Jelling Mounds, Viking burial mounds in Jelling, Denmark
Jelling Mounds are two earthen mounds approximately 70 meters in diameter and 10 meters tall with ancient runestones positioned around them. Their size makes them visible from a distance, and the layout includes both older and newer monuments across the grounds.
A 10th century ruler had these mounds built, with the northern one containing a wooden chamber for his father. The site shows changes across several periods and documents different burial practices over time.
The site shows a turning point between pagan beliefs and Christian faith through its monuments and their arrangement. Visitors can sense this shift in how the structures relate to one another across the grounds.
You can climb both mounds and get a clear view of the entire site and runestones from the top. The ground can be soft after rain, so wear shoes with good grip.
One of the stones here contains one of the earliest recorded mentions of the country's name in written form. This text is among the most important documents about the region's early history.
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