Long Dolmen in Bulbro Skov – Ancient Monument

Megalithic tombs in a medieval monastery forest

Just east of the town of Sorø, hidden among beech trees and forest floor in Bulbro Forest, lie two protected long barrows from the Neolithic period. The barrows are among the oldest human-made structures in Sorø Municipality and bear witness to a society that erected monumental burial sites across the Zealand landscape over 5,000 years ago. Finding them requires a little patience and an eye for quiet discoveries — but that is precisely what makes the visit special.

A forest with monastic roots

Bulbro Forest is no ordinary woodland. It belongs to the group of old monastery forests that in the Middle Ages were owned by Sorø Cistercian Abbey — one of the richest and most influential monasteries in Northern Europe. The monks used the forests for timber, firewood and hunting, and many of the large deciduous trees can trace their roots back to this period. Walking through Bulbro Forest is therefore a journey through multiple layers of Danish history, from the Stone Age farming community to medieval monasticism.

Structure of the long barrows

The better-preserved of the two long barrows in Bulbro Forest originally had 24 large kerbstones forming the edging of the elongated oval mound. The burial chamber at its centre housed the dead and their grave goods — flint tools, clay vessels and personal belongings. The stones have now partially sunk into the forest floor, but the shape remains clearly visible, and the largest stones rise markedly above the surrounding terrain. The second barrow lies a few hundred metres away and is more weathered, but still recognisable as a megalithic tomb.

Monument builders of the Neolithic

The long barrows in Bulbro Forest date from the early Neolithic, around 3500 BC, when the first settled farmers began to make their mark on Zealand. The megalithic tombs were not merely burial sites — they were landscape markers that signalled belonging and prestige. Moving and erecting stones weighing several tonnes required the coordination of many people and reflects a society with clear hierarchies and rituals surrounding death.

Walking in Bulbro Forest

Bulbro Forest is accessible from the town of Sorø via woodland paths connecting it with the surrounding lake landscape around Sorø Lake and Pedersborg Lake. The forest is relatively small and manageable, and the long barrows can be reached during a short walk. Combine the trip with a visit to Pedersborg Church and the nearby fortification site, located just a couple of kilometres to the north.

Experiences in the area

Sorø is one of Central Zealand's most charming towns, and the surroundings offer a wealth of experiences for those with an appreciation of nature and history. Sorø Academy and the Abbey Church are within walking distance of Bulbro Forest, and the lake landscape around Sorø Lake, Tuelsø and Pedersborg Lake invites extended walks with views over still water and ancient woodland. For even more experiences in the area, visit destinationsjaelland.dk and find inspiration for your next outing in West Zealand.