The Queen's Stone at Reersø

A queen's shipwreck and a people's gratitude

At the end of Dronning Margrethesvej on Reersø, a large stone sits with a remarkable story to tell. The Dronningestenen — or Queen's Stone — is inseparably linked to Queen Margrethe I, and the tale of her dramatic arrival on this small peninsula in the Great Belt has been told for generations among the residents of Reersø.

The legend of Queen Margrethe I

According to local tradition, Queen Margrethe I was once sailing through the Great Belt when a violent storm struck the waters. The ship went down in the churning waves, and the queen clung to a plank that carried her ashore on Reersø's coast. Soaking wet and disguised as a poor woman, she was taken in by the local farmer Hans Hansen, who had no idea of his guest's true identity. He and his family showed her the warmest hospitality, and it was only when they reached Kalundborg that Hans Hansen realised whom he had sheltered.

In gratitude for the selfless help, the queen decreed that the people of Reersø would forever be exempt from paying tithes. She also granted them the plot of land where she had rested with Hans Hansen, ensuring the fishermen of Reersø would always have a resting place when they travelled to town. It is at this very stone that the queen is said to have sat down to rest after her extraordinary shipwreck.

A protected cultural monument in Kalundborg Municipality

In 1932, the Dronningestenen and an area of nine square metres around it were officially placed under protection. The stone still stands today as a tangible testament to medieval royal power and the local traditions that have kept the story alive for more than 600 years. The protection ensures that this unique piece of Danish cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come, and the stone is one of the most distinctive monuments in Kalundborg Municipality.

Reersø — the peninsula with soul

Reersø is a destination worth visiting in its own right. The small peninsula extends into the Great Belt west of Gørlev and is home to a tightly knit village with well-preserved half-timbered houses, an atmospheric harbour, and rich birdlife along the coast. The landscape is characterised by open fields, coastal meadows, and sweeping views across the belt — on clear days, you can see all the way to Funen and Sprogø.

Experiences nearby

From the Dronningestenen, it is a short distance to several of West Zealand's exciting attractions. The town of Kalundborg with its iconic five-towered Church of Our Lady lies a brief drive to the north. To the south, you will find Tissø, one of Denmark's largest lakes, with opportunities for walks along the shore. The entire area offers a blend of coastal landscape, cultural history and active nature that makes it an ideal excursion destination for both couples and families. Discover even more experiences in the region at destinationsjaelland.dk.