Danish Viking castles named UNESCO World Heritage Site

#NordicNews on destinations and Denmark

Historic Viking Age sites in Denmark receive international recognition

Five historic ring castles from the Danish Viking Age were recently added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. These castles were built between 958 and 987 during the reign of the Danish Viking king Harald Bluetooth and are characterised by their remarkable symmetry.

The castles are among the most important archaeological remains from the Viking Age in Denmark and, during their construction, symbolised the ambition to unite and protect the Danish kingdom from external enemies.

The five castles cover the whole of Denmark:

Aggersborg

Located near Løgstør in northern Jutland, Aggersborg is the largest of the ring castles from the Viking Age. It was built in the 980s and features an impressive circular rampart that is 9 metres wide and about 4 metres high. The castle has four gateways, each aligned with the cardinal points, and wooden roads connecting them. In the centre is a tower surrounded by 48 houses.

Fyrkat

Located near Hobro in North Jutland, Fyrkat also dates back to the 980s. Its ramparts still offer a breathtaking view today. Based on the cemetery, it is believed that Fyrkat was inhabited by people of all genders and ages. Outside the castle is a reconstruction of one of the largest houses, 28.5 metres long and built of oak.

Nonnebakken

Situated below the modern city of Odense on the island of Funen, Nonnebakken was built around the year 980. This historic site is one of the largest and most important in the region and got its name ("The Nun's Hill") from a nunnery that stood on the hill in the 12th century.

Borgring

Borgring has a strategic location. The castle is located off Køge Bay on Zealand and controlled all traffic in the region of Baltic Zealand. Borgring remains an archaeological mystery, and archaeologists visit the area every summer to uncover its secrets.

Trelleborg

Trelleborg Castle near Slagelse in West Zealand is located in the picturesque landscape of Tude Ådal. Visitors today can still clearly see the remains of this imposing castle and explore Viking life by visiting the reconstructed village of Slagløse.

More on the Viking Age Ring Fortresses in Denmark.

Header: © Daniel Villadsen