![]() The smearing ritual supposedly cured various diseases caused by vindictive elves. The greasing was performed at sunset in counterclockwise motion, preferably three times. Rites were practiced by females, most probably wise women. Seeds, grains and coins were left as offerings in the pits. Utrikestenen near Lofta, SmålandĮmpty cup marks had been smeared with grease, after which sacrifices were made. It doesn’t come as surprise that such stones have been a subject to many rituals and magical performances. Written records confirm that they were important in popular belief from the 17th to the 20th century. In Swedish lore cup marks were also referred to as älvkvarnar – elven mills, because people believed that elves use the pits at night to grind flour. Given that ‘king of the birds’ weighs only 6 grams and has to eat constantly to keep warm – I don’t think she minded me at all!Īnother goldcrest spotted later in a thicket. Spotted at last, she was busy looking for hibernating insects. She was hopping from one branch to another at a speed of light and I could only hear her chirping at first. I’ve met a female goldcrest in a juniper shrub. Here it can be easily confused with an old rusty leaf, but before it landed on a branch I saw it glide over the frozen shore. My first kingfisher encounter since childhood. If I’m not mistaken these belong to a rabbit. This year’s excitement about snow tracks is off limits. Therefore these are not Bronze Age cairns, but piled stones that were cleared away for farming. Unfortunately Lövö lacks any prehistoric remains due to a 10 meter higher sea level in the past. This Sunday we took a stroll around Lövö Nature reserve which provided us with a much needed dose of vitamin D and plenty bird watching opportunities. ![]() Sub zero temperatures, powdery snow and sun filled days put me in a great mood since usual winter weather conditions in Malmö are quite gloomy. Originally raised as graves, they were used in various rituals later on (often as offering stones), or being surrounded by superstitions were thought to be dwellings of supernatural beings. The small raised block resembling a mini-dolmen or a nesting hen is actually a man made stone formation found on some Bronze and Iron Age burial sites in Sweden. The largest cairn is 21 meters in diameter and 3 meters high. Though currently hidden under a layer of snow, most of the graves are still discernible: 5 cairns, 13 round and 5 rectangular stone settings, 2 ship-shaped stone settings – one of them being 40 meters long is the largest in Sweden, as well as a small raised block (so called höna på ägg) which is my favourite. Back in the ancient times it was probably an important ritual and spiritual center, perhaps a final resting place for the elite involved in the copper trade.įirst time I explored the area in September ’17 on a misty day when the heather was in full bloom. This burial ground is dated to the Bronze Age, containing 26 ancient remains, and is one of the biggest of this kind to be found in Sweden. The city’s sonic epicenter is the largest concert hall in Scandinavia and plays host to an annual 1,200 events.Snäckedals is a notable grave field located north of Snäckedal farm in Misterhults parish near Oskarshamn. For festive classics like The Nutcracker, and much more besides, visit Musikhuset (The Music House). Experience an eclectic mix of genres in candlelit cafes to cavernous concert halls. Walk through period homes and learn how Danes celebrated Christmas in times gone by.Īarhus has a thriving music scene with international and local artists performing nightly. And at Christmas, the experience is made all the more magical. The attraction has entertainment for the whole family, with restaurants, playgrounds, and 40 rides, including four roller coasters and Denmark’s highest free fall tower, the 213 foot Hjertekig.ĭen Gamle By (The Old Town) is a historic-themed open-air attraction and museum, taking you on a journey through Denmark of old – from the early 1600s to the 1970s. Visit Aarhus’ amusement park, Tivoli Friheden, for its famous Christmas market and enchanting light display. ![]() Then shop for gifts in department stores, high-street brands, and bespoke boutiques. Watch Santa switch on the street’s iconic lights. Wave Santa along his route from the harbor to the city center’s half mile pedestrian-zoned high street, Strøget. And its annual parade is when Christmas really comes to town. ![]() Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city and the 2017 European Capital of Culture.
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