Discover Refsvindinge: Brewery, Church and Ørbæk River Valley

Refsvindinge combines a vibrant local history with a landscape that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The Refsvindinge Bryggeri brewery, the old Refsvindinge Church and the nearby areas of Ørbæk River Valley, Æble Skov and Lillemølle are defining features. This gives you a range of starting points for planning your trip: You can explore regional history, put a brewery tour on your itinerary or spend time in the hilly countryside.

Local History and Special Buildings

Refsvindinge was first mentioned in writing in 1435. At that time, a farm in the village was transferred to the knight Sten Basse. It is also believed that the village began to develop around the year 1000. Another historical detail is the village law of 1773, which is considered the first printed village law on Funen. These dates provide clear reference points in the local history without reducing Refsvindinge to a single era.

Refsvindinge Church is particularly informative for those interested in culture. It was built in the Romanesque style between 1150 and 1200 and extensively altered in the late Middle Ages. The nave and the western part of the chancel date from the original medieval church. The church also contains a Romanesque granite baptismal font. Its base is decorated with corner heads and crosses. Anyone interested in church art and medieval architectural history will find several details here to explore during their stay.

Discover the Brewery’s History

Refsvindinge Bryggeri was founded by Hans Poul Rasmussen on 15 April 1885. Today, the brewery offers a wide selection of beers, including pale and dark ales, Pilsner, wheat beer, Bock, Guldøl, Porter, Stout and Hvidtøl. Refsvindinge Bryggeri frequently organises tours. Companies, associations and private individuals visit, taste beer and learn more about the brewery’s history. This also makes the brewery interesting for travellers who want to combine culinary discoveries with an insight into local traditions.

The Countryside Around Refsvindinge

Refsvindinge is located near the hilly Ørbæk River Valley. The area around Æble Skov has good trails for walking and cycling. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between a focus on cultural history and a more active time in the countryside, without viewing the village merely as a starting point for a single attraction.

Lillemølle is located nearby on the Ørbæk River. A narrow, winding road from Refsvindinge towards Sulkendrup passes the thatched watermill. The area includes a millpond and partly wooded slopes. Around Lillemølle, just over 10 hectares were placed under protection in 1964. The history of the mill is also notable: From its construction in the early 17th century until 1899, Lillemølle was a tenant mill under the Holckenhavn estate.

Traditions and Planning the Right Trip

The annual local calendar includes the raising of a Maypole, which is later taken down again. Both occasions are accompanied by a communal meal. This tradition adds a community aspect to the historic buildings and the brewery’s history. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Refsvindinge, you can therefore consider whether you want your stay to focus mainly on culture, beer history, hiking, cycling or a combination of these themes.

For comparing other destinations as part of your trip planning, you can also view Ullerslev, Slude, Frørup, Ørbæk Parish, Bovense, Nyborg, Nordenhuse and Langå.

For the overview of the wider area: Nyborg Municipality.