Viking Sites & Museums in Denmark
The modern nation of Denmark was home to seafaring Danes, who played a pivotal role during the Viking Age from the 8th to 11th centuries AD. During this period, the Kingdom of Denmark consolidated power over the Jutland peninsula along with islands like Zealand, Funen and Bornholm. From their strategic location along the Baltic Sea, the Danes engaged extensively in trade, raiding and exploration, traveling as far west as England and France. Denmark has many fascinating glimpses into its Viking heritage through museums, such as the National Museum of Denmark, and historic sites, including the Jelling Runic Stones, where Harald Bluetooth proclaimed Denmark a Christian kingdom.
Viking Sites in Denmark
Jelling Viking Monuments
The group of Viking monuments in the town of Jelling make up one of the most important historic sites in Denmark. Created in the mid 10th century AD, the monuments are some of the most striking examples of Pagan Nordic culture. They include two flat topped mounds at 11 m high, the church, two runic stones, all enclosed by a palisade almost 1.5 km long. The two stones were erected by King Gorm and his son Harald Bluetooth. The smaller of the two, by Gorm, is the first recorded mention of ‘Denmark’, while the second, by Harald, records the Christianisation of Denmark. The mounds are the largest known Viking mounds, one of which is thought to have been King Gorm’s burial mound.
Lindholm Høje
In the 12th century, drifting sands covered the hillside, thereby protecting one of Denmark’s remarkable Iron Age sites. Excavated in the 1950s, archaeologists uncovered a burial site that has close on 700 graves. A few are ordinary interment graves, the majority are cremation graves. The stones we see today are arranged in a ship-shape, as well as oval and triangular arrangements. These burials range from 400 AD to just before 1000 AD. Also found were the remains of two villages, or the same village at two different times, related to the final phase of burial and afterwards. A newly ploughed field was also excavated, providing evidence for a new plough during the Viking period.
Trelleborg Fortress
A Viking Age ring fort in Trelleborg built in the 10th Century, this is a marvel of the Norse world. Attributed to the reign of Harald Bluetooth, this is the best preserved example of Viking engineering and technical expertise. The earthworks are shaped in a perfect circle and divided into quarters where longhouses were built. Today visitors can see the remains of the fort alongside a replica longhouse. The museum houses many of the objects excavated from the site. One of these artefacts is the only preserved shield ever found in Denmark.
Viking Museums in Denmark
Kongernes Jelling - Home of the Vikings
In the heart of Jelling, near the two Viking mounds is the visitor centre for the UNESCO listed historic site. Using state-of-the-art digital techniques, visitors enjoy a sensory experience of all aspects of Viking life. From the various features in Viking Jelling to all aspects of life in the Viking Age. From Pagan Denmark to the transition to Christianity. The experiences are of interest to children and adults alike. From the roof-top terrace, almost as high as the two mounds, visitors can get a view of the entire monument complex.
Ribe Viking Centre
Reconstructions based on archaeological research in the area tell the story of nearby Ribe and its Viking origins, and its trade connections to other parts of Europe. Spread over an area covering 12 ha, the heritage centre includes an early 8th century AD harbour and market place, a wooden church from the mid 9th century and a late 10th century farm estate and ring fortress. Reenactors are on hand to tell you more as well as demonstrating crafts and skills, from glass bead making to falconry.
Ribe Viking Museum
Ribe’s first marketplace was established around 700 AD, making this Scandinavia’s oldest trading town. With artefacts recovered in the city during excavations in 2017 and 2018, the museum’s exhibitions explore Ribe’s Viking and Medieval history, from 700 AD to 1700. A fragment of what is thought to be a lyre, is Denmark’s oldest stringed musical instrument. Two special rooms have been set up specifically for children. One gives younger visitors an immersive experience of Norse gods and mythology, the other a Medieval activity room.
Viking Museum at Lindholm Høje
Adjacent to the Viking burial site of Lindholm Høje is a recently constructed museum. The permanent exhibitions are on two levels. The upper level relates specifically to the Viking archaeological site. Artefacts recovered during the excavations are displayed in well constructed dioramas that give a very good idea of the village and the burial site during the Viking Age. The spectacular displays on the lower level take a broader view, exploring the history of the area more widely, with artefacts from many different sites in this part of Denmark.
