Brudgomsegene in Nørreskoven on Als

The trees that held the key to marriage

In Nørreskoven on Als, you can discover an unusual story of love, marriage and local woodland history. Here stand Brudgomsegene, a group of oak trees planted by young couples who had to earn the right to marry.

In 1737, the Duke of Augustenborg introduced a rule to ensure a supply of timber for the future. Before a couple could marry, they had to plant either 10 oak trees or 15 beech trees. Simply planting the trees wasn't enough, though. The couple had to present a certificate to the priest, and the groom was then responsible for looking after the trees for three years.

Discover the historic Brudgomsege oak trees

North of Havrekobbelhus, you'll find Brudgomsegene, planted around 1770. The trees stand approximately 30 metres tall and form part of one of Denmark's oldest woodland plantations.

Standing beneath these impressive old oaks, you're looking at living reminders of a time when getting married wasn't just about two people. It also meant planting trees for future generations.

The tree-planting requirement was abolished in 1784, once woodland management had improved. Today, Brudgomsegene remain as a reminder of this unusual tradition.

Last updated on 16 October 2026.