Bjorketorp Runestone

The stone stands 4.2 metres high, one of the tallest runestones in the world, with two tall uninscribed stones beside it on a low rise, and the inscription, in the older runic alphabet and usually dated to the sixth or seventh century, is one of the few that curses rather than commemorates: it threatens ruin and a death by malice on whoever breaks the monument. There is no name and no memorial formula. The Stentoften stone in Blekinge carries a related message, and Stentoften, Istaby and Gummarp share the same transitional runes, which suggests one tradition behind them. Local stories about people who tried to move it and came to harm attach to the place, which is exactly what the text set out to achieve.

What you'll find

• A stone over four metres high - in a setting of three.
• A curse rather than a memorial - threatening whoever breaks it.
• The older runic alphabet - sixth or seventh century.
• Related stones elsewhere in Blekinge - Stentoften, Istaby and Gummarp.

When to go

April to October. Half an hour.

Before you go

There is one stone and a small clearing - the visit is very short. Interpretation on site is minimal. The runes are worn and hard to make out. Parking is limited.

Nearby

Ronneby is west; the Blekinge coast is south.

Key facts