Lindholm Hoje – Viking Burial Sites

Last updated: 17 July 2023

If you’re a history enthusiast like myself and planning a visit to Aalborg in the north of Denmark then spending a few hours exploring the historic Lindholm Hoje Museum and Viking burial site is a definite MUST!

Content

• Why Go? Vikings in Aalborg!
• A Brief History of Lindholm Hoje Denmark
• Visiting the Museum
• Visiting the Viking Burial Sites
• Final Thoughts
• The Essentials

Why Go? Vikings in Aalborg! 

I first learned about the existence of the Lindholm Hoje Viking burial ground and museum when Roma sent it to me via Whatsapp with the simple message – You’re going to LOVE this! And yes, she was spot on! I mean, how could I not? Just the idea of being able to visit to an actual Viking burial ground and walk in the footsteps of those who lived over a thousand years ago left me eager to book flights!

A Brief History of Lindholm Hoje Denmark

Widely considered to be one of the most notable ancient monuments in the entire country, Lindholm Hoje Denmark was the site of an important Viking settlement and burial ground which was in use between 400 AD and 1000 AD!  

The main excavation of the site, a partnership between the National Museum and Aalborg Historiske Museum, took place between 1952 and 1958, however some sections were originally unearthed in 1889. It was during the latter excavation where it was discovered the burial ground was part of a larger Viking settlement, and quite an important settlement when compared to other sites. The importance is likely due to its proximity to the crossing over the Limfjord, a shallow part of the sea which had inlets from the North Sea and Kattegat – perfect for launching Viking longboats towards England.   

Visiting the Lindholm Hoje Museum

It was in 1889 when the burial ground of Lindholm Hoje caught the attention of several members of the National Museum who commenced their investigation into the archaeological value of the site, thus leading to its eventual discovery! (There is a fascinating timeline in the museum which details the history of the Lindholm Hoje in the lead up to excavation which in itself is quite the read!)
During the centenary celebrations in 1989, the Aalborg Portland Cement Factory presented the new museum building on Lindholm Hoje to the City of Aalborg. The new museum made it possible to showcase to the world the many Viking artifacts discovered during the 6 year excavation.

It doesn’t really matter the order you conduct your visit; you can explore the burial ground first or head inside to the museum. The benefit of visiting the museum first is that you can learn a little more about Viking history before and the story of Lindholm Hoje before exploring the burial ground.

As you enter the museum you’ll be greeted by the friendly team who provide an explanation of the museum and the best way to move through the exhibits. So once you purchase your ticket you can start your journey through Viking history!
The first part of the museum is dedicated to the history of the Lindholm Hoje area and there are some really interesting maps, information boards, and some really engaging recreations explaining Viking home life and house construction.

Did you know: The Vikings loved board games! Located in some of the excavated graves were game boards and playing pieces for one popular game Hnefatafl. This game has one player with a special “King” piece and defending warriors and the other player had a larger attacking force. Sounds kind of similar to Chess, doesn’t it?

The museum is dedicated to providing a lot of detail about Viking life, some of the more surprising exhibits include Viking hairstyles and a beard combs. As someone with a substantial beard, I certainly appreciate a good beard comb.

The visit to the museum doesn’t just focus on the history and Viking activity of the Lindholm Hoje area, there are exhibits detailing the history of Aalborg (or Alubu, as it was known in 11th century) and the sovereign, King Hardecanute (aka King Harthacnut / Canute III).

Visiting the Viking Burial Sites

Once you finish your tour of the museum then headed outside and up the hill to explore the burial grounds. When you reach the top of the hill, which is the oldest part of the burial ground dating back to the 5th century, stand there and take in the view. A vast green field will lay before you interspersed with various rock formations, these are the cremation graves.

What’s so impressive about a big field, I hear you ask? Well, once the excavations were finally completed in 1958, the entire area was sowed with grass. This means that the large field you’re looking at was once the lands belonging to the former Viking settlement and burial ground. All kinds of impressive.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll see many gravesites all around you, so it can feel a little overwhelming trying to determine the best place to start. Don’t worry too much, pick a direction and start walking. There were a total of 682 graves excavated at Lindholm Hoje with 41 of the older graves being internment graves and the remainder were cremation graves, the preferred method of burial in the later centuries.  

The graves which are surrounded by stones are the former cremation graves which means that people were cremated on this site and then buried. The stones themselves tell a story – the oval shaped stone formations indicate where women were buried and the triangular or ship-shaped formation is where men were laid to rest.  

Do you notice how the rocks are in relatively good condition given that they were placed there over 1500 years ago? Well, shifting sands (up to 4 metres thick in places) covered parts of the Viking settlement and burial grounds until excavation. If they had been exposed to the elements then there’s a good chance that this would be only a large field.

The Essentials

• Price: Adults DKK 75 | Students DKK 60 | Children under 18 Free
• Operating Hours: Nov – March. Tues – Sun 10:00 – 16:00
• Operating Hours: Apr – Oct. Tues – Sun 10:00 – 17:00
• Address: Lindholm Høje Museet. Vendilavej 11 9400 Nørresundby Denmark
• Phone: +45 99 31 74 40
• Website: http://www.nordmus.dk/lindholm-gb

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a visit to Aalborg Denmark then don’t miss out on exploring the Viking burial sites and its incredible history! Make sure you schedule in a few hours at the Lindholm Hoje Museum and Burial Ground. You won’t regret! It was one of my personal highlights