Marslev’s old village meeting place now stands in the middle of a road junction and is no longer used for its original purpose. The contrast between its former purpose and its present location makes it a striking introduction to the area’s history. For those interested in cultural history, the changing role of this historic place takes centre stage: Marslev can thus also be viewed through the lens of change, rather than only through individual objects or buildings.

The Church and Its History

The ship’s model “Anna” hangs in Marslev Church: a three-masted full-rigged ship dating from around 1930. It was made by Anders Madsen from Rynkeby, known as the “Illemose tailor.” Its name, type, approximate date and maker make it a tangible object of church history; the reference to Rynkeby identifies the maker’s origin. Marslev Church is also a so-called wayside church.

Marslev Church also has an older institutional history. It belonged to the Crown until 1665; Bjørn Kaas of Vejrupgård then acquired the right of patronage for Marslev and Birkende, including the church and royal tithes. Alongside the ship’s model, this offers a second historical perspective: it concerns former rights over the church and tithes, not another item of church furnishings.

Archaeological Finds

Archaeological finds from Marslev include Viking Age jewellery, ordinary metal objects and parts of swords. A bronze chape fitting may have been attached to the end of a sword scabbard; this identification is possible, but uncertain. Interesting finds have also been made during metal-detecting searches in the village. The types of finds offer several points of interest for a cultural-historical perspective, while the chape fitting also invites a specific, cautious interpretation.

Vejrupgaard and Renaissance Architecture

Vejrupgaard offers a look at architectural history. The core of the present main building dates back to a large Renaissance complex commissioned by Corfitz Ulfeldt in the early 17th century. Vejrupgaard is not open to the public, but can be viewed from the road. You can therefore plan to see it from the outside, not as a public visit inside the building. Unlike the ship’s model, the focus here is not on a single item of church furnishings, but on the core of a Renaissance complex.

Cherry Specialties at Selleberg

Selleberg adds a culinary highlight: the business makes handmade specialties from fine sweet cherries. Cherry wine and gift baskets are available for purchase in the farm shop. For travellers who want to include sweet-cherry products alongside local history, this is a specific reason to shop rather than another historical sightseeing stop.

Planning Your Visit: What to Know

When planning your visit, it helps to keep the conditions in mind: Vejrupgaard can be viewed from the road but is not open to the public; check access to Marslev Church in advance. If you plan to shop at Selleberg, check the farm shop’s opening hours beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Langeskov, Martofte, Kerteminde, Munkebo, Tårup, Kertinge, Midskov and Dalby.

Back to the main travel overview: Kerteminde.