Dodekalitten on Lolland is a work of art consisting of monumental stone sculptures, beautifully situated near Kragenæs in "De Lollandske Alper". The stone sculptures face the centre in a circle measuring roughly 40 metres in diameter, accompanied by electroacoustic music during daylight hours. It is an absolute must-visit when you find yourself near Zealand.
Often called "Denmark's Stonehenge", the sculptures are scheduled for completion in 2025. By that time, there will be a total of 12 stone pillars (the word dodekalith means twelve-stone in Greek). Currently, however, only 5 of them have been completed.
Take a look here to see what it looked like when two of the finished stone figures were unveiled in September 2018.
The story behind Dodekalitten
The story behind Dodekalitten centres on the migrants who arrived on Lolland 7,500 years ago. They migrated when the waters of the Mediterranean broke through the Bosporus Strait into the lower-lying Black Sea. This caused catastrophic flooding of some of the era's most advanced agrarian cultures, forming a key element in the myth of the Great Deluge.
Dodekalitten's figures are intended to represent these wandering migrants, and the artwork partly seeks to depict the culture they brought along with them.
The artists behind the monument
Two artists are behind the Dodekalitten monument. One, Thomas Kadziola, is responsible for the stone sculptures, while the other, Wayne Sigel, created the ambient music to complement the experience.
The stone sculptures
Sculptor Thomas Kadziola was born in Copenhagen (1962) and debuted as a sculptor in 1989. Kadziola is renowned for his expressive heads, and his works can be found in countries such as Egypt, Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, and China.
Dodekalitten is carved from granite, which is Thomas Kadziola's preferred material.
The music
Composer and professor at Det jyske Musikkonservatorium Wayne Sigel was born in California (1953). In 2012, he received the Danish Arts Foundation's lifelong grant, and in 2014 he became the composer-in-residence for Det Kgl. Bibliotek.
The music at Dodekalitten is run by a computer program, where the soundscape's progression is influenced by various natural phenomena.
Concert with The Minds of 99
The Minds of 99 also played a widely acclaimed concert at Kragenæs on 24 August 2019. The band has shared a short video from the event:
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ about Dodekalitten
What does "Dodekalitten" mean?
The word "dodekalith" comes from Greek and means "twelve-stone".
How tall are the statues?
7–9 metres.
How much do the statues weigh?
25–45 tonnes.
Where can you park?
Drive to the car park at Kragenæs Havn. From there, walk to Glentehøjstien at Kragenæsvej 62 and follow the path through the forest (approx. 15 minutes).
Is there wheelchair-accessible parking?
Yes, there is accessible parking on Glentehøjstien.
When will Dodekalitten be finished?
It is scheduled for completion in 2025.
What are the opening hours?
Dodekalitten is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round.
