Bell Chamber of Budolfi Church

To most modern-day passersby, the clock tower of Budolfi Church in Aalborg, northern Denmark, might seem innocuous—just another church spire blending into the cityscape. But only a few centuries ago, it was the center of sinister legends and whispered fears.

At one time, the townsfolk believed the Devil occupied the belfry opening, with a lair large enough for a man to lie down in. Dreading this unwelcome resident, locals avoided the spot. When the tower’s fire watchmen needed to signal a fire, they used an extra-long pole to place a flag through the opening, never stepping into the Devil’s den.

Another chilling story, said to be from the early 1800s, involves a maid who was sent to ring the bells high above in mourning for the king's death. Overcome with fear while in the belfry, she stumbled, and seizing the opportunity, the Devil allegedly grabbed her, shattering both her arms for getting too close to the bells.

Later, four identical clock faces, each featuring roosters, were added to the tower's facade. These symbols of light and vigilance were thought to ward off evil. Yet, strange occurrences continued, leading locals to believe it couldn’t be the Devil’s doing. Instead, they chalked it up to the mischief of a church gnome, a nisse from Danish folklore.

In Scandinavian tradition, a nisse (or tomte in Swedish) is a tiny, bearded, human-like creature with a pointed hat, often seen as the protector of farms and households. When treated kindly—like receiving a bowl of porridge—it brings good luck. However, neglect or mockery can turn it vengeful, resulting in broken tools or even deceased livestock.

A different kind of eerie legend speaks of a spectral funeral procession, which, according to several old accounts, was seen late at night, gliding silently past the church tower. The procession would turn toward a particular yard, signaling that death would soon strike someone there.

Budolfi Church, named after the English monk Saint Botolph, was built in the 1400s in whitewashed Gothic brick. Its 92-foot (28-meter) tower, which now houses four bells, was added in 1779, crowned by a 115-foot (35-meter) Baroque cupola and spire.