Enjoy nature and connect with history at the Monument Area. Here you can explore, day and night, all year round
Within the white palisade you'll find what we call the "Monument Area," a vast space where there are rich opportunities to experience history, share a packed lunch at the benches or enjoy the view from the mound north of the church. A historic place where you step out into nature and back in time.
Jellingstones
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The kingdom's birth and name certificate is written in runes
Come and see the two Jelling Stones that for 1,000 years have been symbols of the founding of the Danish state and identity. Here we discover the name of the country and the kings and queens who shaped the realm we know today.
Photo: Pia Enghild, Kongernes Jelling
The Mounds
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Photo: Kenneth Stjernegaard
Mystery, memorial and magnificent views
The two mounds are steeped in mystery. In 1820 the burial chamber in the North Mound was examined, but it was empty. However, they found the famous Jelling Cup, which you can see in the Experience Center. Perhaps Gorm the Old was laid to rest here and then later moved. The South Mound had no grave at all, so it may have been a memorial mound. Two magnificent structures that proclaimed Harald Bluetooth's lineage and power.
Photo: Kenneth Stjernegaard
Image gallery
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A massive wall around the monuments
1,440 meters long and several meters high. It was an enormous wall, a palisade, traces of which were found in 2012, now marked with white posts. Follow the posts and walk the entire perimeter of the royal complex and power symbol of the Jelling dynasty.
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One of the first stone churches in the Denmark
Jelling Church represents the realm's new direction and religion: Christianity, built around 1100. But history lingers, and perhaps Gorm the Old's bones lie beneath the floor. You can see where, if you spot the silver stripe in the floor.
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A gift from Gorm to Thyra?
At 356 meters long and 500 stones, the ship setting is the world's largest and the oldest monument in the area. Perhaps Gorm the Old created this burial memorial for Queen Thyra. Harald Bluetooth later built the North Mound in the center to cement his legacy.
Husene
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Houses for Harald's court
When Harald Bluetooth summoned his chosen ones to Jelling, three identical longhouses awaited behind the mighty palisade. Here the king's men lived in houses built with a precision that defined everything in the Viking king's seat of power. A mysterious fourth house with a watchtower overlooked it all, until flames consumed the houses before the year 1000. Today you'll find large white stones in the ground that mark what has vanished.
Photo: Kenneth Stjernegaar, Kongernes Jelling
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.
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Food and beverages at Kongernes Jelling
Take a break, enjoy history
Stop by the café before or after your visit. The menu is packed with something for every age and appetite — whether you’re after a full meal or a little afternoon snack. You can also visit the packed lunch house or find a bench in the area if you’ve brought something homemade or from home.
