Podcast: Sounds of Shipwrecks
In the 1600s, Funen and Langeland flourished in the production of tiles and bricks, as the islands were rich in clay and forests. The giant lorries of the time were cargo ships, which set sail from the coast heavily laden. The combination of low water and heavy storms could be fatal.
Ancient relics beneath the sea
The seabed between Hou on the northern tip of Langeland and Lundeborg on the coast of Funen holds many stories of shipwrecks and Stone Age settlements. What makes this unique is that underwater, all organic material, whether stone, wood, bone or remains, is often well preserved for a long time.
Freight across the sea
Marine archaeologist Sigurd Bohr from Langeland Museum talks about the 17th century, after the Reformation, when brick and tile production flourished on Funen and Langeland and freight was transported on barges and cargo ships. And where things sometimes went wrong. As was the case at Lundeborg in the mid-1600s. The ship was loaded with 12,000 bricks when it sank in heavy weather. Only 300 metres from the coast, in 3 metres of water.
The wreck south of Spodsbjerg
National brick production declined towards the 1700s, when Lübeck and Schleswig had access to cheaper raw materials. This development can be seen in a brick-laden wreck off Spodsbjerg. The ship sank at the end of the 18th century – approximately 150 years after the shipwreck at Lundeborg – and was loaded with, among other things, imported yellow Flensburg bricks.
Mini maritime museum
At Lohals Harbour, you can visit a mini maritime museum in the open air. Here you will find several interesting stories about local shipping and fishing.