Have you ever wondered about ancient burial grounds? Right here we find Stenrøret. It is a fascinating monument from the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Stenrøret stands in Rutsker Højlyng. This area south of Tejn is known for its forests and heathland. Rutsker Højlyng was partially protected in 1930. This protection aimed to preserve the many erratic blocks found here.
The name Stenrøret itself tells a story. “Røs” means stone heap. This connects it to similar sites in southern Sweden, Öland, and Gotland. These “rør” are burial sites dating back to the Iron Age. In Denmark these burial sites are called stenrøser.
Stenrøret is the largest erratic block in the area. It weighs approximately 100 tons. The stone consists of local Bornholmian Gneiss. This makes it a local erratic block.
In 1930, the protection of Rutsker Højlyng ensured that stones like Stenrøret could not be removed. They could not be moved, cleaved, or otherwise damaged. This preservation allows us to experience the largest concentration of erratic blocks on the island.
Nearby, another significant erratic block rests on the exposed bedrock of Bornholmian Gneiss. It is called Munken. Munken weighs around 50 tons. It is another example of a local erratic block.
To the west of Stenrøret, there is a historical area. In 1870, a Swedish immigrant acquired land here. He cultivated the heathland. This land became part of a smallholding now known as Fredensborg.
Historical records show that the land was sold multiple times. Each time, it was sold to a new Swedish immigrant. In 1920, K V W Hermansen from Allinge purchased it. Today, northeast of Stenrøret, you can see the foundation of a house. Frede Kjøller suggests it dates back to the late 19th century. This foundation is another remnant of Swedish immigration to the Bornholm heathland.
Further west lies Lærreds Myr. This bog area was once used for peat extraction. Today, it is regrowing in the middle of a cornfield. The name Lærreds Myr is derived from the Danish word Lærred. Since the 1750s, the bog has been known by various names.
As you wander through Rutsker Højlyng towards Stenrøret, you’re walking through a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human history. The area is a testament to Bornholm’s geological past and cultural heritage.
Imagine the people who lived here thousands of years ago. They used this stone as a burial ground. They saw this landscape differently than we do today.
Stenrøret remains a silent witness. It connects us to the ancient people of Bornholm. It reminds us of the island’s long and fascinating past.