Magleby: Rural Landscape and Church History

Magleby brings together the landscape around the diked-in Nor, historic traces and Magleby Church. When choosing a destination for your hotel stay, these themes can help guide you: the focus is on hills, how the area has been used, a megalithic monument and local church history. This makes it easy to explore Magleby according to the interests that shape your trip.

Landscape around Magleby Nor

Magleby Nor was historically rich in fish, particularly eel. The diked-in Nor drains into the sea through Klise Nor. It forms part of the landscape of South Langeland, where former sea inlets, fields and hills tell of the forces of nature and human use of the area. Eel fishing and drainage show different sides of the Nor: its former use and its connection to the sea via Klise Nor. In this way, the history of fishing and the landscape of South Langeland share a common setting.

Rolling landscape and megalithic monument

The Langhøj, mv., Magleby Nor monument (#1) is located on uncultivated land, in strongly rolling terrain typical of South Langeland, with numerous hat-shaped hills and the diked-in Magleby Nor. The monument is also considered a striking example of a South Danish megalithic form with connections to the Mecklenburg region. Here, the specific description of the terrain meets a broader megalithic classification. Magleby therefore offers both perspectives when choosing between landscape and cultural themes.

Magleby Church: architecture and gravestone

Magleby Church stands on a hill and offers a view of the diked-in Magleby Nor. It is a medieval church with a Romanesque nave and a Late Gothic chancel. This combination of styles gives you a more precise impression than the general description “medieval church” alone. Visitors can see a gravestone in the cemetery at Magleby Church, dated to around 1200. It depicts a cross and a small human figure. While the view from the hill brings the landscape into focus, the architectural style and gravestone draw attention to the church and its history.

Procession and the history of Broløkke

During the Skibefest procession in Magleby, there is a traditional stop at the Broløkke manor house. The restored church ship is displayed there before being hung back beneath the church ceiling. The church ship is therefore not only present inside the church, but also plays a role in the procession. If you would like to include the procession in your stay, check the current dates in advance. Broløkke in Magleby Parish is said to have originated in the Middle Ages as a royal castle at the castle site of Borgbjerg in Magleby Nor. The procession and the castle’s history thus lead to different aspects of local history.

Practical information

There is a public toilet at Magleby Church; check before your visit whether it is currently available for use.

Discover more destinations: Tranekær, Kragholm, Klavsebølle, Illebølle, Stoense, Hesselbjerg, Fuglsbølle, Snoede.

For the broader travel overview: Langeland.