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Denmark

Fyrkat

Circular Viking fortress with longhouses and graves

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Fyrkat is an archaeological site of a former Viking ring castle located near Hobro in Northern Jutland, Denmark. Constructed around 980 CE, possibly during the reign of Harald Gormsson or his son Sweyn Forkbeard, it demonstrates the strategic power of the Viking era. The site features a circular design with ramparts, ditches, and an intricate road system. Inside, there are 16 identical longhouses arranged in a square, with evidence of smithies and hearths. The associated cemetery contains around 30 graves with diverse burial practices, including coffins and symbolic goods, indicating a wealthy community. Fyrkat was part of a network of similar fortresses, abandoned by 1000 CE, providing insight into Viking military and domestic life. Its architectural uniqueness led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Fyrkat

FileFyrkat-2.jpg
FileFyrkat_hus_stor.jpg
FileFyrkat_vikingecenter.3.ajb.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

CastlesRampartsDitches

Burial and Funerary Structures

GravesCemeteries

Industrial and Craft Structures

Smithies

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Houses

Food Production and Processing Features

Hearths

Transportation and Communication Structures

Roads

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Denmark
Source
Wikipedia