Kings Hill (Kongehøjen) – Stone Age Passage Grave
Explore a 5,000-year-old Stone Age passage grave and step inside one of Denmark's finest megalithic monuments.
Kings Hill is one of Denmark's finest preserved megalithic tombs, dating to the Stone Age and located near Mariager in Jutland. This impressive passage grave features a central burial chamber constructed from massive stones, accessible via a narrow corridor. The site offers insight into Neolithic burial practices and the engineering prowess of ancient communities. Visitors can explore the interior chamber and enjoy views across the surrounding landscape from atop the mound.
A brief summary to Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
- Hobrovej 12C, Mariager, 9550, DK
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp when entering the burial chamber—the interior is dark and a light source is essential for safely navigating the passage and viewing the stone construction.
- Visit on weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Friday mornings, to experience the site with fewer visitors and a more contemplative atmosphere.
- Wear sturdy footwear with good grip; the passage requires crouching and the stone surfaces can be uneven and potentially slippery in wet conditions.
- Combine your visit with nearby Hohøj burial mound and the Alstrup Krat forest walk to experience multiple layers of the region's ancient heritage in a single excursion.
- Visit Mariager Museum before or after to view exhibits related to the burial mound and gain deeper context about Neolithic life in the region.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from Mariager town centre
Kings Hill is located approximately 8 kilometres from Mariager's historic centre. Drive northeast on Hobrovej for approximately 12–15 minutes. The site is accessible by standard passenger vehicle year-round. Parking is available near the entrance. No entrance fee is required.
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Walking from Mariager
A scenic walking route of approximately 3–4 kilometres (45–60 minutes) connects Mariager town centre to Kings Hill via country roads and paths. The terrain is gently rolling with some elevation gain. The route passes through agricultural landscape and offers views across the Mariager Fjord region. Suitable for walkers of moderate fitness; wear sturdy footwear.
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Cycling from Mariager
Kings Hill is accessible by bicycle from Mariager via regional cycling routes. The journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on route and fitness level. The terrain includes some gentle hills. Bicycle parking is available at the site. This option is weather-dependent and most practical during spring through autumn.
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Public transport from Randers or Hobro
Regional bus services connect Randers and Hobro to the Mariager area, with journey times of 30–50 minutes depending on service and connections. From Mariager bus station, Kings Hill is accessible by the walking or cycling options described above. Service frequency varies seasonally; check local transport schedules before travel.
Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb
A Monument to Neolithic Ingenuity
Kings Hill, known locally as Kongehøjen, stands as one of Denmark's most beautifully preserved Stone Age burial monuments. This megalithic passage grave dates to the Neolithic period, constructed approximately 5,000 years ago when communities invested enormous labour in creating monumental tombs for their most socially significant members. The site exemplifies the architectural sophistication of prehistoric peoples, who engineered a complex burial structure using massive stones transported by glacial action during the last ice age. The tomb's construction reflects both practical engineering and ceremonial significance. Large stones were set upright to form the chamber walls, with flat capstones laid across their tops to create a roof. The entire structure was then covered by an earthen mound, creating the distinctive hill visible today. This drywall technique—where stones were sealed together with smaller tiles to allow drainage—demonstrates advanced understanding of structural integrity and water management.Journey Through the Burial Chamber
Visitors to Kings Hill experience a tangible connection to the distant past by entering the passage grave itself. Access requires crawling through a narrow corridor that opens into a central burial chamber, where the scale and craftsmanship of the original builders becomes apparent. The chamber measures approximately 2 metres wide and extends several metres in length, with the stone ceiling rising high enough to allow visitors to stand upright once inside. A flashlight is essential for exploring the interior, revealing the precise placement of massive stones and the careful construction that has preserved this monument for millennia. The experience of moving through the passage and into the chamber offers a visceral understanding of how Neolithic communities used these spaces. The darkness and enclosed stone walls create an atmosphere of reverence, suggesting the spiritual and ceremonial importance these tombs held for ancient peoples. Excavations have revealed human remains and artefacts within the chamber, confirming its use as a burial site and providing archaeologists with valuable insights into Neolithic life and death practices.Landscape Views and Surrounding Heritage
From the summit of Kings Hill, visitors enjoy panoramic views across the Mariager region and surrounding Jutland landscape. The elevated position of the mound—situated on naturally high ground—provides perspective on the ancient settlement patterns and the strategic importance of this location. The nearby Alstrup Krat forest, one of Denmark's closest approximations to a landscape unchanged since ancient times, offers additional context for understanding the environment in which these communities lived. The broader archaeological landscape around Mariager contains numerous other significant sites. Hohøj, Scandinavia's largest burial mound located just outside Mariager, rises 12 metres high and offers even more expansive views across the fjord and surrounding terrain. Other notable megalithic tombs in the region, including Lundshøj and the passage graves at Klekkende Høj on the island of Møn, demonstrate the widespread practice of monumental tomb construction across Denmark during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.Historical Excavation and Preservation
Kings Hill has been the subject of archaeological investigation, with excavations conducted in 1961 revealing artefacts and human remains that provided crucial data about Neolithic burial practices. These findings contributed to broader understanding of how Neolithic communities selected individuals for burial in monumental tombs—typically only the most socially prominent members received this honour. The burial process itself was likely both a social and religious undertaking, bringing communities together for ceremonies that reinforced social bonds and spiritual beliefs. The preservation of Kings Hill reflects both natural factors and deliberate conservation efforts. The stone construction has proven remarkably durable, and the mound's earthen covering has protected the interior chamber from weathering. Modern restoration and safety measures, including the installation of lighting and structural reinforcement, have made the site accessible to contemporary visitors while maintaining its archaeological integrity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mariager Church
3.7 km
A towering former abbey church above Mariager Fjord, where Gothic brickwork, noble tombs and a distinctive Aubertin organ keep centuries of faith and history alive.
Mariager Kirke
3.8 km
A lofty Bridgettine abbey church turned parish landmark, where Gothic stone, noble tombs and organ music tell Mariager’s story above the fjord.
Hotel Postgaarden Mariager
4.0 km
Experience historic Danish charm and modern comfort at Hotel Postgaarden Mariager, nestled in the heart of the 'City of Roses' with easy access to Mariager Fjord's natural beauty.
Mariager Lystbådehavn
4.2 km
Denmark's most beautiful fjord meets a thriving sailing community in this welcoming maritime harbor.
Restaurant BramslevGaard
4.5 km
Experience Danish history and gastronomy at BramslevGaard, a charming manor house nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker near Hobro, offering stunning views and French-inspired cuisine.
Hotel BramslevGaard
4.5 km
Experience tranquility and history at Hotel BramslevGaard, nestled in the scenic Bramslev Bakker by Mariager Fjord, offering gourmet dining, spa retreats, and easy access to Northern Jutland's natural wonders.
Mariager Fjord
5.9 km
Denmark's longest fjord winds through pristine Jutland landscapes, offering unspoilt nature, charming villages, and exceptional outdoor adventures.
Hobro Lystbådehavn
6.8 km
Denmark's premier fjord marina with historic charm and modern comfort.
Sven Dalsgaards Plads
20.2 km
Randers' cultural epicentre honouring a Dadaist pioneer, where art, performance, and community converge.
Randers St.
20.3 km
Historic East Jutland railway hub connecting Denmark's east coast with modern InterCity services and comprehensive traveler amenities.
Randers Railwaystation
20.3 km
Historic rail gateway of Randers, linking East Jutland’s river town with Aarhus, Aalborg and Copenhagen from a compact, practical 19th‑century station hub.
Hotel Randers
20.8 km
Explore the rich tapestry of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Gravhøjen i Fladbro Dyrehave
21.7 km
Stone Age burial mound in a serene deer forest, where ancient history meets wild nature.
Rold Forest
21.8 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Troldeskoven
21.9 km
Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Unmissable attractions to see
Miniseum
0.5 km
Enchanting 1:12 scale miniatures and dioramas celebrating artistry in Denmark's countryside.
Katbjerg Odde, Mariager fjord
1.6 km
Quiet peninsula on Mariager Fjord with sea trout fishing, birdlife, fossils and big-sky views, ideal for slow walks, simple picnics and peaceful nature escapes.
Mariagerfjord Frikirke
2.6 km
Modern free church and cultural house on the edge of Mariager, blending contemporary worship, community life and flexible event spaces in a bright, welcoming complex.
Mariager Idræts Klub
3.2 km
Multi-sport heart of Mariager, where everyday Danish life, local matches and community spirit fill simple halls and pitches beside the fjord town.
Munkholmanlægget
3.6 km
A peaceful woodland escape featuring forest trails, a whimsical troll sculpture, and a rose garden in charming Mariager.
Rosenhaven
3.6 km
An intimate rose garden in the heart of Mariager, where hundreds of varieties, church spires and cobbled streets meet in a quietly fragrant city retreat.
Mariager Klosterhave
3.6 km
A small, story-filled abbey garden beside Mariager’s church, where herbs, beehives and quiet corners keep the town’s monastic past gently alive.
Ivan Evigvår trold
3.7 km
Hunt for a gentle giant hidden deep in Denmark's enchanted forest—a whimsical woodland sculpture born from community votes and recycled dreams.
Bramslev Bakker
3.7 km
Steep green hills tumbling to Mariager Fjord, Bramslev Bakker blends premium hiking, shoreline calm and big-sky views in one of Denmark’s most scenic corners.
Mariager Camping
3.8 km
Award-winning fjord-side camping where Nordic nature meets charming heritage town life.
Mariager Museum
4.0 km
Centuries of regional heritage in a charming 17th-century merchant's house.
Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest
4.0 km
Denmark’s longest heritage railway, where vintage trains, fjordside scenery and a preserved rural station bring a century of Danish railway history to life.
Saltcentret
4.1 km
Denmark's salt heritage comes alive through interactive exhibits, therapeutic pools, and family adventures on the Mariager Fjord.
Mariager Sejlklub
4.2 km
Friendly marina and sailing club on the shores of Mariager Fjord, blending sheltered berths, local sailing culture and easy access to a charming historic town.
Sødisbakkes Museum
4.4 km
An intimate local history museum revealing the everyday lives, work and creativity of residents at Sødisbakke, a long‑standing care institution near Mariager.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Bramslev Bakker
3.7 km
Countryside Danish cooking with sweeping fjord views, where Bramslev Bakker’s rolling hills meet a relaxed, modern restaurant above Mariager Fjord.
A'porta
4.0 km
Unpretentious Danish cooking, a lively bodega-style bar and simple rooms under one roof in the old fjord town of Mariager.
Mariager Bistro & Konditori
4.0 km
Casual harborfront bistro and konditori in Mariager, serving unfussy Danish café dishes and cakes just steps from the town’s quiet fjord marina.
Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas
4.0 km
Casual, central pizzeria and grillhouse on Mariager’s main square, serving generous, affordable comfort food to locals and visitors from afternoon through evening.
Havnens Grill & Pølsebod
4.1 km
Casual waterfront grill serving Danish classics with fjord views and motorcycle tradition.
Landgangen
4.6 km
Homely Danish comfort food and generous plates served with wide-open views over Mariager Fjord on the quiet edge of this charming North Jutland town.
Restaurant Uafhængig
5.3 km
Ambitious Nordic cooking in a calm, forest‑edge dining room at Hotel Amerika, blending seasonal Danish flavors with a relaxed, modern atmosphere near Hobro.
Restaurant The Grill Hobro
6.4 km
All-you-can-eat grill buffet and brunch inside Hobro’s Bowl’n’Fun, bringing hearty classics, soft-ice desserts and family-friendly dining under one lively roof.
Matios Det Italienske Spisehus
7.8 km
Cosy Italian trattoria-style dining on Hobro’s central square, serving generous pizzas, pasta and classic desserts in a warm, candlelit atmosphere.
Nida's food
7.8 km
Casual harborfront fast-food joint in Hobro serving pizzas, burgers and grill favorites just steps from the marina on Havnegade.
Esja Bistro
7.9 km
Casual Nordic comfort food with Icelandic flavours, served in a cosy bistro on Hobro’s Adelgade where North Atlantic ingredients meet relaxed Danish dining.
Restaurant Bies Bryghus
7.9 km
Historic Hobro brewery-restaurant serving classic Danish dishes with a modern twist in a warm, brick-and-beam setting on the town’s central street.
Star Pizza & Grill
9.8 km
Straightforward pizzas and grill favorites in the heart of Mariager, offering easy takeaway and no-frills dining after a day by the Danish fjord.
Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender
9.9 km
Relaxed fjordside restaurant and event venue at Dania, serving classic Danish dishes, buffets and catering in cozy banquet rooms with wide views over Mariager Fjord.
Cafe Fyret Kongsdal
10.5 km
Unpretentious harbour café on the quay at Kongsdal Havn, serving simple, good‑value meals and ice creams with wide‑open views over Mariager Fjord.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
PetitePeople
2.6 km
Personalized children's clothing and baby essentials in central Hobro, Denmark.
REMA 1000
3.4 km
Mariager’s handy REMA 1000 on Gl. Hobrovej is a no‑frills discount supermarket, perfect for stocking up on groceries, snacks and picnic supplies near the historic town.
Kirkepladsens Blomster Mariager ApS
3.9 km
Century-old florist crafting premium arrangements for weddings, celebrations, and heartfelt moments.
Vinspecialisten Mariager
3.9 km
Intimate specialist wine shop in the heart of Mariager, pairing personal advice with carefully chosen bottles, fine spirits and gift-ready treats for any occasion.
Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug
4.0 km
Cosy waterfront charity shop in Mariager, where curated second-hand finds, local community and global relief work meet under ét genbrugstag.
Mariager Slagterforretning
4.0 km
Classic Danish butcher shop by Mariager’s harbour, offering house-made specialties, fresh cuts and deli favourites ideal for picnics, grilling and cosy self-catered meals.
Helga Winther Smykkedesigner
4.0 km
Handcrafted jewelry artistry in the heart of Mariager, where bespoke designs meet timeless elegance.
Vaffelbageren i Mariager
4.0 km
Experience handmade Danish ice cream and fresh-baked waffles on Mariager’s historic square—Vaffelbageren captures the taste and spirit of hygge along the fjord.
JamerAntik.dk
4.0 km
Intimate Mariager antiques shop specializing in Danish porcelain, ceramics and decorative treasures, where each shelf reveals another chapter of Scandinavian design history.
Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain
4.0 km
Denmark's premier destination for authentic Danish and European antique ceramics and porcelain.
Klæd Dig - Mariager
4.1 km
Cosy, owner-run fashion boutique on Østergade in Mariager, offering curated Scandinavian-style womenswear in a relaxed, personal and distinctly local setting.
Mariager Boghandel
4.1 km
Cosy village bookshop and service hub in the heart of Mariager, combining books, gifts, toys and practical everyday services in one welcoming stop.
Diva
4.1 km
Curated women's fashion in the heart of historic Mariager's charming town center.
SuperBrugsen
4.1 km
Modern cooperative supermarket and deli hub in small‑town Mariager, ideal for stocking up on Danish groceries, picnic supplies and prepared local dishes every day.
Jørgensen Sko
4.1 km
A long-standing local shoe shop and cobbler in Mariager, offering practical footwear, repairs and traditional service on cosy Østergade near the historic town centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jazz Hobro
7.4 km
Northern Denmark's premier jazz venue, celebrating tradition and innovation through live performances.
Bræddehytten Bar & Pub
7.7 km
Unpretentious local bar on Hobro’s main street, pouring cold beer and warm hygge in a classic Danish pub setting with friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Torvebaren
7.8 km
Classic Danish bodega in central Hobro, serving traditional beers, darts and down‑to‑earth local atmosphere from morning coffee to late‑night rounds.
Vognhjulet Pub
7.9 km
Hobro's legendary rock pub where authentic Danish hospitality meets decades of local tradition.
Madam Blå's Vandhul
7.9 km
A cozy, day‑time neighborhood bar-café in Hobro where locals linger over coffee, beer and small talk in an easygoing, homely atmosphere.
Olivia
9.8 km
Casual Danish beer hall where locals gather for drinks, conversation, and authentic small-town hospitality.
Jagtstuen
14.6 km
Traditional Danish bodega-style bar in central Hadsund, known for its cozy atmosphere and pioneering dementia-friendly approach to everyday social life.
Kælderen
14.8 km
Intimate basement bar at the heart of Hadsund's town square, open for evening gatherings Thursday through Sunday.
Den Graa Kok Vinkælderen
14.9 km
Refined wine bar and cellar in North Jutland offering curated selections and elegant dining.
Rottehullet / Bodega
15.1 km
Laid‑back Danish bodega in quiet Arden, where cold beer, worn wood and easy conversation create a timeless neighborhood hangout.
ar
15.6 km
Unpretentious waterfront bar on Ved Stranden in Hadsund, where simple drinks, fjord views and small-town atmosphere create an easygoing evening stop.
Sunes Bodega
19.8 km
A classic Randers neighbourhood bodega serving cold beers, local stories and uncomplicated hygge from morning until late evening.
Bykroen
20.4 km
Traditional Randers bodega with cold beer, simple smørrebrød and everyday hygge in the heart of Vestergade’s city-centre streets.
Café von Hatten
20.6 km
Intimate volunteer-run bar and music den in the heart of Randers, where underground sounds, candlelit tables and community spirit create a distinctly local night out.
Cocktail Klubben
20.7 km
Experience Randers' vibrant nightlife at Cocktail Klubben, where expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Buddy Holly
7.9 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Randers Rave
18.4 km
Compact, bass-heavy nightclub in Randers NØ, where an unassuming façade hides a late-night dance floor fueled by rave-inspired lights, DJs and high energy.
Rold Skov Orienteringsklub
22.4 km
Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
37.8 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
Vesterbro Pub
38.1 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
39.7 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Mjølner
41.9 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Night Cirque
45.7 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
LouLou Aalborg
46.0 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Under Buret
46.0 km
Aalborg's vibrant party hub with disco energy, DJ beats, and neon-lit celebration on every level.
Club Stygge
46.0 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
46.0 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
Club Wolf
46.0 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
The Drunken Flamingo
46.1 km
Colorful cocktails, neon vibes, and electrifying nights—The Drunken Flamingo is Aalborg’s playful party hotspot in the heart of Denmark’s most famous bar street.
Storm P Beer & Cocktails
46.1 km
Experience Aalborg's legendary Jomfru Ane Gade at Storm P Beer & Cocktails—a vibrant night club, beer haven, and cocktail lounge with playful Danish flair.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly