Lejrskov brings together architectural history, archaeology and two different route connections. The Romanesque Lejrskov Kirke preserves a mural from 1525; near Lejrskov are burial mounds that the historic Middelalderruten passes by. A waymarked forest trail follows an old church path to the church. This offers different focal points for planning your trip: architecture and religious art, an archaeological landscape, or cycling and walking routes.

Romanesque church and mural

Lejrskov Kirke is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th to 12th centuries. The tower and porch were added around 1525–1550. A mural from 1525 is preserved in the church and depicts the Crucifixion. Architectural history and religious art therefore sit side by side: the church combines its Romanesque origins with later additions, while the painting adds a specific subject and date. For an understanding of the area’s cultural history, the building and the painting are therefore related but distinct points of interest.

Burial mounds near Lejrskov

Near Lejrskov is a group of nine large, dome-shaped burial mounds; there were once as many as 40 there. At least 25 registered burial mounds belong to the group. It lies on an east–west route that is also marked by a chain of burial mounds. These different figures show that the mounds’ shape, registered number and former extent offer different perspectives on the same burial-mound landscape. In 1995, five mounds from the group were excavated; Bredhøj was the largest. This account of the excavations adds a specific archaeological context to the landscape and route connections.

Cycling route and old church path

The Middelalderruten is a 29.5-kilometre historic cycling route from Jordrup to Stepping via Lunderskov. Near Lejrskov, it passes numerous burial mounds. The waymarked Sporet ved Vrå-Ure Skove trail follows an old church path through the forest to Lejrskov Kirke. The two routes differ in both mode of travel and historical connection, which may help with planning your trip: the cycling route passes the burial mounds, while the forest trail follows the old church path to the church. You can choose between a cycling route connected to the burial-mound landscape and a waymarked forest trail connected to the church.

Hesselvad Bridge and the stone coffin

Hesselvad Bro is located where Gl. Landevej crosses the Åkær Å outside Lunderskov. The bridge is therefore situated in relation to the road, the river and its location outside Lunderskov. The stone coffin recovered at Bredhøj near Lejrskov was moved to an exhibition site beside the old Hesselvad Bro. When considering the area’s history, it is important to distinguish the findspot from the exhibition site: the coffin was found at Bredhøj, and its display site is beside the bridge. Together, these details connect a specific landscape with the story of a relocated artefact.

Discover more destinations: Binderup, Bjert Strand, Christiansfeld, Egtved, Lunderskov, Vojens, Grønninghoved Strand, Agtrup

For the overview of the wider area: Kolding Municipality.