Fandens Fingre (The Devil's Fingers)

Myths and legends swirl around this curious stone. Johan SWE (Atlas Obscura User)

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.

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.