The burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave

The burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave are set in woodland east of Svendborg and offer a direct encounter with Denmark’s prehistoric past. Here, several Bronze Age burial sites lie in the forest floor, giving a sense of how the landscape once formed part of a religious world. Walking among the mounds, you see how the terrain itself was used for ritual and remembrance long before written history. It is a quiet, low-key stop where the surroundings and the age of the remains are the main experience rather than facilities or displays.

Visit the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave for a short, atmospheric walk among visible traces of the Bronze Age in a forest setting. It suits travellers who like to imagine prehistoric rituals on the spot, without formal exhibitions, and who appreciate simple stops where landscape and history speak for themselves.

A worthwhile short stop to experience Bronze Age burial mounds in peaceful woodland east of Svendborg.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

30-60 minutes

Best time to visit

The area can be visited year-round, but the experience is often best in daylight and in reasonably dry weather, when the shapes of the burial mounds are easier to pick out on the forest floor. In late spring, summer and early autumn the woods are generally more pleasant for a short walk.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Æbleskivestenen

  Historic building · 275 m

• Galleri DGV

  Art gallery · 485 m

• Mansanatårnet

  Attraction · 724 m

• Christiansminde Stampemølle

  Attraction · 783 m

• Bjørnemose Estate

  Historic building · 879 m

• Den gamle Smedie i Svendborg

  Attraction · 1.3 km

Frequently asked

What are the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave?

The burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave are prehistoric grave structures from the Bronze Age, located in woodland east of Svendborg. They form part of a wider pattern of ritual and religious activity that once shaped this landscape. A visit here is mainly about seeing the low, rounded shapes in the forest floor and understanding that people used this area for burial and ceremonies thousands of years ago.

How long should I plan to spend at the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave?

Most visitors only need a short stop at the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave. There are no extensive facilities or exhibitions, so the experience is mainly a quiet walk to see the mounds and take in the atmosphere of the forest. Around half an hour to an hour is usually enough, depending on how much you like to walk and look for details in the terrain.

What can I expect to see when visiting the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave?

You can expect a forest area east of Svendborg where several Bronze Age burial mounds can be seen as raised forms in the ground. There are no large reconstructed structures; instead, the focus is on the original landscape and the subtle shapes left by ancient burials. It is a simple, low-key visit best suited to those comfortable interpreting the site with minimal signage or interpretation.

Is a visit to the Gl. Hestehave burial mounds suitable for children?

A visit can work for children who enjoy being outdoors and using their imagination. The burial mounds themselves are understated, so there is little in the way of displays, but the idea of people being buried here in the Bronze Age can be engaging if explained in simple terms. The forest setting allows for a short walk, but supervision is needed as paths and ground conditions may be uneven.

Can I combine the burial mounds in Gl. Hestehave with other sights nearby?

Yes, the burial mounds are close to several other points of interest east of Svendborg. You can, for example, combine a short stop here with Æbleskivestenen for more prehistory, or continue to Galleri DGV or Bjørnemose Estate for art or later-period architecture. This makes the area suitable for a half-day outing with varied experiences within a small radius.

WhatsApp rescue

Never lose the route

Text your location on WhatsApp from anywhere and we'll guide you back onto the Margueritruten.