Kings Hill Megalithic Tomb (Kongehøjen), Mariager

A quietly powerful Stone Age tomb in the fields near Mariager, Kings Hill offers a remarkably preserved megalithic mound, ancient stories, and wide Himmerland skies.

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Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Set in gentle countryside between Hobro and Mariager, Kings Hill (Kongehøjen) is a remarkably well‑preserved Stone Age megalithic tomb dating to around 3200 BC. The elongated mound is ringed by an almost intact chain of curb stones and shelters two stone-built burial chambers linked by low passages. Once raised by early farming communities of the Funnel Beaker culture, this atmospheric site now offers a quiet, evocative glimpse into Denmark’s prehistoric past amid fields, wind, and skylarks.

A brief summary to Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Hobrovej 12C, Mariager, 9550, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Wear sturdy, closed shoes; the ground around the mound can be uneven, grassy, and slippery after rain.
Combine a stop at Kings Hill with a visit to nearby Mariager Fjord viewpoints or the historic centre of Mariager for a half‑day outing.
Bring a light jacket or windbreaker, as the exposed position of the mound means it can feel breezy even on mild days.
If you are interested in prehistory, read a short introduction to Denmark’s Funnel Beaker culture before coming to better appreciate the tomb’s context.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light that enhances the mound’s contours and makes photography more atmospheric.

Getting There

Car from Mariager town

From central Mariager, reaching Kings Hill by car typically takes about 8–12 minutes. The route uses local country roads heading southwest toward Hobrovej. There is usually informal roadside parking or small lay‑bys near the mound, but no marked car park or facilities. Access is free, and the final approach involves walking a short distance over uneven, grassy ground, which may be muddy after rain.
Car from Hobro

From Hobro, expect a 12–18 minute drive through gently rolling farmland toward Mariager along regional roads. Turning off onto Hobrovej brings you close to the tomb area, where you can park in a suitable safe spot off the main road. There are no parking fees or dedicated spaces, and the last section to the mound is on foot across natural terrain that is not ideal for wheelchairs or prams.
Bicycle from Mariager area

For cyclists staying around Mariager, Kings Hill makes an appealing countryside detour. The ride generally takes 20–30 minutes each way on minor roads with light traffic but some rolling gradients. Surfaces are paved, yet weather and wind can significantly affect effort. There are no bike racks at the site, so bring a lock and be prepared to leave your bicycle along a fence or verge while you explore the mound.
Walking from nearby rural accommodation

If you are staying at a farmhouse, campsite, or guesthouse in the immediate countryside, ask your host about walking options to Kings Hill. Typical local walks range from 30 to 60 minutes each way on quiet lanes and field paths. The landscape is gently hilly rather than steep, but paths can be muddy and uneven, so waterproof footwear is recommended. There is no lighting on routes or at the mound, so such walks are best kept to daylight hours.

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Discover more about Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Stone Age monument above Mariager Fjord

Kings Hill, known in Danish as Kongehøjen, rises gently from the farmland between Hobro and Mariager as an elongated burial mound dating back more than five millennia. Built around 3200 BC by the Funnel Beaker culture, it belongs to Denmark’s earliest farming communities, who transformed the landscape with monumental tombs for their dead. Today the grass‑covered mound looks deceptively modest, but its age and craftsmanship make it one of the most striking Stone Age sites in northern Jutland. From a distance, the mound appears as a low, rounded ridge in the landscape, aligned with nearby fields and hedgerows. As you approach, the structure gradually resolves into something far more deliberate: an engineered hill of earth raised over carefully stacked stones, conceived not only as a grave but as a visible statement of belief, community, and continuity.

The ring of stones and hidden chambers

What sets Kings Hill apart is its almost intact chain of curb stones that encircles the foot of the mound, a ring of some 62 large boulders carefully set to hold the tumulus in place. Each stone was dragged here in the Neolithic era, likely using wooden sledges and sheer human effort. The ring gives the tomb a precise outline and lends it a quiet geometric harmony when viewed from below. Beneath the turf, two well‑preserved stone chambers lie hidden within the mound. These were built from upright slabs supporting massive capstones, forming dry‑stone spaces where the dead were laid to rest. Low, narrow passages originally led into the chambers, forcing anyone entering to stoop or crawl and reinforcing the sense of crossing a threshold between worlds. Though only parts of the interior may be accessible or visible today, knowing what lies within changes how you read every curve and contour of the hill.

Archaeology, restoration, and protection

Excavations carried out in the early 1960s revealed just how sophisticated the construction is. Archaeologists determined that the tomb belongs to the middle of the so‑called Peasant Age, when settled agriculture, domestic animals, and permanent villages had taken hold in Denmark. Finds from the chambers helped confirm its Neolithic date and placed it within the wider network of megalithic structures that once dotted the region. Kongehøjen has benefited from early and consistent protection. It was voluntarily placed under conservation in the late nineteenth century, sparing it the fate of many burial mounds that were ploughed out, quarried for stone, or leveled for building materials. Later restoration work stabilised the structure and clarified its outline without turning it into an over‑managed monument, preserving much of its original character and grassy, weathered surfaces.

Legends, beliefs, and quiet superstitions

Local folklore has long surrounded the mound. Stories tell of misfortune befalling anyone who disturbed the stone circle, reflecting an intuitive respect for the ancient dead and an awareness that this was no ordinary hill. Such tales may have helped protect the site, reinforcing the idea that the stones at its base should not be moved or broken. The name Kings Hill, though much younger than the tomb itself, hints at imagined royal burials and forgotten rulers, even though the mound predates Denmark’s historical kings by thousands of years. Standing here, it is easy to imagine gatherings for rituals, seasonal observances, or commemorations of ancestors. While the precise beliefs of the builders remain unknown, the effort invested in carrying heavy stones, shaping the mound, and maintaining the site over generations suggests that burial was a social act, linking the living to their predecessors and to the land they farmed.

A contemplative detour in Himmerland

Visiting Kings Hill is a quiet, low‑key experience rather than a structured attraction with displays and facilities. There are no grand arches or formal entrances; you simply step off the modern world and into a grassy enclosure of prehistory. The surrounding countryside is characteristically Himmerland: rolling fields, scattered farms, and the distant silhouette of wooded hills leading towards Mariager Fjord. The atmosphere changes with the weather. On bright days, the stone ring stands out against vibrant green grass, and larks spiral above the mound. On overcast or misty mornings, the tomb feels more introspective, a raised island of memory in a muted landscape. With no crowds and minimal signage, it invites unrushed exploration, quiet photographs, and a few moments simply sitting on the slope, looking out and letting the time‑depth of the place sink in.

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.

Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender

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.

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.

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.

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Kings Hill Megalithic Tomb (Kongehøjen), Mariager

A brief summary to Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from Mariager town

Car from Hobro

Bicycle from Mariager area

Walking from nearby rural accommodation

Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Kings Hill | Megalithic tomb

Stone Age monument above Mariager Fjord

The ring of stones and hidden chambers

Archaeology, restoration, and protection

Legends, beliefs, and quiet superstitions

A contemplative detour in Himmerland

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Mariager Church

Mariager Kirke

Hotel Postgaarden Mariager

Mariager Lystbådehavn

Restaurant BramslevGaard

Hotel BramslevGaard

Mariager Fjord

Hobro Lystbådehavn

Sven Dalsgaards Plads

Randers St.

Randers Railwaystation

Hotel Randers

Gravhøjen i Fladbro Dyrehave

Rold Forest

Troldeskoven

Unmissable attractions to see

Miniseum

Katbjerg Odde, Mariager fjord

Mariagerfjord Frikirke

Mariager Idræts Klub

Munkholmanlægget

Rosenhaven

Mariager Klosterhave

Ivan Evigvår trold

Bramslev Bakker

Mariager Camping

Mariager Museum

Veteranjernbanen Mariager-Handest

Saltcentret

Mariager Sejlklub

Sødisbakkes Museum

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Bramslev Bakker

A'porta

Mariager Bistro & Konditori

Torve Pizza Mariager v/Kenan Atas

Havnens Grill & Pølsebod

Landgangen

Restaurant Uafhængig

Restaurant The Grill Hobro

Matios Det Italienske Spisehus

Nida's food

Esja Bistro

Restaurant Bies Bryghus

Star Pizza & Grill

Restauration Orkidee Dania - Mad som man kender

Cafe Fyret Kongsdal

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

PetitePeople

REMA 1000

Kirkepladsens Blomster Mariager ApS

Vinspecialisten Mariager

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp Genbrug

Mariager Slagterforretning

Helga Winther Smykkedesigner

Vaffelbageren i Mariager

JamerAntik.dk

Klosterkaelderen.dk Antiques & Porcelain

Klæd Dig - Mariager