Cup-shaped rock carvings from the Bronze Age

This Bronze Age stone in Konabbe Forest near Humble carries 36 clearly visible cup-shaped rock carvings. The simple depressions in the surface are among the most widespread prehistoric motifs in northern Europe and offer a direct, physical link back to people who lived here between about 1800 and 500 BC. Set quietly in the woodland, the stone is easy to view up close and can be combined with a short walk in the forest. It is a modest, focused stop, best suited to travellers interested in prehistoric traces in the landscape rather than a long visit.

Visit the cup-marked stone in Konabbe Forest if you want to see a clear example of Bronze Age rock carvings in a natural setting. The 36 cup-shaped hollows are straightforward to recognise and give a tangible sense of prehistoric activity in the area. It works well as a brief, purposeful stop combined with other nearby sites.

Worth a short detour if you are interested in prehistoric rock carvings and are already exploring Konabbe Forest or nearby sites.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

15–30 minutes at the stone itself, longer if combined with a walk in Konabbe Forest or other nearby sites.

Best time to visit

Daytime in dry weather is best, as the shallow cup marks are easier to see when the stone surface is well lit and not slippery. Any season works, but in summer and early autumn the surrounding forest paths are usually more pleasant for a short combined walk.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Viking ship-formed burial in Konabbe Forest

  Historic building · 268 m

• Konabbe Wood

  Park · 662 m

• Wild horses and Cattle at Skovsgaard

  Park · 730 m

• Memorial Stone at Påø

  Museum · 735 m

• Påø at Skovsgaard

  Park · 1.0 km

• Skovsgaard’s Museums

  Museum · 1.1 km

Frequently asked

What are the cup-shaped carvings on the stone in Konabbe Forest?

The stone in Konabbe Forest carries 36 small, rounded hollows known as cup marks, carved into the surface during the Bronze Age between about 1800 and 500 BC. They are a very simple form of rock carving, but seeing so many together in one place gives a clear impression of deliberate prehistoric activity on a single stone.

How long should I plan to spend at the Bronze Age cup-marked stone near Humble?

Time at the stone itself is usually short, as you are looking at a single Bronze Age rock with 36 cup-shaped carvings. Many visitors will find 15–30 minutes enough to locate it, look closely at the carvings and take a few photos. You can extend the stop by combining it with a walk in Konabbe Forest or other nearby sites.

Can I combine the Bronze Age cup-marked stone with other sights nearby?

Yes, this works best as part of a small cluster of stops. The stone lies in Konabbe Forest, so it can be easily combined with a walk in Konabbe Wood or a visit to the Viking ship-formed burial in the same forest. Skovsgaard’s Museums and the landscape around Påø are also within a short driving distance.

Is the Bronze Age cup-marked stone suitable for a quick stop off the Margueritruten?

The stone is about 10 kilometres from the signed Margueritruten, so it is a short detour rather than a roadside stop. Once you are there, the visit is brief and focused, as you are viewing a single carved rock. It suits travellers who do not mind a small diversion in order to see a clear example of prehistoric rock art.

When is the best time of day to see the cup marks on the stone in Konabbe Forest?

The cup-shaped carvings are shallow, so good light makes a difference. Visiting in daylight, when the stone is dry and the surface is well lit from the side, usually makes the 36 hollows easier to pick out with the eye and in photos. In poor light or wet conditions, the marks can be harder to distinguish.

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