The Ship Burial Mound at Vikingemuseet Ladby
Step into a reconstructed burial mound above Kerteminde Fjord and gaze down on Denmark’s only preserved Viking ship grave, resting where a 10th‑century king was laid to sail beyond.
Set on a low hill above Kerteminde Fjord, the Ship Burial Mound at Vikingemuseet Ladby shelters Denmark’s only preserved Viking ship grave. Inside the reconstructed mound you step into a dim burial chamber to see the ghostly outline of a 10th-century warship, where a local king was laid to rest around 925 with his horses, dogs and rich grave goods. Outside, grassy paths lead down towards the fjord and the Ladby Dragon, a full-scale reconstructed longship moored where the original once came ashore.
A brief summary to The Ship Burial Mound
- Vikingevej 123, Kerteminde, 5300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Start in the main museum before walking to the mound so the ship grave’s layout, grave goods and timeline make more sense once you step into the burial chamber.
- Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; the path to the mound is gravel and dirt, and the exposed fjordside can feel windy and cool even in summer.
- If you’re visiting with children, plan time for dress-up in the Vikings’ Wardrobe and seasonal hands-on activities, which help keep younger visitors engaged.
- Bring snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the lawns by the fjord; supplement with hot drinks or ice cream from the small café and shop inside the museum.
- Check the seasonal program in advance if you’d like to see the Ladby Dragon longship in the water or catch special Viking crafts and storytelling events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Car from Kerteminde
From central Kerteminde, driving to the Viking Museum Ladby typically takes 10–15 minutes. You follow local roads through low farmland to Vikingevej, where the museum is signposted. Parking at the museum is free but can feel busy on summer weekends and during school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day usually makes it easier to find a space.
-
Bus from Kerteminde town
Regional bus services run between Kerteminde and Ladby on select routes and mainly on school days, with a short onward walk to the museum taking around 15 minutes on quiet village roads and paths. The bus ride itself is around 5–10 minutes and fares are usually in the range of 20–30 DKK one way, payable by card or travel card depending on the operator.
-
Car from Odense via Funen motorway
From Odense, allow around 35–45 minutes by car. You join the E20 motorway briefly before turning towards Kerteminde, then follow regional roads across the island to Ladby. The route is straightforward but can slow at peak commuter times or in summer holiday traffic near the coast. Parking at the museum is free; height restrictions do not usually affect standard cars or small campervans.
-
Bicycle from Kerteminde
Cycling from Kerteminde to the Ship Burial Mound takes roughly 25–35 minutes at a moderate pace, following small country roads and lanes with gentle hills. The route is well suited to confident cyclists and older children, though it can feel exposed in strong winds. There is no charge for bike access, and you can usually secure your bicycle near the museum building while you explore.
The Ship Burial Mound location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Ship Burial Mound
A Viking king resting above the fjord
The Ship Burial Mound crowns a gentle rise above Kerteminde Fjord, a grassy knoll that hides one of Denmark’s most evocative Viking sites. Beneath this earth, a warship was pulled ashore and transformed into a royal tomb around the year 925. Archaeological investigations revealed the outline of the vessel, iron rivets, animal bones and traces of rich offerings, pointing to a powerful local ruler known today as the Ladby King. Standing outside, with the wind coming off the fjord, it is easy to imagine sails furled here more than a thousand years ago. The mound you see today is a careful reconstruction built directly over the excavation site. It recreates how the grave would have risen from the landscape in the Viking Age, while protecting the fragile remains inside. Simple paths across open lawns connect the mound with the main museum building, weaving through a five-hectare area of grass, trees and low scrub that frames the fjord and underlines how closely this tomb was tied to the sea.Stepping into the burial chamber
A discreet entrance tunnel leads you into the Ship Burial Mound itself. As the doors close behind you, the light dims and the temperature drops, and the outline of the Ladby ship gradually emerges under soft illumination. You walk on a narrow gangway around the vessel, looking down on the ghostly imprint of its wooden hull and the iron fastenings that held it together. At the bow and stern, the ship’s curved lines are still visible, creating a powerful sense of standing beside a vanished warship. Scattered within the hull are the skeletal remains of horses and dogs, sacrificed to accompany the king into the next world. Where weapons, jewellery and other grave gifts once lay, labels and displays now hint at their original position. The atmosphere is hushed and almost theatrical; without spoken commentary, the creaking of the structure and the faint echo of footsteps become part of the experience, inviting you to picture the funeral ceremony that took place here more than a millennium ago.From grave goods to living stories
Back in the main museum, the ship grave is unfolded in detail. Exhibitions explore the Ladby King’s world: his power, beliefs, and connections across the Viking realm. Cases display original grave goods and other local finds in gold, silver and bronze, while reconstructions show how the king might have looked, and how his ship appeared before it was buried. A full-size replica hull, models and immersive displays reconstruct the moment when the dead ruler was laid out in his vessel surrounded by offerings. Family-friendly features make the story tangible. In the “Vikings’ Wardrobe”, adults and children can try on replica clothing based on archaeological textiles, from simple wool tunics to more ornate outfits that signal status. Seasonal programs add further layers, with activities such as experimental archaeology, craft workshops and demonstrations of archery or javelin throwing that echo the skills prized in the Viking Age.The Ladby Dragon and the fjord landscape
From the mound, a short walk leads down towards the water across open lawns dotted with benches and picnic tables. Here, in summer, the Ladby Dragon – a seaworthy reconstruction of the original ship – lies moored in the fjord below the burial site. Its dragon-headed prow and sweeping lines give a three-dimensional sense of the vessel now preserved as a shadow in the mound. Even when the ship is hauled ashore for maintenance in the colder months, you can usually see it up close as volunteers care for the hull under cover. The setting is as much a part of the visit as the archaeology. The museum grounds stretch along the fjord, with wide views of gentle hills and low islands. On calm days the water reflects the sky and the longship’s silhouette; in rough weather, gusts drive waves against the shore, underlining why fjord-side landing places like Ladby mattered so much to seafaring rulers. The open space invites unhurried exploration, from quiet corners by the water to vantage points where you can look back at the green mound.Planning your time at the mound
Most visits begin in the museum building before continuing to the Ship Burial Mound, which lies roughly 200 metres away along a gravel and dirt path. The route is mostly level but can feel uneven in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is useful. Benches along the way offer rest stops and viewpoints over the fjord. The burial chamber itself is compact, with a single walkway, so at busy times you may share the space with other visitors, adding to the shared hush around the ship. Allow at least an hour to combine the mound with the core exhibition, and longer if you want to linger by the fjord or join seasonal activities. The museum provides restrooms, a small café area and a shop stocked with Viking-themed jewellery, books, mead and toys. With picnic areas and plenty of open grass, the Ship Burial Mound works well as a leisurely half-day stop where you can move between indoor interpretation and the atmospheric outdoor setting that first drew a Viking king here to rest.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Enebærodde
10.0 km
A pristine coastal peninsula where Denmark's largest heath meets the fjord—nature in its purest form.
Befrielsessten i Skalkendrup
11.2 km
A quiet memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation in 1945
Rolfshøj
14.0 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Odense St.
15.2 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
15.2 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
15.2 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Oceania
15.3 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
15.5 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Munke Mose Park
15.8 km
Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
Munke Mose
15.8 km
Discover Slottsträdgården, Malmö's ecological garden oasis, featuring themed gardens, cultural events, and a charming café, all nestled behind historic Malmöhus Castle.
The Sea Horse
15.8 km
Discover Danish and Nordic artistic heritage at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a leading Copenhagen gallery celebrated for curated exhibitions in the city’s vibrant art district.
Funen Opera
15.9 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
16.6 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
Befrielsessten i Vindinge
16.9 km
A modest village liberation stone in front of Vindinge Church, quietly commemorating Denmark’s 1945 freedom amid the calm of rural eastern Funen.
The Funen Village
16.9 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Viking Museum Ladby
0.2 km
Denmark's only Viking ship grave—step into a 10th-century king's tomb and explore a thousand years of Norse history.
Østfyns Museer
2.8 km
Et levende museumsfællesskab, hvor købstadsgårde, kunstnerhjem, vikingeskib og slotsmiljøer tilsammen fortæller den mangfoldige historie om Østfyn.
Johannes Larsen Museum
3.1 km
An intimate artist’s home on a hill above Kerteminde, where luminous bird paintings, preserved interiors, garden paths and sea views bring Funen’s coastal light to life.
Gabet | Lodshuse
8.4 km
Wind, current and big skies at the narrow, stony gateway where Odense Fjord meets the open sea on Funen’s quiet north coast.
Enebærodde Fyr
8.6 km
A modest white tower at the very tip of Enebærodde, where Odense Fjord meets the Kattegat and wide skies, strong currents and heathland create a wild coastal feel.
Jordrummet - et af fem grønne læringsrum
10.4 km
A modest open-air classroom on Odense’s rural edge, Jordrummet invites hands-on encounters with soil, fields, and quiet green space between town and countryside.
Seden Strand
10.5 km
Modest local beach on Odense Fjord, where quiet swims, big skies and new coastal nature projects meet everyday life at the water’s edge.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.5 km
Historic Fyn manor and restored Romantic landscape garden, where peony-filled paths, quiet pavilions and winding waterways create a gently theatrical escape near Odense.
Sortehusene
11.7 km
Living history museum in Odense where you can step into 19th-century rural Denmark, explore authentic farm buildings, and experience Funen’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Hans Hulehånd af Thomas Dambo
12.4 km
Hunt for a hidden giant troll crafted from recycled dreams in Odense's enchanted forest.
Cultural-botanical Garden
12.7 km
A tranquil 10-hectare botanical sanctuary housing 13,000 plant species and Denmark's finest birch and fern collections.
Mårhøj/Snavehøjen
13.0 km
Ancient Neolithic passage grave in the fields near Martofte, where you can crawl into a 5,000‑year‑old stone chamber and gaze out over Funen’s serene farmland.
Romsø
13.3 km
A small, uninhabited Danish island of forest, shoreline and quiet wildlife, Romsø offers a tranquil, car-free escape just a short boat ride from Kerteminde.
Davinde Stenmuseum
13.4 km
A cosy countryside museum where glacial boulders, sparkling minerals and ancient fossils from the Tarup–Davinde gravel pits reveal Funen’s deep geological past.
Rosengårdcentret
13.7 km
Funen’s largest shopping centre, blending over 150 stores, 25 eateries and a cinema into a bright, weather-proof hub for everyday errands and relaxed days out.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Rudolf Mathis ApS
2.9 km
Refined harborfront seafood in a former fisherman’s house, where Kerteminde’s maritime history meets contemporary Nordic-French gastronomy and wide harbor views.
Mona Lisa Pizzeria
12.3 km
Casual roadside pizzeria in Nyborg serving generous pizzas, grills and pasta with daily afternoon-to-evening opening and a strong focus on takeaway and delivery.
Banjo's
13.0 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Restaurant Aro
13.9 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
14.7 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Grønttorvet
15.0 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Den Lille Kabys
15.0 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
15.1 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
15.1 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Vår
15.1 km
Intimate, light-filled fine dining in Odense, where a Michelin-recognized chef crafts calm, seasonal tasting menus rooted in local Funen produce and thoughtful wine.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
15.1 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Giraffen
15.2 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
15.2 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Brasserie Bordeaux
15.2 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Ryan's of Odense
15.2 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Høkeren
2.8 km
Step into a meticulously preserved 1900s general store brimming with authentic period treasures and forgotten everyday objects.
Det Gamle Apotek POP UP - Rosengårdcentret
13.8 km
A cosy Det Gamle Apotek pop-up in Rosengårdcentret, filling Odense’s biggest mall with Danish Christmas charm, nostalgic décor and atmospheric Scandinavian hygge.
Red Cross Op Shop
13.8 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Butik Pulvis
13.9 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
13.9 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
GenbrugsHallerne
14.1 km
A vast indoor thrift hall in Odense where hundreds of private stalls turn second-hand shopping into an urban treasure hunt of everyday finds and quirky curios.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
14.4 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
aneBane
14.4 km
A cosy women’s boutique and sewing studio in a quiet Odense street, blending curated Scandinavian style with personal, small-scale craftsmanship.
Klassisk Design
14.6 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
14.6 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
14.6 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Baggårdsbutikken
14.6 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Look At This
14.7 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
ButikZoom
14.9 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
14.9 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
13.5 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
14.8 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Den Lille Kro Odense
14.8 km
A classic Odense brown bar with history in its walls, cold beer on tap and a warmly worn, neighborhood atmosphere that feels instantly familiar.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
14.9 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
The Flower and the Bee
14.9 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Rabalder Bar Odense
14.9 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
Kick Off - Sportspub
14.9 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Lørups Vinstue
15.0 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Sir Club
15.2 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
June Bar
15.4 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
15.4 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Den Brølende And
15.5 km
Odense’s roaring dance basement where karaoke Thursdays, sing-along party hits and shared buckets of cocktails fuel carefree, late-night dancing on tables.
City Club
15.5 km
Odense's casual sports bar where pool, darts, and community spirit meet affordable drinks and good times.
Grand Bar & Lounge
15.5 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Champagniet
15.5 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
13.8 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
14.9 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Boogie Dance Café
15.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
15.5 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
15.9 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
KJ's bodel
18.4 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Muzirkus
18.4 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Juviklubben
39.6 km
Intimate Kalundborg live music hub and youth club, where generations meet for close-up concerts, casual bar nights and a laid-back, community-driven vibe.
Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus
39.6 km
Experience live music and cultural events at Postgaarden Kalundborg Event og Musikhus, the heart of Kalundborg's entertainment scene.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
40.9 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
42.9 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Samsø Island Distillery
43.1 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Garagen
43.2 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
Ræven
43.3 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Gecco Bar & Natklub
46.9 km
Loud, colorful, and unapologetically party‑focused, Gecco Bar & Natklub is Slagelse’s straightforward late‑night spot for dancing, drinks, and familiar club hits.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Wheelchair Access