Gyngstrup brings together archaeological traces from the Roman Iron Age and the Middle Ages with a protected earth bank in the landscape. For travellers looking to understand the cultural history and landscape features of North Funen, its appeal lies in the different time periods and specific findings. Graves, a fibula, miniature vessels and settlement traces each raise different questions about the area's history.
Graves and finds from the Roman Iron Age
There is a small burial ground near Gyngstrup, regarded as a typical Funen example of the Roman Iron Age. Grave 6 was created around 175 to 200 AD. A fibula from the grave preserves evidence of a cultural connection to the southeast. Thus, this single burial context combines a chronological dating with an indication of cultural contacts.
Another archaeological area lies at Storø Strand near Gyngstrup on North Funen. It dates to the Early Roman Iron Age, around 0 to 150 AD. Six miniature vessels were found there, interpreted as offerings intended to protect houses and their inhabitants. Chronologically, this area predates the dating of Grave 6; the vessels focus attention on questions of homes and protection. The two date ranges are therefore best distinguished rather than read as a single settlement phase.
Medieval settlements
The medieval traces also tell different stories about life. The medieval settlement near Gyngstrup is considered unique on Funen because of its toft system enclosed by ditches. Coin finds date it to the 13th century. The ditches and tofts draw attention to the spatial layout of this settlement; the coins provide a chronological reference point.
Extensive High Medieval settlement traces include a total of 20 houses, up to 18 metres long. The number of houses and their dimensions make the scale of the excavated settlement remains tangible: these are not traces of just one house site, but of several buildings. The dating based on coin finds and the number and length of the houses answer different questions about Gyngstrup's medieval settlement history.
Landscape and local markers in time
Gyngstruplund lies on a sandy plateau beside wet meadows connected to the former fjord system of Storø Strand. This adds a landscape perspective to the history of graves and settlements: the plateau, wet meadows and their connection to the former fjord area are also part of the area's profile.
The protected earth bank BD.020.266(D00.031.143) is a prominent landscape feature within a well-preserved system of earth banks. It first appears as a boundary line on an 1809 map. The earth bank is also considered to have high cultural and historical value. The year refers to its depiction as a boundary line on the map, not to a construction date. The old school building in Gyngstrup also dates from 1826, adding a more recent historical reference to the local markers in time.
Walking and cycling routes in the wider Krogsbølle area
There are walking and cycling routes in the wider Krogsbølle area, which includes Gyngstrup. When planning, you can therefore take into account opportunities to get active in the surrounding area as well as the local history. Check the latest route information before setting out on a specific trip.
Discover more destinations: Skåstrup, Skamby, Bårdesø, Morud, Askeby, Veflinge, Tåstrup, Bederslev
For the broader travel overview: North Funen.
