MegaArt Gislinge Boat – Gislinge

A Viking ship on a silo in Gislinge

In the middle of the flat agricultural landscape near Gislinge, a 35-metre-tall DLG silo rises as an unexpected canvas for one of West Zealand's most ambitious art projects. Here, artist Jens Stentoft has created a monumental wall mural stretching across two sides of the industrial colossus, telling the story of the Gislinge Boat – an archaeological find from around 1130 AD that marks the transition from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages.

The history behind the motif

The Gislinge Boat was discovered in 1993 on the now reclaimed and drained Lammefjord, close to the village of Gislinge in Holbæk Municipality. The clinker-built vessel, held together by iron rivets and sealed with sheep's wool and tar, once sailed the fjords and shallow waters along the West Zealand coast. With room for both sail and oars, it was used for fishing and transporting people, animals and goods. The original boat is now on display at Holbæk Museum, where visitors can get up close to the nearly 900-year-old vessel.

The artist and the work

Jens Stentoft works at the intersection of realism and magical realism, with a style characterised by broad, expressive brushstrokes and a precise use of light and colour. During the sketching process, he consulted with historical experts to ensure both scholarly accuracy and artistic authenticity. The motif depicts an everyday scene from the era when the Gislinge Boat sailed on Lammefjord. The painting was executed in facade paint from Nordsjö using large rollers and wide brushes – techniques that give the work a raw, vivid character that plays off the silo's industrial surface.

The result is a landmark visible from a great distance – both from the road and from the train that passes through Gislinge. The colossal painting creates a striking contrast between the historical motif and the modern agricultural building, inviting passers-by to stop and take it all in.

Part of the MegaArt project

The Gislinge Boat mural is part of MegaArt, an EU-funded art project placing large-scale wall murals on silos across West Zealand. The project is driven by Destination Sjælland and aims to transform overlooked industrial buildings into artistic landmarks that attract visitors and tell local stories. The other work in the project is MegaArt Harald Bluetooth in Korsør, where artist Peter Skensved has painted a portrait of the legendary Viking king on a silo at Korsør Harbour.

Practical information

The silo is located at Østre Vej 6 in Gislinge, Holbæk Municipality. Please note that the silo is part of an active workplace. Park your car and walk along the buildings, staying on the grassed areas if lorries are present at the silo. In July and August, the area is particularly busy due to harvest. The mural can be seen around the clock and requires no ticket – it is freely accessible from the surrounding roads and paths.

Experiences nearby

Gislinge is centrally located in West Zealand with easy access to a range of exciting experiences. A short drive north takes you to Holbæk, where the Holbæk Museum offers history in charming half-timbered houses – and most importantly, the exhibition of the original Gislinge Boat. In Holbæk you will also find a cosy harbour with cafés and fjord views, and the Nyvang Experience Centre takes you back to mid-20th century Denmark.

To the west lies Tuse Næs with the Tusen Vin vineyard, where you can taste locally produced wines, and the historic Hørby Færgekro serving classic Danish dishes right on the fjord. The nature around Gislinge offers open landscapes, canals and quiet country lanes – perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride after visiting the silo. Visit destinationsjaelland.dk for even more experiences in the area.