Tuegravene and Bjørns Sten in Nørreskoven on Als

An ancient urnfield and the legend of the Swedish pirates

Close to the coast in Nørreskoven on Als, you'll find Tuegravene, an Early Iron Age burial ground with around 33 small burial mounds. The graves date from 500 BC to the beginning of the 1st century AD. As the mounds are very low, they can be difficult to spot.

Tuegravene is also known as Svenskegravene. According to an old local legend, Swedish pirates came ashore to plunder the area but were confronted by the people of Als in a fierce battle. Many of the pirates were killed, and the legend tells how their surviving countrymen returned under cover of darkness to bury the fallen.

Bjørns Sten and the Swedish chieftain

Near Tuegravene stands Bjørns Sten, a menhir that, like the burial ground, dates back to the Early Iron Age, around 500 BC to the beginning of the 1st century AD.

The stone also features in local folklore. According to one version of the legend, a Swedish military commander was buried beneath it. Whether there is any truth to the story remains unknown, but it adds another layer of interest to these ancient sites.

During archaeological excavations around Bjørns Sten in 1951, archaeologists discovered pottery fragments and traces of fire, among other finds.

Explore the past in Nørreskoven

Tuegravene and Bjørns Sten are located directly beside Alsstien, close to the Little Belt. You can easily combine a visit to these ancient burial sites with a walk through Nørreskoven.

The forest is home to archaeological remains from several periods, including dolmens dating back to the Neolithic period. Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who inhabited Als over thousands of years.

Last updated on 20 October 2026.