Bulverket, Medieval fortification in Tingstäde, Sweden
Bulverket is a medieval wooden fortress located in Lake Tingstäde with a diameter of about 250 meters (820 feet). It features a central platform surrounded by double palisade walls that rise from the water.
The fortress was built in the 1130s during the late Viking Age as a defensive structure protecting the Gotland region. It shows how the island developed militarily during a time of regional tensions.
The name Bulverket comes from ancient Swedish words describing the wooden building methods used in medieval fortifications. It reflects how early Gotland residents engineered their defensive structures and the materials they had available.
When Lake Tingstäde freezes in winter, visitors can reach the archaeological remains by walking on the natural ice. Access to the site is restricted at other times of the year and requires special arrangements or local guides.
Three ancient boats discovered at the site led archaeologists to reconstruct Krampmacken, a vessel that revealed how Viking-era shipbuilders worked. This connection shows how water-based activities were central to the fortress's purpose.
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