Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH & VIKING
The discovery of Viking artefacts may not be unique to Zealand, but none in Denmark
match the richness of those uncovered at the site of a 6th-century Viking manor house
on lake Tissø's western shore, between Slagelse and Kalundborg.
The manor-house complex, four times the size of any other so far discovered, is
thought to have been a royal estate, holiday home, hunting lodge, banquet house or cult
centre (20 Thors' hammers have been found there), or possibly some combination of the
above. The absence of any graves at the site leads archaeologists to believe that it wasn't
a permanent dwelling-place.
Some experts think the site may have been the ancient seat of Viking kings. Artefacts
from England, Ireland, Germany and Norway indicate that the manor house's visitors
were heavily involved in military adventures and plundering - and therefore the elite of
Viking society.
Over 12,000 items have been found since digs began in earnest in 1995, with the extent
and high calibre of the finds causing real excitement. An abundance of Arabian and Nord-
ic coins, beautifully cast silver brooches, animal-entwined bronze pendants, a golden
hinge, a tuning-peg for a harp, and top-quality sword handles and stirrups, all dating from
500 to 1050 AD, are just some of the aristocratic treasures found. One of the best places
to eye-up some of the booty is at Copenhagen's
national museum
,
home to the most
famous find (so far), a massive solid-gold necklace weighing 1.8kg.
Trelleborg
The best preserved of the four Viking ring fortresses in Denmark, Trelleborg is 7km west
of Slagelse and 22km west of Sorø. Admittedly, Slagelse is rather uninspiring, so consider
making Sorø your base if staying overnight. If you choose to stay in Slagelse, contact the
10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat mid-Jun-Aug, shorter hrs rest of yr)
for accommodation options.
Sights
Trelleborg
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
