Fjenneslev: Church, Rune Stone and Landscape

Fjenneslev offers several different points of interest for a stay: the architectural history of Fjenneslev Church, a rune stone from the late Viking Age, the now-invisible ruins of Fjenneslev and the landscape around Fjenneslev and Sasserbro. There is also a marked health trail and a shelter with a view of Fjenneslev Church. If you plan your trip around a particular interest, you can choose between architecture, inscriptions, landscape and outdoor activities.

Church, Towers and Frescoes

The twin towers of Fjenneslev Church were built before 1200. The frescoes date from around 1150 and are among the oldest in Denmark. These two details refer to different points in time: “around 1150” gives an approximate date for the frescoes, while “before 1200” sets a time limit for the construction of the towers. This gives you two separate dates for the decoration and architectural history, rather than a single year for the entire church building.

Rune Stone in the Cemetery

A rune stone from the late Viking Age stands in the cemetery of Fjenneslev Church, to the left of the church porch. Its inscription reads: “Sasser rejste stenen og gjorde [dvs. byggede] broen.” The parenthetical note explains the Danish word “gjorde” as “byggede,” meaning “built.” The sentence means that Sasser raised the stone and built the bridge. The bridge is therefore mentioned in the inscription; the stone is located in the church cemetery.

The Ruins That Are No Longer Visible

The ruins of Fjenneslev are no longer visible today. They are the cellar of a stone house that probably belonged to Asser Rig’s manor near Fjenneslev. The connection to the manor remains a probable interpretation. The National Museum examined the ruins in 1891. This date refers to the examination, not the construction of the house.

Landscape Around Fjenneslev

The landscape around Fjenneslev and Sasserbro is characterized by rolling moraine terrain, fertile farmland and scattered deciduous trees. These features describe different aspects of the area: its landforms, agricultural use and scattered groups of trees. Alongside the individual historic sites, the character of the surrounding landscape is a focus in its own right.

Trails and Outdoor Orientation

The marked Fjenneslev Sundhedsspor health trail starts at the green space on Dagmarsvej; fitness equipment is located along the route. Check the route before you travel, as the route information may change. Another point of orientation is the Fjenneslev shelter: it is at the edge of a small forest and offers a view of Fjenneslev Church. This gives you a choice of two different outdoor activities: a trail with fitness equipment and a place with a view of the church.

Church Opening Hours

Fjenneslev Church is listed as open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, from April 1 to October 31. The church may be closed during services and other church ceremonies. Check the opening hours before your visit if you plan to visit the church.

Discover more destinations: Alsted, Sorø, Ruds Vedby, Nyrup, Munke Bjergby.

Back to the main travel overview: Sorø Municipality.