Helleristninger ved li. Strandbygård

Rock Carvings on Bornholm: A Window to the Past

Among the most amazing traces that Bronze Age people left on the island are the rock carvings.

These mysterious engravings in rocks and stones have fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike for centuries. Together with archaeological finds, the rock carvings give us an insight into the beliefs, outlook on life and magical ideas of the past.

The Power of the Rock: The Secret of the Bowl Marks

All over Bornholm, where Bronze Age people lived or farmed, rocks and stones with bowl marks are found. These small, round depressions have fascinated archaeologists and researchers for years, but their meaning is still shrouded in mystery. Most believe that the bowl marks had a ritual function, possibly linked to fertility or the cultivation of the land. Marking the ancient rock may have had a symbolic meaning that we can only guess about today.

Bowl marks are small round depressions, typically 4-5 cm wide and 1-10 mm deep. Hundreds of bowl marks can be found in one place. Sometimes they can form rows or patterns, but most often there are only a few randomly scattered bowl marks.

The rock carving field at Ll. Strandbygård

At Ll. Strandbygård you will find the largest rock carving field on South Bornholm, which was found in 1878. They are found here on a small rock that is flush with the surrounding field surface. 11 large, clear wheel crosses are carved into the rock surface.

Wheel crosses: a symbol that is often interpreted as a sun figure. In the Bronze Age, the sun played a central role, and the wheel crosses are believed to be linked to the sun's movement across the sky and the cycle of life.

The largest of the wheel crosses has a double ring and two horn-like outgrowths. Around the wheel crosses you can see fifty bowl marks. The bowl marks are found in large numbers all over Bornholm and in some places they form patterns, as here, where four are connected in a cross-like shape.

The area around Ll. Strandbygård was probably an important gathering place in the Bronze Age. Archaeological findings indicate that there were previously both burial mounds and settlements in the area, which underlines the importance of the site.

Be considerate

When visiting the rock carvings, it is important to be considerate. Avoid walking directly on the rock face and do not draw on the stones, so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Parking and directions

Turn from Søndre Landevej towards Lille Strandbygård. Parking outside the farm, signs show the way from here to the rock carvings