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Kongernes Jelling Center
Kongernes Jelling is one of Denmark's most significant historical sites, regarded as the birthplace of the Danish nation and Christianity in the North. The complex features the famous Jelling Runestones, erected in the 10th century during the Viking Age. The smaller stone was set by King Gorm the Old for his wife Thyra, while the larger stone was raised by Harald Bluetooth to honor his parents and celebrate the conversion of the Danes to Christianity. This larger stone is often referred to as Denmark's baptismal certificate, as it contains the first written mention of the name Denmark. The area is dominated by two massive burial mounds, with a white-washed church standing between them, beneath which remains of earlier wooden structures have been discovered. Recent archaeological excavations have also revealed a giant V-shaped stone ship setting and a wooden palisade, illustrating the monumental scale of the royal seat. Since 1994, Jelling has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The modern visitor center has interactive digital exhibitions that bring Viking history and the transition to the Christian Middle Ages to life.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: Jelling Skibssætning · Palisadeindhegningen · Thyras høj
- Nearby: Vejle (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 73 | 57 | 52 | 46 | 56 | 76 | 81 | 89 | 74 | 89 | 77 | 75 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Jelling Stones date back to approximately 965 AD during the Viking Age.
- King Harald Bluetooth erected the larger stone to celebrate Denmark's conversion.
- The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
- Two massive burial mounds, the North Mound and the South Mound, dominate the site.
- Archaeologists discovered remains of a stone ship setting measuring 350 meters long.
- The center features modern interactive digital exhibitions about Viking history.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kongernes Jelling Center (8)
Thyras høj
The northern Jelling mound is a burial mound. It is attributed to Queen Thyra.
Kongernes Jelling🏛 museum
The museum in Denmark exhibits the history of the Viking Age and the Jelling kings.
Fårupgård
The manor house in Vejle Municipality is a manor house. It is located near Jelling.
Kollerup Kirke
The church building in Vejle Municipality is located in the village of Kollerup.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Kongernes Jelling?
Why is Jelling called the "birth certificate of Denmark"?
Is Kongernes Jelling a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Is entry to the visitor center free?
How much time is needed for a visit?
Kongernes Jelling Center: where is it located?
Kongernes Jelling Center: what is there to see?
Kongernes Jelling Center: when is the best time to visit?
Kongernes Jelling Center: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
