The 8 best Viking sites in Denmark

Denmarkoutdoorsheritage
Written By Ben

Denmark is home to many fascinating Viking Age sites that offer a glimpse into the lives, culture, and history of the Vikings. From military fortresses constructed as a sign of power over the populace, to religious monuments that mark turning points in the entire history of Europe, I’ve put together this short guide to some of the most interesting Viking-age sites in Denmark (in my opinion), each with its own unique significance and attractions:

1. Jelling Monuments

Often referred to as the "birthplace of Denmark," Jelling is home to the UNESCO-status Jelling Stones, which are considered Denmark's "birth certificate." These stones, erected by King Gorm the Old and his son King Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century, bear inscriptions that commemorate the unification of Denmark and the introduction of Christianity.

Pictured are the two massive runestones with inscriptions. The larger stone, erected by Harald Bluetooth is especially noteworthy for its Christian symbolism - representing the moment he declared that the nation of Denmark was Christianised.

Alongside the runestones you will see the Jelling Mounds, a couple of large burial mounds thought to be the resting place of King Gorm and his Queen Thyra. The church is also worth a visit, lying beside the mounds and stones, and built on the site of earlier wooden churches, associated with the transition from paganism to Christianity.

I would also thoroughly recommend the Kongernes Jelling Museum, which provides a vital context to the entire site, including the history of Bluetooth and the symbolism of the stones themselves.

The stones lie close to the city of Vejle on Jutland, you can find out more info on the site, museum and visiting times via the Jelling Monuments website.

2. Lindholm Høje

Staying on Jutland, I would recommend the site of Lindholm Høje, which is one of Scandinavia's largest and most well-preserved Viking burial sites, with hundreds of graves and stone ship settings from both the Viking Age and the earlier Iron Age. A huge drift of sand covered the site in the year 1000 AD, which is the reason we have such a fantastically well-preserved site to visit.

The photos struggle to do justice to the setting of this site, with panoramic views of Limfjord and surroudning countryside and features over 700 graves and 150 stone settings, with ship-shaped stone formations marking Viking burials.

Any true history fan should of course visit the museum, which showcases artifacts found at the site, including tools, weapons, and jewelry, and offers interactive displays about Viking life, burial customs, and Norse mythology.

Find out more about Lindholm Høje here.

3. Ribe Viking Center

Ribe is Denmark's oldest town, dating back to the early 8th century, and was a major trading center during the Viking Age, a vital part of trade routes across the Mediterranean and down in the Middle East and Africa.

Ribe Viking Centre provides a living history museum where visitors can experience Viking life firsthand. The center features reconstructed Viking settlements, workshops, and markets, with costumed reenactors demonstrating traditional crafts and daily activities.

Find out more on the Ribe Viking Centre.

4. Trelleborg

Trelleborg is one of Denmark's famous Viking ring fortresses, believed to have been built by King Harald Bluetooth around 980 AD as part of a defensive network to show his power.

The fortress, near Slagelse on Sjaelland, features a perfectly circular earthwork with gates and wooden structures that have been reconstructed based on archaeological findings.

Take a trip to the Trelleborg Museum of the Viking Age to get a glimpse into the life of the Viking warriors and their families who once inhabited the fortress. Exhibits include weapons, tools, and everyday items discovered during excavations.

As well as this, Trelleborg holds an annual Viking Festival each summer, which brings the fortress to life with reenactments, markets, and activities that showcase Viking culture.

Find out more about Trelleborg here.

5. National Museum of Denmark

This museum is a must-see for any fan of Viking, Danish or wider Scandinavian history in general. Situated a short walk from the Central Station in Copenhagen, the large National Museum boasts a treasure trove from Denmark’s history.

Beginning with Denmark’s prehistoric origins, visitors are led through an engaging timeline of the country’s past up to the present day.

It houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Viking artifacts in Denmark, offering a deep dive into Viking history and culture including world famous runestones, weapons, jewelry, tools, and the famous Trelleborg silver hoard.

The featured photo is from a school trip I took (30 children and 2 teachers for free!) around the museum, where costumed members of staff told us stories from Old Norse mythology through engaging narratives - thoroughly recommended for kids of all ages!

Find out more about opening times and the excellent range of temporary exhibitions via the National Museum website.

6. Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde

We’re staying on Sjaelland while visiting the stunning Viking Ship museum in Roskilde, which is dedicated to the maritime aspect of Viking culture, showcasing original Viking ships recovered from Roskilde Fjord (The city also gets a mention in my guide to the best music festivals in Denmark).

The city itself was the old capital of Denmark and a major port, hence the plethora of artefacts that have been recovered from the land and the depths of the fjord.

Beside the museum is a large, functioning shipyard which demonstrates traditional shipbuilding techniques, allowing visitors to observe the construction of Viking ship replicas. And once completed, if you are feeling brave you and your loved ones can set sail in reconstructed Viking ships, providing a hands-on experience of Viking seafaring skills.

Get more info on the museum, boatbuilding and daily sailing trips via the Viking Ship Museum website.

7. The Viking Festival at Moesgaard

The Moesgaard Museum near Aarhus hosts an annual Viking market, one of the largest in Europe, attracting enthusiasts and reenactors from across the world (it was certainly the first time I had seen Mexican vikings!).

As well as battle reenactments, the vast, multi-day festival features stalls with handmade crafts, traditional Viking food, and live demonstrations of blacksmithing and weaving.

While you are there, please visit the incredible permanent collection of Viking artifacts at Moesgaard Museum - which I covered in more detail in my guide to visiting Aarhus.

Find out more about the Moesgaard Viking Festival here.

8. Hedeby

Last but not least is Hedeby, one of the oldest and most important towns in Danish Viking history - at one time the largest trade market in northern Europe. In its heyday from 850 to 950, Hedeby was connected to both Europe and the Middle East, and merchants and craftsmen traveled for months to come to the city.

Although technically in Germany today, Hedeby was a crucial Viking trading settlement closely tied to Danish history and is often included in tours of Denmark's Viking sites.

Hedeby Archaeological Museum offers insights into the daily life of Hedeby's inhabitants, with exhibits of artifacts, tools, and reconstructed buildings.

The remains of the ancient settlement, including fortifications and the harbor, provide a sense of the scale and importance of Hedeby in the vast Viking trade network of which is was a key part.

Get more info on Hedeby Museum here.

 

A nation of Viking stories waiting to be discovered

These Viking Age sites in Denmark just offer a peek into the fascinating world of the Vikings, from their daily lives and burial customs to their impressive fortifications and seafaring prowess. There are of course many hundreds more scattered across the Denmark and beyond - I would love to hear any sites which you think should warrant being on my list - please let me know in the comments below.

Want to see more of Scandinavia?

Check out my guides to

The best Bakeries or Swimming Spots in Copenhagen

 

Visit the Lofotens

Breathtaking scenery, incredible culture and beautiful beaches

 
 
Ben
Next

One weekend in Trondheim, Norway