Kongernes Jelling – Home of the Viking Kings

Stand where Denmark was first named, among Viking mounds and rune stones, then step inside a cutting-edge museum that brings the kings of Jelling vividly to life.

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Kongernes Jelling

Kongernes Jelling in the town of Jelling is a striking blend of cutting-edge museum and sacred Viking landscape, set where Denmark was first named and its conversion to Christianity proclaimed. Inside the interactive experience center, multimedia exhibits bring Gorm the Old, Queen Thyra and Harald Bluetooth vividly to life, while outside you step among royal mounds, rune stones, church and palisade traces in a vast UNESCO-listed monument area that is free to roam day and night.

A brief summary to Kongernes Jelling

Gormsgade 23, Jelling, 7300, DK
+4541206331
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Allow time both for the indoor experience center and the free outdoor monument area; many visitors underestimate how long they will spend exploring the mounds and rune stones.
Visit early or later in the afternoon for calmer conditions around the rune stones and church, when the light on the mounds is especially atmospheric for photos.
Dress for changeable weather and bring a windproof layer; much of the magic lies outside on the exposed mounds and viewing platforms.
Families should seek out the mythic playground and orange-coded interactive elements inside the museum, which are designed specifically with children in mind.
Check current opening hours and ticket prices in advance, as the experience center has shorter hours and reduced admission in the winter season.

Getting There

Train and short walk from Vejle

From Vejle, regional trains run frequently to Jelling, with a typical journey time of about 12–15 minutes. Standard adult tickets usually cost around 40–60 DKK one way, depending on discounts and time of purchase. From Jelling station it is an easy, mostly level walk of around 10 minutes through the village streets to Kongernes Jelling, suitable for most visitors and pushchairs. Trains operate throughout the year, though late evenings and weekends may have slightly reduced frequency.
Bus connection within the Vejle region

Several regional bus routes link Jelling with nearby towns such as Vejle and Billund. Journey times from Vejle are typically 25–35 minutes, with standard adult fares in the range of 25–40 DKK depending on the zone system and ticket type. Buses generally stop within a short, level walk of the monument area and museum. Services can be less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, so it is wise to check the timetable and plan your return trip in advance.
Car access from the surrounding area

Driving from Vejle or other towns in the region typically takes 20–30 minutes on well-maintained roads. Free parking is normally available close to the monument area and museum, but spaces can fill during school holidays and special events. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle, and access roads are suitable year-round, though caution is advisable in winter conditions. From the parking areas, expect a short, gently sloping walk to the experience center and mounds.

Kongernes Jelling location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather

Discover more about Kongernes Jelling

Where a Kingdom Was Carved in Stone

Kongernes Jelling sits at the heart of one of Denmark’s most important historic landscapes, the UNESCO-listed Jelling Monuments. Here, in the 10th century, Viking king Gorm the Old raised a rune stone that for the first time named the realm “Denmark”, while his son Harald Bluetooth added a larger stone proclaiming that he had made the Danes Christian. Standing in front of these rune stones, now sheltered beside the whitewashed church, you are quite literally at the birthplace of the Danish kingdom. The surrounding monument area tells the same story on a grander scale. Two massive grass-covered mounds face each other across the church, once linked by a monumental ship setting and enclosed by a palisade that was among the largest constructions of the Viking Age. Today discreet white stones and posts trace the vanished timber ramparts and ship outline, helping you imagine the original scale without disturbing the quiet atmosphere of the churchyard.

An Immersive Viking Experience Center

The modern experience center at Kongernes Jelling translates this thousand-year-old story into a vivid, hands-on museum visit. Spread across multiple levels, the exhibition uses films, soundscapes, projections and interactive stations to explore daily life in the Viking Age, royal power, long-distance trade and warfare. You can trace Denmark’s line of kings from Gorm the Old to the present, decode runes, and test your knowledge of mythology and law in family-friendly installations. Orange-coloured interactive elements signal where you can touch, slide, listen and play; these design cues guide children and adults alike through the narrative without ever feeling didactic. Models, artefacts and reconstructions show how Jelling may have looked with its towering timber halls and palisade. A roof terrace gives an elevated view over the mounds and monument field, helping you connect what you have just seen inside with the landscape outside.

UNESCO Landscape of Mounds, Church and Stones

Step outside and the museum flows seamlessly into the open-air monument area, which remains accessible around the clock. Paths lead you up the sides of the enormous royal mounds for sweeping perspectives over Jelling and the palisade footprint. From here the symmetry of the Viking-age design becomes clear: the mounds, church, rune stones and ship setting were laid out as a single ceremonial complex, announcing royal authority to anyone approaching. The present church is younger than the mounds but occupies the site of earlier wooden churches that marked Denmark’s gradual Christianisation. Its modest interior, with painted decorations and model ship, contrasts with the bold rune stones outside, underlining the meeting of pagan and Christian worlds. Information panels in the area explain the archaeological discoveries and the reconstruction of the palisade outline in clear, multilingual summaries.

Family-Friendly Learning and Play

Kongernes Jelling is designed with families in mind. Exhibits invite children to try on Viking gear digitally, piece together ships, and explore animated stories of voyages and battles. Simple explanations sit alongside deeper layers of text and audio, so curious younger visitors and history enthusiasts can both find their level. Seasonal activities, craft workshops and themed programmes often focus on runes, combat skills or everyday crafts like weaving and metalwork. Outside, grassy slopes and open lawns around the mounds offer space to run, roll and stage mock Viking duels with sticks. The so‑called mythic playground near the monument field uses sculptural play equipment inspired by sagas and creatures from Norse mythology, blending playtime with storytelling. Seating areas and the calm village setting make it easy to pause while children explore.

Modern Comforts in an Ancient Setting

Despite the deep history, Kongernes Jelling feels like a contemporary visitor facility. The on-site café serves drinks, cakes and light meals, with an emphasis on simple, family-friendly options and quick snacks, especially in school holidays. A small shop offers books on Vikings and archaeology, high-quality replicas and locally themed gifts. The museum building is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts between floors, level entry, and staff accustomed to supporting visitors with mobility needs. Service dogs are welcome inside, and other dogs can accompany you in the outdoor monument area. Clear signage, information boards and staff at the information desk help you plan your route between museum, church and mounds. The combination of free 24/7 access to the outdoor UNESCO site and ticketed entry to the experience center makes it easy to tailor a visit, whether you have an hour to spare or wish to immerse yourself in Viking history for a full day.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Midgård Well

8.9 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

9.5 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

23.8 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

29.2 km

Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.

Bilka Horsens

29.3 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.

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.

Fredericia Vold

29.7 km

Northern Europe's best-preserved fortress ramparts, where 370 years of Danish military history meets urban parkland.

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

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church

0.1 km

Stand where Denmark was first named in stone, between Viking burial mounds, iconic rune stones and a simple whitewashed church that bridges pagan and Christian worlds.

Haughus Gods, Antik & Kræmmermarked

1.6 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

6.8 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

7.7 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

8.1 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

8.5 km

Experience the serene beauty and cultural vibrancy of Biblioteksparken, Vejle's cherished urban oasis.

Spinderihallerne

8.5 km

Historic mill reimagined as Vejle's beating heart for art, design, innovation, and creative community.

Kulturmuseet

8.5 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.

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.

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

8.9 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

8.4 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

8.4 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

8.9 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

8.9 km

Authentic Danish pub where locals gather for affordable beer, genuine conversation, and timeless community spirit.

The Cat And Barrel

9.0 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

9.1 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

9.1 km

Vejle's beloved underground bar where low ceilings and high spirits create unforgettable nights.

Mi Bar

9.1 km

Vejle's premier cocktail bar crafting quality drinks in a welcoming weekend atmosphere.

Tartan Pub

9.2 km

Vejle's legendary Scottish pub since 1975—dance, drink, and connect in authentic Celtic charm.

Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Vejle A/S

9.2 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

9.2 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.

13.3 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

24.4 km

Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.

PDD

28.4 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

29.3 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

29.9 km

Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.

Mørks Kælder

29.9 km

Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.

Pitstop

29.9 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

30.2 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.

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Kongernes Jelling – Home of the Viking Kings

A brief summary to Kongernes Jelling

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and short walk from Vejle

Bus connection within the Vejle region

Car access from the surrounding area

Kongernes Jelling location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Kongernes Jelling

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Kongernes Jelling

Where a Kingdom Was Carved in Stone

An Immersive Viking Experience Center

UNESCO Landscape of Mounds, Church and Stones

Family-Friendly Learning and Play

Modern Comforts in an Ancient Setting

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Midgård Well

VisitVejle

Vejle Vindmølle

Troldborg Ring

Årtusindeskifte Eg

Jættestuen grønhøj

Horsens Tourist Information Centre

Bilka Horsens

Legeparken

The Uncovered Bridge

Koldinghus

Fredericia Vold

Saint Nicolas Church

Milling Hotel Saxildhus

Kolding St.

Unmissable attractions to see

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church

Haughus Gods, Antik & Kræmmermarked

RAF Mindesten, RAF Memorial

Stenager Mølle

Udsigtstårn

Genforeningssten i Skibet

Himmelpind

Givskud Zoo Zootopia

Kongens Kær

Befrielsessten i Vejle

Fugletårn Kongens kær

Biblioteksparken

Spinderihallerne

Kulturmuseet

Byparken

Essential places to dine

Vindelev Kro & Galleri

Restaurant Shangrila

Restaurant Hviid's Vinstue

Madkunst v/Jonna Olsen

Il Teatro

L TORO

African Kitchen

Cocina Latina - Mexicansk spisested

Afro Restaurant

Paladspassagen Social Dining

Enzo & C Vejle C

A/S Pse Nr. 2135

ONKEL A

Restaurant PlanB - Tapas Vin & Cocktails

Mad Rick

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Royal Copenhagen Outlet - Vejle

Ide Stuen V/betzy Eykens

Lavita

Lavenderland Studio

Oscar Butik

Fabrikanterne

Dark Wolf Gothic & Viking

Ny Mundering

Underground

Dansk Tekstil Genbrug - Vejle Butik

The Body Shop

Street One