Trelleborg ring fort, Viking ring fortress in Trelleborg, Sweden
Trelleborg ring fort is an archaeological site in Sweden where the remains of a circular Viking fortress from around 980 were discovered and partially reconstructed. The site features an earthen rampart, wooden defensive structures, and displays spanning the roughly 125-meter diameter of the original stronghold, alongside museum exhibits and period buildings.
This fortress was built around 980 under King Sven Forkbeard and served as a military stronghold during Viking expansion in Scandinavia. Excavations in 1988 uncovered the buried remains and provided the foundation for the site's reconstruction and interpretation today.
The site demonstrates how Vikings used their fortress and conducted daily activities through hands-on reconstructions that bring the period to life. Seasonal festivals and markets held here reflect the social traditions that would have occurred on such military grounds.
The site is easy to explore on foot, with clear paths and well-marked areas throughout the reconstruction. A café and gift shop on-site allow visitors to spend time comfortably and have refreshments available during their visit.
The wooden structures were rebuilt using only historical tools and techniques, with workers relying on axes, knives, and methods that Vikings would have used themselves. This hands-on approach reveals the skill and labor required to construct such a large defensive structure.
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