New shelter approved at Feldingbjerg Churchyard in Denmark to attract visitors

Feldingbjerg Church is beautifully situated with a stunning view over the hills and valleys between Skive and Viborg. In one corner of the churchyard, a group of very old gravestones serves as a reminder that it has been quite some time since burials occurred there. In 1971, all church services were transferred to the nearby town of Stoholm, where a new church was established.

This context led the Stoholm Parish Council to approve a shelter at the churchyard, situated close to a hiking route known as Kalk Kaminoen. Overnighters at the new shelter will enjoy a lovely view of the nearby church, which hasn’t held regular services since 1971.

Anna-Christine Elming, the parish priest for Stoholm, Kobberup, and Feldingbjerg churches, mentioned that very few people visit the churchyard, hoping that such initiatives will draw more visitors to experience the area’s charm.

Architect Maj Bjerre Dalsgaard from the Church Development and Knowledge Center supports the idea of using churches in alternative ways. She believes that many people would find the prospect of staying overnight in a churchyard shelter exciting. Dalsgaard, who has researched future uses for church buildings, emphasizes that creativity knows no bounds regarding repurposing these spaces.

Since 2021, she has worked on categorizing churches with five dioceses to identify new usage possibilities, suggesting ideas such as community centers, cultural spaces, or libraries for underutilized church buildings.

However, issues regarding maintaining the sanctity of the graveyard must be considered. Local resident Kim Dalgaard Olesen understands the council’s decision, as long as it is managed responsibly, acknowledging that such changes can generate debate within the community. The new shelter at Feldingbjerg Churchyard will include basic amenities like a dry toilet and a water tap.