Refsvindinge: Village History, Church and Brewing Culture

Refsvindinge can be explored through a range of themes: its presumed early origins, medieval church architecture, a former railway station building and its brewing tradition. The surrounding landscape offers its own points of interest, from the hilly Ørbæk Ådal to walking and cycling routes. Which of these aspects interests you most can shape the focus of your trip.

History of the Village

Refsvindinge is believed to have been founded around the year 1000. The first written mention of the village dates to 1435, when a farm in Refsvindinge was transferred to the knight Sten Basse. Another specific historical date is 1773. The village bylaws of Refsvindinge from that year were the first printed village bylaws on Funen. These three dates represent different historical references: a presumed founding date, an early written mention and recorded village bylaws.

The Medieval Church

Refsvindinge Church was built in the Romanesque style between 1150 and 1200 and extensively altered in the late Middle Ages. The nave and the western part of the chancel belong to the original medieval church. The building therefore shows both its early origins and later alterations. The church also has a Romanesque granite baptismal font. Its base is decorated with corner heads and crosses—an individual detail of the church’s historic furnishings.

Traces of Railway and Milling History

The former railway station building in Refsvindinge still stands today as a reminder of the village’s time as a railway town. Nearby, Lillemølle is situated on the Ørbæk Å. From its construction in the early 17th century until 1899, the watermill was a tenant mill belonging to the Holckenhavn estate. A narrow, winding road from Refsvindinge towards Sulkendrup passes the thatched mill. Its surroundings include a millpond and partly wooded slopes. Just over ten hectares around Lillemølle were protected in 1964. This makes the site a place where milling history, a riverside setting and a protected landscape come together as distinct aspects.

Landscape and Routes

Refsvindinge is near the hilly Ørbæk Ådal and close to Æble Skov. There are good walking and cycling routes in the area. These are two specific points of interest for travellers who would like to include landscape and outdoor activities in their plans alongside the village’s history. It is worth keeping the details distinct: the valley is described as hilly, while the walking and cycling routes are mentioned more generally as being in the area.

Brewery and Recurring Events

Refsvindinge Brewery was founded by Hans Poul Rasmussen on 15 April 1885. Its extensive beer selection includes light and dark ales, pilsner, wheat beer, bock, Guldøl, porter, stout and Hvidtøl. The range thus extends from several varieties of ale to different beer styles such as pilsner, wheat beer and stout. The brewery often holds tours, welcoming businesses, associations or private groups to visit, taste beer and learn about the brewery’s history. If you would like to include a tour in your travel plans, it is best to check directly whether one is available on your travel dates.

The maypole is also part of Refsvindinge’s recurring annual events: it is erected and later taken down. Both occasions are accompanied by a communal meal. These are two separate events in the annual calendar; no specific dates are given here.

Discover more destinations: Nordenhuse, Nyborg, Frørup, Rynkeby, Ørbæk Sogn, Slude, Bovense, Ullerslev.

For the broader travel overview: Nyborg Municipality.