Burial Sites in Broby Vesterskov – Ancient Monument

Prehistoric Burial Sites in One of Zealand's Oldest Forests

Broby Vesterskov harbours several prehistoric burial sites that bear witness to thousands of years of human presence in the southwestern Zealand forest landscape. The forest lies west of Broby in Sorø Municipality and forms part of the large contiguous woodland stretching down towards the Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes. Here you will find barrows and stone settings from both the Stone Age and the Bronze Age, scattered among ancient beech and oak trees in an undulating terrain shaped by Ice Age glaciers.

A Landscape Layered with History

The burial sites in Broby Vesterskov represent several time periods. The oldest traces date from the Neolithic, when the Funnel Beaker culture buried their dead in megalithic tombs and marked the landscape with monumental stone structures. Later came the Bronze Age round barrows, typically placed on hilltops overlooking the surrounding countryside. This combination of burial forms makes Broby Vesterskov an unusually rich archaeological area, where nearly two thousand years of prehistory can be read in the terrain.

The Forest and Its Nature

Broby Vesterskov is a mixed deciduous forest dominated by beech, supplemented with oak, ash and maple. The forest floor changes character with the seasons — from white wood anemones and yellow lesser celandine in spring to dense ferns and fungi in late summer. The undulating terrain with deep hollows and ridge lines gives the forest a varied character, and many of the barrows sit on the highest points, where they remain visible in the landscape. Birdlife is rich, with woodpeckers, tits and birds of prey, and at dusk you may spot roe deer among the trunks.

Walking Among the Barrows

A walk through Broby Vesterskov offers an experience that combines nature and cultural history. The forest roads and paths lead past several of the burial sites, and most are marked on local walking maps. The terrain is moderately hilly, and the walk suits hikers in reasonable fitness. Good walking shoes are recommended, as paths can be uneven and slippery in wet conditions. The forest is open all year, with free access on foot. Dogs must be kept on leads from 1 April to 30 September.

Connection to the Greater Nature Area

Broby Vesterskov is part of the extensive forest and nature landscape surrounding the Danish Nature Agency's grounds at Kongskilde and the Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes. From the forest you can continue to Kongskilde Nature Centre, which provides access to walking trails along the lakes and down to the Suså river. The Jyderup Trail also passes close by, making the burial sites a natural part of a longer hike in the area.

Experiences Nearby

The area around Broby Vesterskov offers a wealth of experiences for nature and history enthusiasts. The Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes are among Zealand's finest, with canoeing and kayaking on the Suså and fishing in the lakes. Kongskilde Nature Centre offers exhibitions and guided tours, and nearby shelter sites allow overnight stays in nature. The town of Sorø with its impressive abbey church and the historic Sorø Academy lies just a few kilometres to the east. Visit destinationsjaelland.dk for more experiences in southwestern Zealand.