Nørreby is first mentioned in the year 1383. The town entered an agricultural cooperation with Klinte. Located at the coast, Nørreby has been involved in fishing and possibly also sea travel.
In the early 1500s, citizens of Bogense complained about Nørreby’s illegal port (possibly by Nørreby Hals).
At first, Klinte may seem like an extension of Nørreby, but the name Nørreby suggests that Klinte may have been the primary settlement.
Klinte Dammed beach and the Nr. Nærå Fjord
In the Stone Age, Nærå Beach was part of a shallow fjord area that covered major sections of Nordfyn. From Nr. Nærå, you could sail in past Krogsbølle to Odense Fjord. Major damming efforts during the 1800s reduced the area considerably.
Various Stone, Iron and Bronze Age findings have been made along the old coastline and on the former islands, which are now dammed in. The sheer volume of findings speaks to how the coast and fjord area must have been an attractive place to be all the way back in the Stone Age. Park at Nr. Nærå Church or Klinte Church and take a walk out along the gravel roads over the bed of the old Fjord. Out here, you can also find a plaque commemorating the damming.
Wildlife Reserve
From an international perspective, Denmark is actually a key migration hub for millions of waders. A network of nature and wildlife reserves has been established to protect them from hunters and disruption during their stay in Denmark. Here the birds are left in peace to rest and look for food.
The Nærå-Agernæs Wildlife Reserve was established in 1998. The reserve encompasses an area of about 2000 hectares. Nørreby Hals was incorporated with the aim of it making it a node in this wildlife reserve. Nørreby Hals has at the same time become an important area for salt marsh vegetation. Here you can see life such as beach wormwood, beach plantain and sea milkwort. In other words, the calm and wide-open space isn’t just good for us humans.
North and east of Nørreby and Klinte is Agernæs Flak (Kattegat) and the Nærå Strand cove.
These two areas comprise part of Fyn’s largest wetlands as well as some of its most important nature areas. Over 170 different bird species have been registered in the area, and during the migration period, the mudflats teem with diverse life – making this an excellent place to bring your binoculars.
The Holy Well
Near the church is the Well of St. Olaf. We know from accounts that it was designated a holy well as early as the Middle Ages.
Today – with the area dammed in and the world looking different – it is mainly a sight to see, and the goal for an excursion.
In folk belief, holy wells were believed to have healing properties when someone drank their water or bathed in it. Some wells were considered to be more powerful than others. There were also set times when this power was believed to be at its strongest, typically St. John’s Eve, or on the name day of the local saint.
The belief in holy wells dates back to pagan times, and in the Nordic countries, well worship is known to have existed since the Bronze Age.
Under Christianity, the wells were consecrated, usually devoted to specific saints, and holy wells could be found in almost all Danish parishes.
Places to see in the local area: Æbelø, Nr. Nærå Church rune stone (can be seen when the church is open), Grindløse Ås, Nørreby Hals, Klinte dammed beach
Did you know…
that Northern Fyn has had at least 4 holy wells, drawing flocks of pilgrims with all sorts of ailments.