Gokstad Mound, Viking burial mound in Sandefjord Municipality, Norway
The Gokstad Mound is a Viking-age burial monument near Sandefjord with a diameter of about 50 meters and height of about 5 meters. It consists of turf layers and blue clay soil covering a ship chamber that held a wealthy Viking warrior with numerous grave goods.
The mound was built during the early Viking period and later, around 890 CE, served as a burial site for a high-ranking Viking leader. The 1880 excavation uncovered the remarkably preserved ship and thousands of artifacts that fundamentally shaped our understanding of Viking life.
The mound reveals Viking burial customs through the grave goods placed alongside the deceased, showing what mattered most to these families. Animals and tools were included to accompany the person in the afterlife, reflecting beliefs about status and the journey beyond death.
The site is easily accessible from a parking area and can be reached on foot with a short walk to the mound itself. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and wear good shoes, as the area is natural terrain without paved paths.
A completely intact Viking ship was discovered beneath the mound, a find that remains exceptionally rare in archaeology. The vessel had been surrounded by earth for millennia, which enabled its extraordinary preservation.
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