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.
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.
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.
