Berntsen, Birkedal, Kold, and Red Cows

Bike ride with Esben Hedegaard to the cradle of democracy on Funen

Central Funen’s Contribution to Democracy in the 1800s

In the mid-1800s, Grundtvig’s ideas about the people’s control over politics, education, and faith were particularly influential in Central Funen. A handful of pioneers and a few red dairy cows were key elements in the spread of Danish identity and democracy—to such an extent that some define Danish identity as the ability to tolerate cow’s milk!

Visit some of Denmark's first independent schools

Discover Denmark’s first community hall and first independent church

See where the red dairy cow comes from and hear the story of how it became
a national symbol and an important export

Explore the landscape of Central Funen and, with Esben Hedegaard’s help, learn to interpret it
through a Grundtvigian lens

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Ryslinge Folk High School
The Church of Nazareth in Ryslinge

Independent schools, community centers, and community

Sødinge and Ryslinge are home to some of Denmark’s first independent schools, and Ryslinge was the birthplace of both the first independent congregation and Denmark’s oldest community hall. Here, a movement emerged in which ordinary people took matters of education, faith, and politics into their own hands.

Christen Kold and Klaus Berntsen

The independent school founder Christen Kold became a pioneer in Danish education through his belief in the power of storytelling and in children’s innate imagination and reason. In Ryslinge, he built the small house in 1851 where Ryslinge Folk High School began. Klaus Berntsen, who later became prime minister and one of the strongest advocates for independent schools and popular government, also grew up nearby.

Vilhelm Birkedal

The pastor and member of the Danish Parliament Vilhelm Birkedal also served in Ryslinge. He was dismissed in 1865 for criticizing the king and the Council of the Realm, and subsequently established Denmark’s first independent congregation, whose members built Nazareth Church just a few hundred meters from the community hall.
Klaus Berntsen
Christen Kold
Vilhelm Birkedal
The Farmers' Assembly of 1900

The Grundtvigian dairy cow

The Grundtvigians of Midtfyn left their mark not only on schools and society, but also on agriculture. It was here that the red dairy cow originated, becoming an important source of both pride and export revenue for more than 100 years.

Community, Progress, and Danishness

The “Ryslinge herd” and the breeding farm “Højager Nakke” became household names, and the red cow came to symbolize the connection between community, progress, and Danish identity. The story offers a vivid insight into how ideas and everyday life were closely intertwined during that period.

Esben Hedegaard gives a tour

The tour is led by Esben Hedegaard, who will guide you through a varied and scenic landscape to some of the most important Grundtvigian sites in Central Funen.

That's what our guests say

Thank you for a wonderfully exciting and educational tour of Svendborg, where we were guided through the story of “Red Svendborg.” The story and anecdotes about this important period in the city’s history were shared in a fun and inspiring way, and we all took home some new and valuable insights.
On behalf of the City Council Group

John Henriksen

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Michael Laudrup

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Poul Nyrup

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

B.S. Christiansen

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Karen Blixen

I’ve lived in Svendborg for more than 30 years, and even though I thought I knew the town, this tour has taught me that places in town I’ve visited many times hold surprisingly fascinating stories. It was my first—but certainly not my last—time joining one of your city walks.

Anton Berg

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Practical information

Meeting point: The tour starts at Ryslinge Høj- og Efterskole, Højskolen 1, Ryslinge
Please bring your own bike
  • Guided bike tour at a moderate pace, 16 km.
  • Duration: 3 hours - from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Dressing for the weather
Tourguidefyn.dk

5700 Svendborg
CVR-44898640
Links
Contact Persons
Allan Mariager
Tel. 6120 8110
allan@tourguidefyn.dk

Karen Elberg
Tel. 6160 1103
karen@tourguidefyn.dk