Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Denmark's birth certificate: where Viking kings unified a nation and declared Christianity in 965 AD.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Jutland marking Denmark's transformation from paganism to Christianity in the 10th century. The complex features two massive royal burial mounds, two runic stones carved with ancient inscriptions, and a 12th-century church. Often called 'Denmark's birth certificate,' this archaeological site documents King Harald Bluetooth's unification and Christianization of Denmark around 965 AD.
A brief summary to Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
- Thyrasvej 1, Jelling, 7300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the visitor centre first to contextualize the site. The interactive exhibits and rooftop viewing platform significantly enhance understanding of the mounds, stones, and church layout before exploring the grounds.
- Examine the runic stones closely in their glass and bronze showcases. The carvings are subtle and require careful observation to distinguish the figures and inscriptions, particularly the depiction of Christ on Harald's stone.
- Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. This duration permits exploration of both mounds, careful study of the stones, a walk through the cemetery, and time inside the 12th-century church.
- The site is surrounded by countryside and maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the grounds involve walking between the mounds and around the cemetery on maintained paths.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Visitor Center
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Food Options
Getting There
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Train from Vejle
Vejle railway station is approximately 12 kilometres south of Jelling. Regional trains operate hourly service between Vejle and Jelling station, with journey time of approximately 15–20 minutes. From Jelling station, the site is a 10–15 minute walk through the village. Train tickets cost approximately 50–80 DKK for a single journey. This is the most convenient public transport option.
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Car from Vejle
Vejle is the nearest major town, approximately 12 kilometres south via Route 18. Driving time is approximately 15–20 minutes. The site has a small car park on Thyrasvej. Parking is free. This option provides flexibility for exploring the surrounding countryside.
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Bicycle from Vejle
Vejle is connected to Jelling by cycling routes through rural Jutland. The journey is approximately 12 kilometres and takes 45–60 minutes on relatively flat terrain. This option suits cyclists comfortable with regional routes and allows exploration of the Danish countryside.
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Guided tour from Copenhagen
Several tour operators offer day trips from Copenhagen combining Jelling with other UNESCO sites in the region. These typically include train or coach transport, guided interpretation, and visits to nearby attractions. Journey time from Copenhagen is approximately 3–4 hours. Tour costs typically range from 400–800 DKK per person depending on inclusions.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
The Foundation of a Nation
Jelling stands as one of Scandinavia's most significant historical sites, representing a pivotal moment when Denmark transformed from a pagan kingdom into a unified Christian nation. In the year 965, King Harald Bluetooth declared Denmark both unified and Christian, an act that would reshape the entire region. The site itself served as a royal monument during the reigns of Gorm and his son Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century, and the complex remains one of the most powerful testimonies to this dramatic cultural shift.The Runic Stones: Denmark's Birth Certificate
At the heart of Jelling lie two remarkable runic stones, collectively known as the Jelling Stones. The first stone was erected by King Gorm in memory of his wife Thyra, bearing the inscription "King Gorm made this monument to his wife Thyra, Denmark's ornament." This pagan monument represents the old Nordic tradition. The second and larger stone was commissioned by Harald Bluetooth and stands as a revolutionary declaration. On its southwestern face is carved the earliest depiction of Christ in all of Scandinavia, accompanied by an inscription relating to the conversion of the Danes to Christianity. These stones are encased in protective bronze and glass showcases, preserving them from the elements while allowing visitors to examine the intricate carvings and ancient inscriptions that document Denmark's spiritual transformation.The Monumental Earthworks
Two flat-topped burial mounds dominate the landscape, each measuring approximately 70 metres in diameter and rising up to 11 metres high. These mounds are nearly identical in shape and size, constructed with remarkable precision from turf carefully stacked in even layers with the grass side facing downwards. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the North mound contains an impressive burial chamber constructed from oak, which was cut into an earlier Bronze Age barrow of much smaller dimensions. The South mound contains no burial chamber. In 2006, further excavations uncovered evidence of a magnificent palisade that once surrounded the entire monument, along with indications of a much larger ship setting of unknown dimensions. These discoveries continue to be studied by the National Museum and the Museum of Vejle, adding new layers of understanding to this ancient complex.The Church and Continuous Worship
Between the two mounds stands a whitewashed stone church built around 1080–1100, with a tower added in the 15th century. This modest brick structure, typical of Danish medieval design, represents the third church to occupy this sacred ground. The first wooden church, built by Harald Bluetooth himself when he accepted Christianity, measured 14 by 30 metres and was somewhat larger than the present stone building. Two subsequent wooden churches were destroyed by fire before the current stone church was constructed. The church's interior features simple white walls with minimal adornments, though it contains well-crafted elements including a model Viking ship hanging from the ceiling and a collection box dating back approximately 800 years. The cemetery surrounding the church is meticulously maintained and represents over 1,000 years of continuous use and worship.Transition Between Worlds
What makes Jelling truly exceptional is how the site physically and symbolically illustrates the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs. The successive pagan burial mounds, the original runic stone commemorating Thyra, the second runic stone announcing Denmark's Christianization, and the emergence of the church all work together to tell a story of profound cultural change. This progression is vividly illustrated through the archaeological record and the monuments themselves, making Jelling an outstanding manifestation of an event of exceptional importance not only to Denmark but to all of Scandinavia and Northern Europe.Modern Preservation and Discovery
The site's authenticity has been carefully maintained through scientific excavation and ongoing conservation efforts. The Town Council of Vejle cooperates closely with the Heritage Agency of Denmark and the National Museum to implement comprehensive preservation plans. Modern additions, such as reconstructed palisades rendered in contemporary style and a stone boat setting, help visitors understand the original grandeur of the complex while maintaining clear distinction between ancient and modern elements. A visitor centre provides interactive exhibits and contextual information, with access to a rooftop viewing platform that offers perspective on the entire monument complex and surrounding landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Midgård Well
8.8 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
VisitVejle
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Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
Vejle Vindmølle
9.4 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Troldborg Ring
9.9 km
Iron Age refuge fortress on a wooded hilltop, where grassy ramparts, “Devil’s Valley” slopes and wide views over Vejle Ådal bring deep Danish history to life.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
23.7 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Jættestuen grønhøj
26.3 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
29.1 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Bilka Horsens
29.2 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
Legeparken
29.3 km
Discover Legeparken in Kolding: A free, year-round playground featuring a lake, boats, moon-cars, and picnic areas for family fun.
The Uncovered Bridge
29.4 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Fredericia Vold
29.6 km
Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.
Koldinghus
29.7 km
Explore over 750 years of Danish history at Koldinghus, a majestic castle transformed into a dynamic museum showcasing art, architecture, and royal collections in the heart of Kolding.
Saint Nicolas Church
29.8 km
Kolding’s oldest church, where medieval roots, Renaissance artistry, and daily parish life meet under a red-brick neo‑Gothic tower.
Milling Hotel Saxildhus
29.8 km
Neo-Gothic English church set by Copenhagen’s Churchill Park and Kastellet, famed for its stained-glass windows, flint architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
Kolding St.
29.8 km
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
0.1 km
Where Denmark was born: ancient Viking monuments and a thousand-year-old kingdom's legacy.
Haughus Gods, Antik & Kræmmermarked
1.5 km
Rural Jutland manor turned weekend treasure market, where antiques, retro finds and a cosy café come together in atmospheric farm buildings and seasonal events.
RAF Mindesten, RAF Memorial
4.7 km
A modest roadside stone in rural Jutland that quietly commemorates a fallen RAF crew and links the peaceful fields near Vejle to the vast air war over Europe.
Stenager Mølle
5.1 km
A lovingly preserved 19th‑century brook mill on the edge of Vejle Ådal, where turning waterwheels, old machinery and quiet countryside tell Denmark’s rural story.
Udsigtstårn
5.3 km
A modest wooden lookout above Østengård with wide, peaceful views over the Vejle River Valley’s forests, meadows and grazed hillsides, just outside Vejle.
Genforeningssten i Skibet
5.9 km
A modest village memorial stone by Skibet Church, quietly marking Denmark’s 1920 Reunification amid the gentle landscape of Vejle Ådal.
Himmelpind
6.7 km
Steep, wooded hill turned nature reserve, Himmelpind rewards a short climb with wide views over Vejle’s rooftops, river valley and fjord from a tranquil forest clearing.
Givskud Zoo Zootopia
7.5 km
Drive-through safari, classic zoo and Denmark’s largest dinosaur park in one spacious, family‑friendly destination in the Jutland countryside.
Kongens Kær
7.6 km
A rewilded wetland on Vejle’s edge, where lakes, meadows and birdlife create a tranquil nature escape just a short stroll from the city streets.
Befrielsessten i Vejle
8.0 km
Et stille hjørne af Vejle, hvor en enkel mindesten og et lille grønt anlæg fortæller den store historie om Danmarks befrielse i 1945.
Fugletårn Kongens kær
8.4 km
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
8.4 km
Experience the serene beauty and cultural vibrancy of Biblioteksparken, Vejle's cherished urban oasis.
Spinderihallerne
8.4 km
Historic mill reimagined as Vejle's beating heart for art, design, innovation, and creative community.
Kulturmuseet
8.4 km
Industrielle spinderihaller forvandlet til et levende museum om Vejles historie – fra moselig og jernalder til natteliv, arbejde og hverdagsliv i dag.
Byparken
8.7 km
Vejle's cherished urban park: fountains, streams, and tranquil green space in the city heart.
Essential places to dine
Vindelev Kro & Galleri
6.5 km
Cosy village inn and intimate gallery where Knud Nielsen’s colourful paintings meet homely Danish fare amid gardens and rural calm near historic Jelling.
Restaurant Shangrila
8.6 km
Vejle's expansive Chinese buffet with Mongolian barbecue, sushi, and modern Asian hospitality.
Restaurant Hviid's Vinstue
8.6 km
Family‑run Vejle steakhouse and wine tavern pairing classic Danish and European dishes with cosy, old‑world charm and table‑side flambered steaks.
Madkunst v/Jonna Olsen
8.7 km
Artisan sandwiches and fresh smørrebrød in a welcoming Vejle café with genuine local charm.
Il Teatro
8.7 km
Family‑run Italian favourite opposite Vejle Music Theatre, serving classic pizzas, homemade pasta and set theatre menus in warm, theatre‑inspired surroundings.
L TORO
8.8 km
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
8.8 km
Farverig mexicansk og latinamerikansk comfort food fra bunden midt i Paladspassagen Social Dining i Vejle – uformelt, fleksibelt og fuld af smag.
Afro Restaurant
8.8 km
Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine in Vejle's vibrant dining scene
Paladspassagen Social Dining
8.8 km
Multi-cuisine social dining with open kitchens, board games, and retro entertainment under one roof.
Enzo & C Vejle C
8.8 km
Modern Italian kitchen in the heart of Vejle, serving wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas and classic comfort dishes in a warm, contemporary setting.
A/S Pse Nr. 2135
8.8 km
Authentic Danish hospitality and traditional cuisine in Vejle's most welcoming neighborhood restaurant.
ONKEL A
8.8 km
Vejle's beloved lunch café serving generous handmade sandwiches, vegan brunches, and seasonal Nordic fare.
Restaurant PlanB - Tapas Vin & Cocktails
8.8 km
Nordic tapas, curated wines, and craft cocktails in Vejle's most welcoming dining space.
Mad Rick
8.8 km
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
8.5 km
Authentic hand-painted Danish porcelain at 30% discount—heritage craftsmanship meets accessible luxury.
Ide Stuen V/betzy Eykens
8.7 km
A long-running, owner-led clothing shop in central Vejle, Ide Stuen offers classic, comfortable womenswear in an intimate, unhurried setting off Vestergade.
Lavita
8.8 km
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
8.8 km
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
8.8 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in the heart of Vejle's vibrant city center.
Fabrikanterne
8.8 km
Where Danish designers and makers craft unique, handmade homeware and lifestyle products in a working creative studio.
Dark Wolf Gothic & Viking
8.8 km
A compact gothic and Viking haven in central Vejle, blending alternative fashion, Norse-inspired accessories and in-house body art in an intimate, welcoming space.
Ny Mundering
8.8 km
A welcoming Scandinavian fashion boutique in Vejle’s Latinerkvarter, combining Danish design, curated labels and personal service in a cozy old-town setting.
Underground
8.8 km
Compact streetwear and sneaker specialist in Vejle’s central shopping streets, blending skate-inspired labels and everyday urban style in an easygoing setting.
Dansk Tekstil Genbrug - Vejle Butik
8.8 km
Compact, no‑nonsense textile reuse shop in central Vejle, where everyday clothing and fabrics get a practical second life at budget‑friendly prices.
The Body Shop
8.8 km
Compact, cruelty‑free beauty hub on Nørregade in Vejle, packed with nature‑inspired skincare, body treats and ready-to-wrap gifts for quick yet mindful shopping.
Street One
8.8 km
Casual Northern European womenswear in a compact, easy-to-browse boutique on Vestergade, right in the walkable heart of Vejle’s shopping streets.
Rosa's Butik
8.8 km
A cosy yarn sanctuary in Paladspassagen, where shelves of colourful Scandinavian fibres and personal advice inspire knitters and crocheters in central Vejle.
Noa Noa
8.8 km
A calm, Scandinavian fashion boutique in Vejle’s centre, showcasing Noa Noa’s feminine, bohemian-inspired designs in a warm, homely setting on Torvegade.
Only
8.8 km
Central Vejle’s go-to women’s fashion store for trend-focused denim, dresses and everyday styles in a bright, modern high-street setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vejle Jazzklub
6.5 km
Volunteer-run village jazz club near Vejle, offering intimate live concerts in a cozy community-style venue surrounded by the fields and quiet of rural Jutland.
Honning
8.2 km
A modest countryside stand bar on Holtumvej, Honning offers unfussy drinks, rural calm and a relaxed local vibe just beyond Vejle’s town centre.
Granny's Pub
8.3 km
Intimate neighborhood pub on Vesterbrogade in central Vejle, mixing classic bar comfort, cold beers and a laid-back late-night atmosphere.
The Last Waterhole
8.3 km
Neighbourly Vejle pub with long hours, inexpensive drinks and a hygge-soaked atmosphere where locals and visitors quickly feel at home.
Marys Pub
8.7 km
Cosy, no-frills neighbourhood pub in central Vejle, pouring affordable beers and easygoing Danish hospitality from late morning until late at night.
Borgerkroen
8.8 km
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
8.8 km
Authentic Danish pub where locals gather for affordable beer, genuine conversation, and timeless community spirit.
The Cat And Barrel
8.9 km
A warmly lit craft beer pub in central Vejle, blending British-style coziness, Danish microbrews, sports on screen and lively quiz and karaoke nights.
Charly's Pub
9.0 km
Cozy, live-music–driven pub in the heart of Vejle, pouring special beers and cocktails for an adult crowd in a relaxed, late-opening, party-friendly setting.
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
9.0 km
Vejle's premier cocktail bar crafting quality drinks in a welcoming weekend atmosphere.
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
9.1 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
13.2 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
22.4 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
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
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
29.1 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
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
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Koldingtivet Engen
29.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
29.8 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
29.8 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
29.8 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
AHA Livestage
30.1 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
30.6 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
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
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access