A hidden medieval fortress in the heart of a village

In the middle of Boeslunde, a small village roughly 15 kilometres south of Slagelse, lies one of West Zealand's most surprising ancient monuments. Boeslunde Mindepark — also known as Borgbjergs Banke — appears at first glance to be a well-kept green space with a circular lawn surrounded by slopes and hedges. But beneath the surface lie the remains of a medieval fortress from the 14th century, only discovered during archaeological excavations in 1981.

Landscape architecture by C.Th. Sørensen

The park was inaugurated in 1939 as a memorial to politician F.J. Borgbjerg, who was born in Boeslunde and took his surname from this very hill. The design was the work of legendary landscape architect C.Th. Sørensen, who shaped the site as an amphitheatre with the stage offset from centre and access ramps along the sides, flanked by living hedges. The result is a space that feels both intimate and open — one of the finest examples of Danish landscape architecture from the interwar period.

Protected heritage with layers of history

Borgbjergs Banke was placed under heritage protection in 1941, just two years after the park's inauguration. The protection covers not only the landscape design but also the archaeological layers beneath the ground. Over the years, several significant finds have been made in the area, and the 1981 excavations revealed foundation remains of the medieval fortress, whose existence had been entirely unknown until then. This gives the site a dual historical dimension: a 14th-century defensive structure and a 1930s memorial park tradition meeting literally in the same soil.

Amphitheatre and gathering place

Today the memorial park serves as a vibrant gathering place for the local community. The natural amphitheatre provides the setting for concerts, open-air services and local events, while the circular lawn invites picnics and quiet moments. A memorial stone for F.J. Borgbjerg marks the park's origin and gives visitors a connection to the political history woven into the landscape. The site sits directly opposite Boeslunde Church, and the interplay between church, memorial park and ancient fortress creates an unusual concentration of cultural history in a remarkably small area.

Boeslunde — more than just a village

Boeslunde itself is a village with surprisingly many historical layers. Beyond the memorial park and church, the area has yielded several noteworthy archaeological finds, and the landscape around the village offers quiet country lanes and views across the moraine terrain of southwest Zealand. From here it is a short distance to Skælskør to the south and Korsør to the west, with Slagelse just a brief drive to the north.

Experiences nearby

From Boeslunde it is easy to explore the wider southwest Zealand region. Skælskør Fjord and the coastal landscape to the south offer walks along the water, while Korsør's historic town centre and fortifications lie a short drive to the west. The Viking fortress Trelleborg north of Slagelse is an obvious destination for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the region's past. The entire area is crisscrossed by hiking and cycling routes connecting coast, forest and sites of cultural heritage. Discover even more experiences in Slagelse Municipality and beyond at destinationsjaelland.dk.