The long barrow at Kettingskov lies between a field and the edge of Blomeskobbel Forest. It dates from the Stone Age, around 3950 to 2801 BC. The burial mounds in Kettingskov also reach back around 5,000 to 6,000 years as historical evidence. The prehistoric past is therefore a defining part of the area, alongside Blommeskobbel Forest and its natural surroundings.
Burial mounds and historical traces
The burial mound group comprises two long dolmens and three round dolmens. The largest long dolmen in Kettingskov measures 53 m long, 12 m wide and 1.5 m high; 34 kerbstones surround it. The capstone of the largest burial chamber in the group is 4 m long, 2.5 m wide and 1.25 m high. These figures give a sense of both the size of the long dolmen and the dimensions of the burial chamber.
The burial sites were restored in 1936 under the direction of conservator J. Rabler of the National Museum of Denmark. Seven burial sites stand together on the northern side of Kettingskov Forest. An information sign at the long barrow explains the local legend and methods of splitting stone. From there, you can continue about 250 m towards the coast to reach the largest cluster of burial mounds in the north.
Other places also tell the story of the area. Rytterkulen lies near the coast on a raised headland. A tower was built immediately west of Blommesgård; faint remains of the ramparts and a protected area of just under 100 m² survive at its location. As part of a local project, trees and brush were removed from one of the long barrows. A pile of split stone was uncovered beside the mound.
Blommeskobbel: forest and nature
The Kettingskov area surrounds Blommeskobbel Forest. This species-rich deciduous forest consists mainly of beech and also includes oak and ash. Several orchid species and Danish ginger also grow there. Five round and long dolmens lie in the forest, several close together. Nature and archaeological traces thus share the same forest, while each burial site retains its own location.
Blommeskobbel is also home to Thorshavnsbæk, a watercourse protected under Section 3. According to regional planning, Blommeskobbel lies in a natural area and an area of special landscape value. This designation adds another perspective on the landscape to the concrete impressions of beech, oak and ash trees and the plants found there.
Paths and orientation
A marked nature trail from Fynshav runs through Blommeskobbel. The Alsstien nature trail passes through the Kettingskov area. These offer different points of reference for planning a trip: one path runs through the forest, the other through the Kettingskov area. Check the current route before setting out.
Cycling is also connected with the area’s local attractions. The Stendysseskulptur ved Kettingskov is a model of a burial mound from Blomeskobbel, with a capstone weighing about 6 tonnes. An information sign there covers the prehistoric history of the island of Als and the area around Kettingskov. The table and bench at the sculpture invite you to take a short break during a bike ride. A municipal award dated 5 October 2020 described the Østersøcykelrute No. 8 as a route that passed the Kettingskov stone and long dolmen project and was used by both locals and tourists.
An older local plan envisages a cycle path between Kettingskov and Fynshav. The Kettingskov area extends to the Lillebælt, where older local plans indicate bathing opportunities. Check the current route before cycling and local conditions before bathing. When choosing your holiday rental in Kettingskov, you can take into account whether you would rather focus on the burial mounds, the forest or activities by the water.
Discover more destinations: Skovby, Sydals, Rinkenæs, Guderup, Oksbøl, Mommark, Gråsten, Holm.
For the wider travel overview: Sønderborg Municipality.
