Jelling Stones
Two rune stones tell two foundational stories about the Danish kingdom. Right here, the Denmark you know today, was moulded and baptized.
For 1,000 years, the two Jelling Stones have been symbols of the founding of the Danish nation and identity. Come and see for yourself, the legacy of kings Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth. Actions which still echo throughout society today.
Two monuments from Danish history
1.
Christianity already sprouted when Harald made it official
Harald Bluetooth wasn't the first Christian in Denmark, but he was the one who officially Christened the country. The Viking king marked this by erecting the great Jelling Stone, where a Christ figure adorns one side and boasts fills the other: "King Harald ordered this monument made in memory of Gorm, his father, and in memory of Thyra, his mother; that Harald who won all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian."
Foto: Pia Enghild, Kongernes Jelling
2.
Foto CC BY-SA 2.0, Roberto Fortuna
Gorm the Old authored Denmark's name certificate
It's the smaller rune stone, but the older of the two, from around 950 AD. And it's the first time the name Denmark appears within the country's borders. Gorm the Old erected the stone in memory of his wife, Queen Thyra, where the text reads: "King Gorm made this monument in memory of Thyra, his wife, Denmark's pride."
Foto CC BY-SA 2.0, Roberto Fortuna
4.
World Heritage in Jelling
In 1994, the Jelling monuments, including the Jelling Stones, were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Jelling was the first Danish site on the list and was chosen because they are considered Europe's finest monuments from the Viking Age.
Read more about UNESCO at Kongernes Jelling
Photo: Lasse Hyldager
5.
Foto CC BY-SA 2.0, Roberto Fortuna
Explore Danish history, 24-7, 365
To protect the Jelling Stones from the elements, they have been placed in display cases. In the evening, lights are turned on to illuminate the runes and images. This also means that Denmark's baptismal and name certificates can now be viewed around the clock.
Foto CC BY-SA 2.0, Roberto Fortuna
Experiences at Kongernes Jelling
Much more to explore inside
Remember to visit the rest of the museum too. Here you can experience history with your senses, through unique artifacts and thrilling tales about Vikings, gold and the Danish royal house. Make sure to try our interactive journey to Valhalla in the experience center.
