The Devil’s Stone

The Devil’s Stone on Funen is a substantial Late Bronze Age rock carving, weighing around 3.5 tonnes and covered with more than 100 distinct bowl-shaped depressions. These small hollows, pecked into the surface, are typical of prehistoric ritual or symbolic markings found across Scandinavia. Set in quiet countryside away from the main road, the stone is an easy, self-guided stop, with the carving itself as the clear focus. It suits travellers interested in early history and archaeology who are happy with a simple, outdoor visit rather than a full museum-style experience.

The Devil’s Stone is worth a short detour if you are curious about prehistoric sites. The sheer size of the boulder and the dense pattern of more than 100 bowl marks give a direct, physical sense of Late Bronze Age activity on Funen. It is a straightforward, atmospheric stop that combines easily with other nearby sights.

A simple but evocative Late Bronze Age rock carving, best for travellers with an interest in prehistory.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

15–30 minutes

Best time to visit

Daylight hours are best, as the bowl marks are easier to see when the light falls across the stone at an angle. Visiting on a bright but not overly sunny day helps the shallow carvings stand out. The site is outdoors and can be more pleasant in dry, calmer weather, particularly if the ground around the stone becomes soft after rain.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• Heerwagen Ceramics

  Local business · 437 m

• Hollænderhuset

  Museum · 634 m

• Forest: Vestre Stigtehave

  Park · 656 m

• Hou Church

  Church · 829 m

• Forrestgarden Nordlangeland

  Park · 1.2 km

• Nordlangelands Statsskove

  Park · 1.2 km

Frequently asked

What is The Devil’s Stone on Funen?

The Devil’s Stone is a large boulder on Funen bearing a Late Bronze Age rock carving. The surface is covered with more than 100 small, bowl-shaped depressions, sometimes called bowl marks, which were pecked into the stone in prehistoric times. There is no exhibition or museum on site; the main attraction is the stone itself and the experience of seeing the ancient markings outdoors.

How long should I plan to spend at The Devil’s Stone?

Most visitors only need a short stop at The Devil’s Stone. There are no extensive facilities or additional attractions at the site, so the visit mainly consists of locating the boulder, viewing the many bowl marks, and perhaps taking a few photos. Around 15–30 minutes is usually enough, unless you like to examine the carvings in detail or sketch them.

Can I visit The Devil’s Stone with children?

The Devil’s Stone can work as a quick family stop, especially if children are interested in stories about the past or enjoy spotting patterns and marks in stone. There is space outdoors to stand around the boulder and look closely at the surface. As with any countryside visit, supervision is needed near uneven ground, and you may want to set clear boundaries about not climbing on or damaging the rock.

Is there any information on site about the history of The Devil’s Stone?

You should not expect a full visitor centre or detailed displays at The Devil’s Stone. The key fact is that it is a Late Bronze Age rock carving with more than 100 bowl marks. Any on-site information, if present, is likely to be brief. If you want deeper background on Bronze Age carvings, it is sensible to look this up in advance or combine the stop with a visit to a local museum elsewhere on your route.

How does The Devil’s Stone compare to other historical sites on Funen?

The Devil’s Stone is a very focused experience: a single, large boulder with prehistoric bowl marks in a rural setting. Unlike bigger historical complexes with buildings or exhibitions, this is a simple outdoor stop that appeals mainly to those interested in archaeology and ancient carvings. It can be a good complement to more developed museums or churches on Funen, offering a direct encounter with the landscape’s much older past.

WhatsApp rescue

Never lose the route

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