Stenstrup between nature trails and brickmaking history

Stenstrup combines a distinctive landscape with an unusually tangible brickmaking history. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in this town will find opportunities for nature experiences, historical discoveries and excursions by train. Particularly characteristic are Stenstrup Issø, the old clay pits and the traces of the brickworks that give the town its unique character.

Nature trails and a distinctive landscape

The Stenstrup–Rødme nature trail runs from Rødme to Stenstrup and provides a clear connection between the two places. A nature trail through the hilly landscape has also been established at Bakkelundgård, immediately east of Rødme Svinehaver. This makes it possible to include different landscape impressions in your travel plans: a route between Rødme and Stenstrup and a trail through undulating terrain near Bakkelundgård.

Southeast of Stenstrup are old clay pits with a distinctly extensive landscape character. Local pastureland and the high proportion of wooded areas define this region. Stenstrup Issø is considered Denmark’s second-largest glacial lake. It was formed when large quantities of meltwater accumulated in the lowlands around Stenstrup. Those interested in how the landscape was formed will find a particularly vivid introduction to the region’s natural history here.

The brickworks as a common thread running through the town

The brickworks area in and around Stenstrup comprised up to seven brickworks. The cultural environment associated with the brickworks emerged in the mid-19th century and can still be identified through several different traces today. “Det lange hus”, also known as “Brødløs”, is an example of workers’ housing in the Stenstrup brickworks area. The brickworks directors’ villas were built in the Historicist and National Romantic villa styles, creating an architectural contrast to the workers’ homes.

At Stenstrup Syd station, you can see the ruins of one of the original brickworks. At Stenstrup Maskinstation, there is also a chimney that probably remains from an earlier brickworks and is considered a distinctive landmark in the surrounding area. Stenstrup Issø is also part of the history of the craft: brickworks have used it from the Middle Ages to the present day because of its particular clay composition.

Church, bell and historic buildings

Stenstrup Church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Its nave is Romanesque and built of fieldstone and dressed stone. The church’s oldest bell dates from 1503. These details make the church an interesting destination for travellers who would like to discover older architectural heritage alongside the landscape and industrial history. Another historical point of reference is Løjtved: the place was first mentioned in 1372. The present two-storey main building dates from 1842 and was built on the remains of the walls of a medieval solidly masonry-built structure.

Planning Stenstrup as a base

From Stenstrup station, travellers can take the Svendborg railway towards Odense or Svendborg. This connection can be taken into account when planning a stay, along with the various nature and cultural themes found locally. Accommodation in Stenstrup is therefore particularly suitable for travel plans that combine landscapes, local history and excursions. Families can enjoy a varied selection of discoveries to make together, without every day of the holiday having to follow the same pattern.

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Ballen, Lundeborg, Vemmnæs, Vårø, Skårup Fyn, Lundby, Revsøre and Gudme.

For the overarching travel overview: Svendborg Municipality.