Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
HOBRO & FYRKAT
The pleasant but unremarkable town of Hobro (populaton 11,700) lies at the mouth of the
Mariager Fjord, well connected by train and road to the larger towns of Randers (27km
southeast) and Aalborg (49km north).
Hobro's biggest asset lies in a rural setting 3km southwest of the town centre and
center Fyrkat Dkr60/free; 10am-5pm Jun-Aug, to 4pm May, to 3pm Sep), a 10th-century ring
fortress. Although it's smaller than the better-known Trelleborg in Zealand, Fyrkat so
closely resembles Trelleborg that both fortresses are presumed to have been built by the
Viking king Harald Bluetooth around 980. Fyrkat was excavated by archaeologists in the
1950s, but its function remains a mystery - it may have been a regional power centre or
barracks.
Today, as you walk out onto the grass-covered 3m-high circular ramparts, you can ab-
sorb the fort's impressive symmetrical design and note the four cuts in its earthen walls,
formerly imposing gates that faced the four points of the compass.
Although no structures remain within the ramparts, just outside is a replica Viking long-
house built utilising a stave-style construction technique. At the entrance to Fyrkat there
are some period farm buildings, including a 200-year-old working water mill.
child incl entry to Fyrkat Dkr60/free; 10am-5pm Jun-Aug, to 4pm May, to 3pm Sep; ), a Viking-
style farmstead 1km north. Archaeologists believe such farms existed around the fortress
walls, supplying encamped Vikings with fresh produce. This complex took more than a
decade to erect, using only materials and tools authentic to the period; the 33m long-
house is particularly impressive. Costumed interpreters provide demonstrations of silver-
work, archery, breadmaking, music and other Viking crafts.
Travellers with kids in tow will love the fabulous
mythical playground
next door to the
complex. To find out more about ring fortresses, see the Trelleborg section
Click here
Rebild Bakker & Rold Skov
The heart-warming story of Rebild Bakker (the Rebild Hills) dates back to 1912, when a
group of Danish-Americans presented 200 hectares of (previously privately owned) forest
