Rimsø Church

Rimsø Church in northern Djursland is an old quarry stone church a short detour from the Margueritruten in East Jutland. The church stands beside what is described as Denmark’s oldest rectory, just north of the churchyard, so you can easily visit both on the same stop. Within the cemetery you find a sizeable 24‑metre burial mound, adding a clear prehistoric layer to the site. On top of the mound stands a distinctive rune stone from the Viking Age, giving the churchyard an unusual combination of church, rectory, ancient grave and runic monument in one compact place.

Stop at Rimsø Church if you are interested in older churches and early Danish history. You can see the quarry stone church, walk past what is described as Denmark’s oldest rectory, and climb up to the 24‑metre burial mound with its unusual Viking Age rune stone, all within a short and straightforward detour from the main route.

Worth a short detour for the mix of church, historic rectory, burial mound and Viking Age rune stone in one place.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

30–45 minutes

Best time to visit

Daylight hours are best, as you will mostly be outdoors and will want good light to see the burial mound and read the rune stone. The site is likely to feel quieter outside major holidays and typical Sunday service times, when the churchyard area is usually more active.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Rimsø Rectory

  Attraction · 85 m

• 

  Veggerslev Church

  Church · 2.6 km

• Sostrup Castle and Monastery

  Historic building · 2.7 km

• Kastbjerg Church

  Church · 3.1 km

• 

  Gjerrild

  Attraction · 3.3 km

• 

  Gjerrild Church

  Church · 3.4 km

Frequently asked

What is special about Rimsø Church?

Rimsø Church is notable for several features in a compact area. It is a quarry stone church in northern Djursland, and just north of it stands what is described as Denmark’s oldest rectory. In the churchyard you also find a 24‑metre burial mound with a distinctive Viking Age rune stone on top, which is unusual to see combined with a parish church setting.

Can I see the Viking Age rune stone at Rimsø Church up close?

The Viking Age rune stone stands on top of a 24‑metre burial mound within the cemetery at Rimsø Church. As you walk through the churchyard you can approach the mound and view the stone from nearby. How close you can get will depend on local paths and any signs in place, so follow whatever guidance you find on site out of respect for the burial mound.

Where is Rimsø Church in relation to the Margueritruten scenic route?

Rimsø Church lies in northern Djursland, East Jutland, a short drive off the Margueritruten. The detour is modest in distance, so it works well as a brief side trip if you are already driving this section of the route and are interested in combining church architecture with an ancient burial mound and rune stone.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Rimsø Church?

Most travellers can see the main features in a relatively short stop. Allow around half an hour to walk around the quarry stone church, look towards the rectory to the north, and go into the cemetery to visit the 24‑metre burial mound and its Viking Age rune stone. If you like to linger for photos or quiet time, you may want a little longer.

Can I combine a visit to Rimsø Church with other nearby sights?

Yes. Rimsø Rectory, described as Denmark’s oldest rectory, is just north of the church and easy to visit in the same stop. From there, it is straightforward to continue your drive to other places on Djursland along the Margueritruten, such as additional churches or historic buildings already marked on your route section map.

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