Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Stand between Viking burial mounds and rune stones where Denmark was named, unified and Christianised, in a compact UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Set in the heart of Jutland, the Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church form one of Denmark’s most important historic ensembles. Two monumental Viking-age burial mounds, a pair of rune stones encased in glass, and a simple whitewashed church together mark the moment Denmark was unified and officially Christianised in the 10th century. This compact UNESCO World Heritage site blends Viking power, royal memory and quiet village life in a single evocative landscape.
A brief summary to Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
- Thyrasvej 1, Jelling, 7300, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Start at the Kongernes Jelling experience centre to understand the royal complex and then view the stones, mounds and church with that context in mind.
- Climb both mounds for different perspectives on the palisade traces and village; wear shoes with good grip, as the grass can be slippery in wet weather.
- Allow time inside the church to see the simple interior and consider the shift from pagan mound burials to Christian reburial beneath the altar.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the mounds and fewer people around the rune stones’ glass cases.
- Bring a light jacket year-round; the exposed hilltop position can feel noticeably cooler and windier than the surrounding streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Regional train from Vejle
From Vejle, take a regional train on the Vejle–Herning line to Jelling station; trains typically run at least once an hour and the ride takes about 10–15 minutes. A one-way adult ticket usually costs around 30–50 DKK in standard class. From Jelling station it is a short, level walk through the village to the monument area. Trains are step-free, but some older platforms may have a small gap to bridge for wheelchairs.
-
Car from Vejle and central Jutland
Driving from Vejle to Jelling takes about 20–25 minutes along regional roads through gently rolling countryside. From towns elsewhere in central Jutland such as Billund or Give, travel times are typically 25–40 minutes. There is signed parking in Jelling near the monument area; parking is generally free or low-cost, but spaces can fill on summer weekends and during school holidays.
-
Bus within the local area
Local buses link Jelling with Vejle and nearby towns, with journey times of about 25–35 minutes depending on the route and stops. Services are less frequent than trains, especially evenings and weekends, so it is worth checking timetables in advance. Single tickets on local buses usually cost in the range of 25–40 DKK, and drivers can provide basic advice on the correct zone ticket.
-
Cycling from Vejle region
For an active option, cycling from Vejle or nearby villages to Jelling is popular in good weather. Expect 45–75 minutes from Vejle depending on route and fitness, on a mix of cycle paths and minor roads with some gentle hills. Surfaces are mostly paved and suitable for standard bicycles. There is informal bicycle parking close to the visitor centre, but bring a good lock and be prepared for wind on exposed stretches.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Windy Conditions
Discover more about Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
Viking royal seat on the Jutland plain
Jelling lies in central Jutland, north of Vejle, where gently rolling farmland frames a surprisingly monumental scene. In the 10th century this was the royal centre of Denmark, home to King Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth. Today the site still feels intimate in scale, yet its earthworks, stones and church encapsulate a turning point in Scandinavian history. The ensemble’s significance is such that it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Within a few paces you move between traces of pagan burial customs, the first written mentions of the name “Denmark”, and the earliest depiction of Christ known in Scandinavia. It is here that Denmark’s transition from a patchwork of Viking chieftaincies to a unified Christian kingdom is written directly into the landscape.Earth mounds of kings and memorials
Dominating the area are two vast, flat-topped mounds, carefully constructed from stacked turf, each about 70 metres across and around 10–11 metres high. They rise symmetrically on either side of the church, like silent guardians of the site. The northern mound contained a timber burial chamber, once thought to be the resting place of Gorm the Old before his remains were moved into the church for Christian burial. Excavations showed the southern mound never held a grave at all, suggesting it functioned as a symbolic monument to royal power rather than a tomb. Climbing the mounds rewards you with wide views over the town, the outline of the former palisade that once enclosed the royal complex, and the geometric pattern of modern white stones on the ground that trace long-lost Viking structures.Runic stones: Denmark’s name and baptism
Between the mounds, close to the church porch, stand the celebrated Jelling Stones, now protected in glass and bronze cases. The smaller stone was raised by King Gorm in memory of his queen, Thyra, whom he calls "Denmark's adornment". This inscription is among the earliest surviving uses of the country’s name. The larger stone, carved by Harald Bluetooth around 965, is often described as Denmark’s “birth certificate”. Its runes proclaim that Harald won Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian. One side shows a sinuous animal entwined by a serpent; the other presents a striking image of Christ, the oldest of its kind in Scandinavia. Together, the stones mark both dynastic continuity and a conscious shift from Norse belief to Christianity.Whitewashed church over older sanctuaries
At the centre of the complex stands a modest white stone church, Romanesque in origin and dating largely from the 12th century. Beneath its floor lie traces of at least three earlier wooden churches, each destroyed by fire, and the spot where Gorm was reburied. Stepping inside, you move from windswept Viking landscape into a calm, light-filled interior with simple furnishings and historic frescoes. The church’s position, exactly between the two mounds and beside the runic stones, is no accident. It physically and symbolically supersedes the pagan burial monuments while remaining anchored in the same sacred ground. In one compact building you read the story of how royal ideology moved from ship-shaped graves and earthen mounds to the Christian altar.A layered monument in a living village
What makes Jelling distinctive is how this weighty history sits in the middle of an ordinary Danish village. A low modern visitor centre, Kongernes Jelling, stands just beyond the churchyard, offering interactive exhibits and rooftop views of the alignment of mounds, stones, church and former palisade. Around the core, contemporary houses, a cemetery and everyday life underscore the continuity between Viking royal seat and present-day community. Paths weave around the mounds and through the churchyard, with information boards explaining the archaeological discoveries, including evidence of a massive wooden enclosure and a ship setting that once extended the monument far beyond what is visible today. The result is a site that is at once ceremonial and approachable: a place to walk, reflect and quite literally look down on the birthplace of the Danish kingdom.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
9.2 km
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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
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
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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