavendrup rune stone on Funen.

Otterup Museum 🏛 museum

A local history museum showcasing the heritage and culture of Otterup.

🌐 visitnordfyn.com🕒 Jun-Aug: Th 11:00-14:00; Sa 11:00-14:00💶

Jeppeshøje 📍 landmark

A group of burial mounds in the Danish countryside near Glavendrup.

Uggerslev Mølle 📍 landmark

A well-preserved historic windmill located in the North Funen region.

Bederslev Kirke ⛪ religious

A medieval village church in Bederslev featuring traditional Danish architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Glavendrup stone so special?

It bears the longest runic inscription in Denmark.

What is the inscription about?

A woman named Ragnhild had it erected in memory of her husband, Alle.

Where is the stone located?

It is located in the Glavendrup grove on the island of Funen, embedded in a stone ship setting.

Is admission free?

Yes, the grove and the stone can be visited anytime for free.

What is a stone ship setting?

A Viking Age burial monument where stones are arranged in the shape of a ship.

Glavendrup Runestone: where is it located?

Glavendrup Runestone is located in Denmark.

Glavendrup Runestone: what is there to see?

Highlights include Gåsesten, Pengesten, Nislevgård.

Glavendrup Runestone: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Glavendrup Runestone: why is it worth visiting?

The Glavendrup Runestone, located on the island of Funen, is a monumental relic from the Viking Age and bears the longest runic inscription in Denmark.

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Glavendrup Runestone

Best time to visit & climate