Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Viking earthworks, royal runestones and a modest village church come together in Jelling to mark the moment Denmark named itself and embraced Christianity.
In the small town of Jelling in central Jutland, this UNESCO‑listed complex of two great Viking burial mounds, a whitewashed church and the famed Jelling runestones marks the moment Denmark emerged as a unified Christian kingdom. Raised in the 10th century by King Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth, the stones are often called Denmark’s birth certificate, recording both the country’s name and its conversion to Christianity. Today the grassy mounds, Romanesque church and glass‑housed runic stones form a compact, atmospheric monument area, complemented by the nearby Kongernes Jelling experience centre.
A brief summary to Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
- Thyrasvej 1, Jelling, 7300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Start at the Kongernes Jelling experience centre to understand the site’s layout and history before exploring the mounds, church and stones on your own.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the mounds; the grassy slopes can be slippery in wet or frosty weather.
- Allow time to view the runestones both from a distance and up close; the carvings and runes become clearer as your eyes adjust.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the mounds and fewer people around the stone enclosures and church.
- Step into the church when services are not in progress to see the interior and appreciate the contrast with the monumental landscape outside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train and short walk from Vejle
From Vejle, regional trains run regularly to Jelling, with a typical journey time of about 15–20 minutes. A standard adult single ticket costs roughly 40–60 DKK depending on time and ticket type. Trains usually run at least once an hour during the day, with reduced frequency in the late evening and on weekends. From Jelling station it is an easy, mostly level walk of around 10 minutes through the town to the monument area, suitable for most visitors and generally accessible with wheelchairs and strollers.
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Car from Vejle and wider Jutland
Driving from Vejle to Jelling takes around 15–20 minutes under normal traffic conditions, and about 1 hour from Aarhus or 2.5–3 hours from Copenhagen. There are free or low‑cost parking areas signposted near the monument zone and the Kongernes Jelling centre, though spaces can be limited at peak holiday periods and on sunny weekends. The roads are paved and straightforward, and this option is convenient for families or travellers exploring Jutland by car.
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Bus from nearby towns
Local buses connect Jelling with Vejle and some surrounding villages, typically taking 25–35 minutes from Vejle depending on the route and stops. A single ticket usually falls in the 30–50 DKK range. Services are more frequent on weekdays and may be limited in the evenings, on Sundays and public holidays, so checking the current timetable in advance is advisable. Bus stops are within walking distance of the monument area on generally flat pavements.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Where a Viking kingdom took shape
Jelling sits in the rolling farmland of central Jutland, but its quiet setting belies its huge historical weight. In the 10th century this was a royal seat of the first Danish kings, Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth, who chose this low hilltop as the stage for a new kind of monument. Two enormous, almost perfectly matched burial mounds were raised here, each about 70 metres in diameter and up to 11 metres high, their turf stacked in careful layers. Together with the runic stones between them and the church at their centre, they trace Denmark’s passage from pagan Viking society to an emerging Christian kingdom. Climbing one of the mounds today, you stand where royal power was once proclaimed in earth and timber. Archaeology has revealed a wooden burial chamber in the north mound, probably intended for Gorm, and hints of a vast ship setting and palisade that once enclosed the whole complex. Even with later village streets nearby, the oval outline of this royal enclosure is still easy to imagine as you look out over the carefully tended grass, stone outlines and white church tower.The stones that named a nation
Between the mounds, protected in sleek glass and bronze cases, stand the Jelling stones, roughly carved granite boulders that carry some of the most famous runic inscriptions in Scandinavia. The smaller stone was erected by King Gorm in memory of his wife Thyra, described tenderly as "Denmark’s adornment". It contains the earliest known mention of the name Denmark, earning it the nickname of the country’s name certificate. The larger stone, raised by Harald Bluetooth around 965, is often referred to as Denmark’s birth certificate. Its runes proclaim that Harald won all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian, a bold political statement carved into stone. One face shows a sinuous animal entwined by a serpent in a style rooted in Norse art, while another bears the earliest depiction of Christ in Scandinavia, arms outstretched in a cross‑like pose. The blend of pagan imagery and Christian symbolism makes the stone a powerful visual expression of a society in religious transition.A simple church over royal graves
Anchoring the monument area is Jelling Church, a whitewashed Romanesque building dating from the 11th–12th centuries. It is not the first church on this spot: excavations have revealed traces of several earlier wooden churches, probably begun by Harald himself as Christianity took hold. The present stone church rises on the same footprint, its squat tower and red‑tiled roof clearly visible from the tops of the mounds. Inside, the church feels modest and bright, with painted fresco fragments and a calm, almost domestic scale that contrasts with the grandeur of the mounds outside. Beneath the floor, archaeologists identified a grave interpreted as that of King Gorm, moved here from the mound as part of his Christian reburial. The churchyard, dotted with neatly kept graves and framed by low stone walls, folds the royal story into the life of a working parish church that still serves the local community.Reading the landscape of power
Beyond the obvious monuments, subtle traces of Harald’s broader vision lie under your feet. Excavations have uncovered parts of a massive wooden palisade that once formed a huge rectangle around the mounds and church. Together with the outline of a giant ship setting marked today by white stones in the grass, these features suggest that Jelling functioned as a carefully planned royal complex, not just a burial site. Walking the monument area, you can follow these stone markers and gently raised banks, gradually piecing together how the site would have looked when new—mounds freshly heaped, timber gleaming, runes sharply cut. Interpretive boards help decode the layout without overwhelming the sense of open space. From the mound tops, you can trace the former palisade line against the modern village, seeing how the ancient royal centre still shapes Jelling’s street pattern and skyline.Experiencing Jelling today
For visitors, the appeal of Jelling lies in how accessible its deep history feels. The core area is compact and free to wander at any hour, and the grassy slopes invite you to linger, sit, or simply watch the light change across the mounds. The nearby Kongernes Jelling experience centre adds multimedia exhibitions and rooftop viewpoints that help you visualise the original Viking complex while keeping the monuments themselves uncluttered. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons: on a clear summer day the green mounds, white church and bronze‑glinting stone cases feel almost theatrical; in mist or low winter light the outlines become more mysterious, the runes and carvings emerging slowly as your eyes adjust. Whether you spend an hour tracing inscriptions or half a day exploring every contour and story, Jelling offers a rare chance to stand at the crossroads of myth, monarchy and nation‑building in the Danish landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Troldborg Ring
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Jættestuen grønhøj
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Horsens Tourist Information Centre
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Legeparken
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The Uncovered Bridge
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Fredericia Vold
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Koldinghus
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Saint Nicolas Church
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Milling Hotel Saxildhus
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Kolding St.
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The compact rail and bus hub that delivers you straight into Kolding’s mix of castle-topped history, cobbled streets and fjord-side modern design.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongernes Jelling
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Where Denmark was born: ancient Viking monuments and a thousand-year-old kingdom's legacy.
Haughus Gods, Antik & Kræmmermarked
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RAF Mindesten, RAF Memorial
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Stenager Mølle
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Udsigtstårn
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Genforeningssten i Skibet
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Himmelpind
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Givskud Zoo Zootopia
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Kongens Kær
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Befrielsessten i Vejle
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Fugletårn Kongens kær
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Hævet over Kongens Kærs søer og våde enge giver fugletårnet ved Vejle en nær, rolig og overraskende vild udsigt til et fuglerigt bynært vådområde.
Biblioteksparken
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Spinderihallerne
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Kulturmuseet
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Industrielle spinderihaller forvandlet til et levende museum om Vejles historie – fra moselig og jernalder til natteliv, arbejde og hverdagsliv i dag.
Byparken
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Vejle's cherished urban park: fountains, streams, and tranquil green space in the city heart.
Essential places to dine
Vindelev Kro & Galleri
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Restaurant Shangrila
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Restaurant Hviid's Vinstue
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Madkunst v/Jonna Olsen
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Il Teatro
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Family‑run Italian favourite opposite Vejle Music Theatre, serving classic pizzas, homemade pasta and set theatre menus in warm, theatre‑inspired surroundings.
L TORO
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Cosy Spanish‑inspired grill restaurant in central Vejle, serving generous, hearty dishes in a warm, rustic dining room ideal for relaxed evenings out.
African Kitchen
8.8 km
Cosy African flavours and generous plates in a relaxed Vejle hideaway blending North African spice, Danish comfort and genuinely welcoming hospitality.
Cocina Latina - Mexicansk spisested
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Farverig mexicansk og latinamerikansk comfort food fra bunden midt i Paladspassagen Social Dining i Vejle – uformelt, fleksibelt og fuld af smag.
Afro Restaurant
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Paladspassagen Social Dining
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Enzo & C Vejle C
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A/S Pse Nr. 2135
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ONKEL A
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Vejle's beloved lunch café serving generous handmade sandwiches, vegan brunches, and seasonal Nordic fare.
Restaurant PlanB - Tapas Vin & Cocktails
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Nordic tapas, curated wines, and craft cocktails in Vejle's most welcoming dining space.
Mad Rick
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Modern French–Nordic plates, made from scratch with Danish ingredients, in an intimate Vejle dining room that feels special yet relaxed from lunch through late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen Outlet - Vejle
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Authentic hand-painted Danish porcelain at 30% discount—heritage craftsmanship meets accessible luxury.
Ide Stuen V/betzy Eykens
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A long-running, owner-led clothing shop in central Vejle, Ide Stuen offers classic, comfortable womenswear in an intimate, unhurried setting off Vestergade.
Lavita
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A cozy, design-led gift shop in central Vejle, blending Scandinavian hygge, home décor, and easy-to-pack presents in an intimate, welcoming neighborhood setting.
Lavenderland Studio
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A calm, design-led children’s clothing studio in central Vejle, offering soft Scandinavian style, curated outfits and thoughtful gifts in an intimate, family-friendly setting.
Oscar Butik
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Curated Scandinavian fashion in the heart of Vejle's vibrant city center.
Fabrikanterne
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Where Danish designers and makers craft unique, handmade homeware and lifestyle products in a working creative studio.
Dark Wolf Gothic & Viking
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Ny Mundering
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Underground
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Dansk Tekstil Genbrug - Vejle Butik
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The Body Shop
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Street One
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Rosa's Butik
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Noa Noa
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Only
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vejle Jazzklub
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Honning
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Granny's Pub
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The Last Waterhole
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Marys Pub
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Borgerkroen
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A classic Danish neighborhood bar on lively Vestergade in Vejle, serving cold beer, warm conversation and unpretentious pub atmosphere from late morning to midnight.
Ølstuen
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The Cat And Barrel
8.9 km
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Charly's Pub
9.0 km
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The Old Irish Pub
9.0 km
Lively Irish-themed bar and late-night discotheque bringing music, pints and party vibes to central Vejle’s Dæmningen street.
The Knee-high bar
9.0 km
Vejle's beloved underground bar where low ceilings and high spirits create unforgettable nights.
Mi Bar
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Tartan Pub
9.1 km
Vejle's legendary Scottish pub since 1975—dance, drink, and connect in authentic Celtic charm.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Vejle A/S
9.1 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in the heart of Vejle, serving big beers, loud party hits and late-night antics on Dæmningen’s busy nightlife strip.
BarMix Vejle
9.1 km
Late‑night energy, chart hits and a mature party crowd in the heart of Vejle’s nightlife strip on Dæmningen.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
temabar APS 23-05
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NOX Network Ltd.
13.2 km
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Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
22.4 km
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Horsens New Style Dance Club
24.3 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
PDD
28.3 km
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Oskar hossman
29.1 km
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Sölibat Natklub
29.2 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Scandic Opus Horsens
29.7 km
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Koldingtivet Engen
29.7 km
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Discoteque Tordenskiold
29.8 km
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Mørks Kælder
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Pitstop
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AHA Livestage
30.1 km
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Liglad Day & Nightlife
30.6 km
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Fishi
31.5 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
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
- Business Friendly
