In the north of Jutland, near the city of Aalborg, lies a special place: Lindholm Høje. Lindholm Høje is a burial site from the Viking Age. For centuries, the site lay buried beneath a thick layer of sand, caused by sand drifting. In the 1950s, the burial site was uncovered and today it is one of Denmark’s most impressive archaeological sites.
The discovery of Lindholm Høje
In the 19th century, it was already known that Lindholm Høje was an important historical site, but serious archaeological excavations didn’t begin until the 1950s. Archaeologists uncovered hundreds of graves and grave markers from the Late Iron Age and the Viking Age (ca. 800 to 1050 AD).
A burial site with stories
Archaeologists found a variety of objects, from pottery to tools and from weapons to jewelry. These finds provide insight into the lives of the people who once lived here, the trade routes they followed and what their social lives may have looked like. The graves themselves also tell unique stories; the stones are arranged in circles, triangles and even ship shapes. Each grave thus tells a unique story about the life of the person who was once buried there.
Beautifully located on top of a hill
Lindholm Høje is situated on top of a 42-meter-high hill, offering a view of Limfjord. It’s a strategic location, but the high position also provided additional benefits. For instance, it protected the burial site from floods coming from the nearby Limfjord.
visit the lindholm høje museum
Next to the burial site stands the Viking Museum Lindholm Høje, where the history of the site comes to life. Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits and replicas of the artefacts that were discovered. As a visitor, you’ll get a clear picture of life during the Iron Age and the Viking Age. You’ll learn about how people lived, worked and honored their dead. It’s truly a journey back in time!
