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All Denmark Roskilde Fandens Fingre (The Devil's Fingers)
AO Edited

Fandens Fingre (The Devil's Fingers)

Local legend has it that the Devil's claw marks are etched into this distinctive rock.

Roskilde, Denmark

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Johan SWE
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Myths and legends swirl around this curious stone.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
Myths and legends swirl around this curious stone.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
The stone is in Palæhaven, below the Hroar & Helge wall statue.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
The stone bears strange, claw-like markings.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
For years, the source of these markings was a mystery.   Johan SWE / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The legendary rock known as Fandens fingre (The Devil’s Fingers) in Roskilde is marked by deep, naturally formed grooves from the Ice Age that extend over and down its other side. Measuring 3.3 × 2.6 × 3.3 feet (1 × 0.8 × 1 meter), this reddish, uneven gneiss with numerous indentations was discovered in the early 1900s, when a local road was widened, revealing it embedded in a stone wall.

Two legends surround this rock. According to one version of the story, the Devil himself visited Roskilde when it happened to be Store Bededag, a Christian holiday for prayer and reflection. The timing was unfortunate, as the incessant church bells drove him to flee in haste. In his rush, he fell and grabbed onto a large rock to steady himself, leaving behind his claw marks.

In another legend, the Devil argued with his grandmother over who ruled Hell. During their dispute, she spoke over him, causing him to grow frustrated. He hurled her toward Earth with such force that she flew uncontrollably until she finally managed to grasp a large rock in Roskilde. Her claws left deep streaks on the stone’s surface before she regained her composure.

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Devils Legends Glaciers Rock Formations Rocks

Know Before You Go

The rock is located in the public garden Palæhaven, directly beneath the Hroar & Helge statue mounted on the wall, in the heart of Roskilde. Ample parking is available in the nearby square of Stændertorvet. If arriving by train, the stone is just a stone’s throw away—about a 10-minute walk from the station.

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Added By

Johan SWE

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September 24, 2024

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Sources
  • https://roskildesudvikling2.dk/st%C3%A6ndertorvet/fandens%20fingre.html
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1KkRaiV2Nk
  • The book "Danske sten fra sagn og tro" by Mads Lidegaard
Fandens Fingre (The Devil's Fingers)
Palæstræde
Roskilde, 4000
Denmark
55.641726, 12.081289
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Grave of the Hel-Horse

Roskilde, Denmark

miles away

Roskilde Viking Ship Museum

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miles away

Land of Legends

Lejre, Denmark

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Roskilde

Roskilde

Denmark

Places 3

Nearby Places

Grave of the Hel-Horse

Roskilde, Denmark

miles away

Roskilde Viking Ship Museum

Roskilde, Denmark

miles away

Land of Legends

Lejre, Denmark

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Roskilde

Roskilde

Denmark

Places 3

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