Troldborg Ring
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.
Troldborg Ring is an Iron Age ring fort dramatically perched 70 metres above the Vejle River Valley near Bredsten in Jutland. Encircled by a 60-metre-wide rampart and moat, this refuge fortress from around 100–200 AD once offered local communities protection in troubled times. Today, grassy earthworks, steep slopes nicknamed “Fandens dal” and sweeping views over the valley combine archaeology and nature into a compact, atmospheric walk in Ladegårdsskoven.
A brief summary to Troldborg Ring
- Bredsten, 7182, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes: the approach includes an uphill forest walk and the slopes around the ring can be muddy and slippery after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no services or kiosks at the monument itself and only basic facilities near the parking area.
- Combine your visit with nearby Ravning Bridge or Jelling’s monuments to connect Troldborg Ring’s Iron Age story with later Viking history.
- Visit on a clear day or around golden hour to make the most of the views over the Vejle River Valley from the edge of the ramparts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car from Vejle
From central Vejle, driving to the Troldborg Ring parking area near Ravning typically takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows paved regional roads through rolling countryside. Parking at the forest edge is free but limited to a small gravel area, and from there you continue on foot along forest tracks to the site. In winter or after heavy rain, expect muddy sections on the final approach and allow extra time for a careful walk.
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Bus and short hike from Vejle area
Regional buses connect Vejle with villages near Bredsten and Ravning in about 25–40 minutes, with services generally hourly on weekdays and less frequent in the evening and on weekends. A standard adult ticket on local buses in this part of Jutland typically costs around 20–40 DKK depending on zones. From the nearest bus stop, you should be prepared to walk on rural roads and forest paths for 30–45 minutes to reach the Troldborg Ring trailhead, so this option suits visitors comfortable with longer walks and basic wayfinding.
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Cycling from Bredsten or nearby villages
For confident cyclists, Troldborg Ring can be combined with a countryside ride from Bredsten or other nearby villages, usually taking 20–40 minutes each way on gently hilly rural roads. Surfaces are mostly paved, though the final stretch to the parking area and the approach through the forest are on gravel or dirt tracks where you may prefer to push your bike. There are no formal bike racks, so bring a lock and be ready to secure your bicycle discreetly near the forest edge without blocking paths or access.
Troldborg Ring location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Troldborg Ring
Iron Age stronghold above the Vejle River Valley
Troldborg Ring crowns a wooded hilltop in Ladegårdsskoven, just south of Bredsten and Ravning, where the land drops steeply into the Vejle River Valley. Archaeologists interpret it as a refuge fortress from the early Iron Age, most likely around 100–200 AD, when rival tribes contested control of Jutland. Raised earth banks and a surrounding ditch trace a near-perfect ring, enclosing a protected space that once gathered people, livestock and valuables in moments of danger. From the outside, the monument looks surprisingly modest: a low, circular ridge overgrown with grass and heather. Step onto the ring, however, and the geometry becomes clear. The fort’s diameter is about 60 metres, forming a compact enclosure that could be defended by a relatively small group. Although no buildings are visible today, the earthworks are the enduring skeleton of a much busier fortified refuge.Earthworks shaped by defence and landscape
The builders of Troldborg Ring chose their site with care. On one side, a man-made rampart and moat block access along the ridge; on the others, the hill falls away so abruptly that the deep gully below is known as “Fandens dal” – the Devil’s Valley. Together, natural slopes and artificial banks created a defensive shell that would have been difficult to storm with Iron Age weapons. Within the enclosure, the ground is gently undulating, suggesting terraces where temporary shelters or storage structures might once have stood. Just beyond the fort, springs and the fertile valley floor offered water, pasture and fields. The ring thus sits at the meeting point between secure retreat and productive landscape, an elevated control post watching over movement along the valley long before later rulers imposed their authority here.From tribal frontier to royal heartland
Troldborg Ring belongs to a time centuries before the famous Viking kings of Jelling, yet it hints at an earlier phase of power in the Vejle region. The Iron Age saw repeated conflicts between local groups, reflected in fortified sites, weapon deposits in nearby bogs and carefully positioned strongholds like this one. Standing on the rampart, it is easy to imagine lookouts scanning for smoke, riders or war bands threading the valley below. Much later, in the late 10th century, the same strategic corridor attracted the attention of Harald Bluetooth, who built the great Ravning Bridge across the valley just downstream. That monumental timber structure turned the area into part of a royal communications and military network. In this way, Troldborg Ring forms one chapter in a long story of how geography shaped political and military decisions in eastern Jutland.A quiet woodland walk through deep time
Today, reaching Troldborg Ring involves a short walk along forest tracks through Ladegårdsskoven, emerging at the clearing where the ring crowns the slope. Birds call from the trees, the wind catches in the canopy, and the hum of modern life fades. The rampart is now a soft green curve, inviting you to stroll its length and feel the change in perspective as you circle above the valley. The views are one of the site’s great rewards. Between the trees, openings frame the Vejle River Valley, farmland patches and, on clear days, the line where the valley continues toward Vejle Fjord. The combination of archaeological structure and scenic landscape makes Troldborg Ring as much an outdoor viewpoint as a historic monument, best appreciated at an unhurried pace.Practical details and ways to explore
Troldborg Ring is protected but freely accessible, set on private land with a right of public access. A small parking area near the forest edge offers information about the monument and the surrounding nature, from where a modest uphill walk leads to the fort. Simple paths and unpaved surfaces mean sturdy footwear is advisable, especially in wet weather when slopes can be slippery. There are no built facilities at the ring itself, so visitors should bring water and any snacks they need. Many choose to combine the site with other ancient and Viking Age locations in the area, such as Ravning Bridge or the Jelling complex, creating a day that spans more than a thousand years of Danish history within the Vejle landscape. Even a short visit, though, is enough to sense how this small circle of earth once anchored a community in uncertain times.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Troldborg Ring
0.0 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.
Vejle Vindmølle
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The Midgård Well
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Borchs Gård
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Milling Hotel Saxildhus
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Kolding St.
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Helligkorsgade 18
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Old Cemetery
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Villa Gertrud - Bed & Breakfast
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vejle Ådal Slotsbjergvej
4.2 km
A quiet bend of Vejle Ådal where river, woodland and meadows meet, offering simple, slowed-down encounters with one of Jutland’s most atmospheric valleys.
Genforeningssten i Skibet
6.8 km
A modest village memorial stone by Skibet Church, quietly marking Denmark’s 1920 Reunification amid the gentle landscape of Vejle Ådal.
Stenager Mølle
7.3 km
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Udsigtstårn
9.0 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.
RAF Mindesten, RAF Memorial
9.8 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.
Kongernes Jelling
9.9 km
Where Denmark was born: ancient Viking monuments and a thousand-year-old kingdom's legacy.
Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church
9.9 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.
Kongens Kær
10.2 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.
Haughus Gods, Antik & Kræmmermarked
10.4 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.
Himmelpind
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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.
Fugletårn Kongens kær
10.5 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.
Pedersholm
11.0 km
Historic manor and leafy woodland on the edge of Vejle, where quiet paths, old trees and a stately façade create a gentle green pause between town and countryside.
Biblioteksparken
11.5 km
Experience the serene beauty and cultural vibrancy of Biblioteksparken, Vejle's cherished urban oasis.
Befrielsessten i Vejle
12.0 km
Et stille hjørne af Vejle, hvor en enkel mindesten og et lille grønt anlæg fortæller den store historie om Danmarks befrielse i 1945.
Vejle Kunstforening
12.0 km
Contemporary art in a historic 19th‑century windmill, where changing exhibitions and intimate spaces bring Vejle’s creative scene into a unique circular gallery.
Essential places to dine
Madkunst v/Jonna Olsen
12.0 km
Artisan sandwiches and fresh smørrebrød in a welcoming Vejle café with genuine local charm.
Restaurant Shangrila
12.1 km
Vejle's expansive Chinese buffet with Mongolian barbecue, sushi, and modern Asian hospitality.
Cafe Velvet
12.2 km
Casual, all-day café in the heart of Vejle, known for generous brunch plates, comfort-food classics and a relaxed, central meeting-point atmosphere.
Cafe Vivaldi Vejle
12.3 km
Lively riverside café in central Vejle, serving generous brunches, pizzas and casual classics from late morning to evening in bright, modern surroundings.
No 14 Vinbar
12.3 km
Spanish wines and tapas in an intimate historic courtyard setting, where expertise meets warmth.
Il Teatro
12.3 km
Family‑run Italian favourite opposite Vejle Music Theatre, serving classic pizzas, homemade pasta and set theatre menus in warm, theatre‑inspired surroundings.
Caféen Den Gamle Arrest
12.3 km
Atmospheric café-restaurant in Vejle’s former town jail, blending historic brickwork and cosy candlelight with casual meals, drinks and sociable, laid-back charm.
Garage Burgerbar
12.3 km
No‑nonsense American‑style burgers, fries and shakes served in a laid‑back, garage‑inspired bar right on Vejle’s central square, perfect for a quick and inexpensive bite.
ONKEL A
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Vejle's beloved lunch café serving generous handmade sandwiches, vegan brunches, and seasonal Nordic fare.
1401 - Tapas & Burgers
12.3 km
Casual Nordic tapas, gourmet burgers and brunch served in a relaxed, share‑friendly setting right on Vejle’s central Rådhustorvet.
Restaurant Nögen
12.3 km
Inventive social dining in Vejle, where surplus seasonal ingredients become elegant tasting menus in a raw-meets-cozy New York–inspired setting.
Meat & Eat Premium
12.4 km
Central Vejle steakhouse-style restaurant specialising in generous meat dishes, burgers and platters in a casual, social setting just off the main square.
Bistecca
12.4 km
Modern Italian bistro and steakhouse in Vejle’s ToRVEhallerne, pairing fresh pasta, dry-aged steaks and a whisky bar in a stylish, lounge-like setting.
A/S Pse Nr. 2135
12.4 km
Authentic Danish hospitality and traditional cuisine in Vejle's most welcoming neighborhood restaurant.
OASIA - sushi & wok
12.4 km
Fresh-made sushi and wok cuisine in central Vejle's premier hotel dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bryggen
12.1 km
Vejle's vibrant shopping heart where contemporary design meets Nordic retail culture and diverse dining.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
12.3 km
Colorful Danish design and affordable everyday essentials in Vejle's vibrant city center.
Kop & Kande
12.3 km
Central Vejle homeware and gift shop offering Danish design, practical kitchen tools and thoughtful presents in a bright, well-organised space on Søndergade.
Kas'mir Vejle
12.3 km
A calm, contemporary women’s fashion boutique on Vejle’s main shopping street, blending Scandinavian style, quality fabrics and carefully chosen accessories.
Normal
12.4 km
Danish discount treasure hunt with fixed low prices and 100 new surprises every week.
Søstrene Grene, Vejle
12.4 km
A cosy Danish design and hobby universe in central Vejle, where winding aisles, soft lighting and changing collections invite slow browsing and small creative discoveries.
Noa Noa
12.4 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.
Gavehuset/Per Dam Nielsen
12.5 km
A traditional, small-scale gift and bag shop on Vejle’s Grønnegade, offering locally rooted presents and everyday accessories in a calm, personal setting.
Fair Trade Butik Salam
12.5 km
A colourful fair-trade world shop in central Vejle, where ethical gifts, handmade crafts and global stories meet Scandinavian everyday life.
The Body Shop
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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.
Underground
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Compact streetwear and sneaker specialist in Vejle’s central shopping streets, blending skate-inspired labels and everyday urban style in an easygoing setting.
Only
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Central Vejle’s go-to women’s fashion store for trend-focused denim, dresses and everyday styles in a bright, modern high-street setting.
Bahne
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A bright, central lifestyle store in Vejle, combining Scandinavian home design, fashion, wellness and gift ideas under one stylish roof on Nørregade.
Frk. Brøndum ApS
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A cosy Danish fashion boutique on Vejle’s Nørregade, offering curated everyday style, friendly guidance and relaxed browsing in the heart of the pedestrian streets.
Rosa's Butik
12.6 km
A cosy yarn sanctuary in Paladspassagen, where shelves of colourful Scandinavian fibres and personal advice inspire knitters and crocheters in central Vejle.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vejle Jazzklub
4.3 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.
Klausen Bar
12.2 km
Unpretentious Danish bodega-style bar in central Vejle, offering inexpensive drinks, karaoke nights and a cosy local atmosphere from noon till late on select days.
Charly's Pub
12.4 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.
Lucky's Sports-bar
12.4 km
Lively sports hub in central Vejle, blending big-screen action, shuffleboard and arcade fun with a relaxed pub atmosphere and late-night bar energy.
Marys Pub
12.5 km
Cosy, no-frills neighbourhood pub in central Vejle, pouring affordable beers and easygoing Danish hospitality from late morning until late at night.
Granny's Pub
12.5 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
12.5 km
Neighbourly Vejle pub with long hours, inexpensive drinks and a hygge-soaked atmosphere where locals and visitors quickly feel at home.
The Old Irish Pub
12.5 km
Lively Irish-themed bar and late-night discotheque bringing music, pints and party vibes to central Vejle’s Dæmningen street.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Vejle A/S
12.5 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.
Mi Bar
12.5 km
Vejle's premier cocktail bar crafting quality drinks in a welcoming weekend atmosphere.
The Knee-high bar
12.6 km
Vejle's beloved underground bar where low ceilings and high spirits create unforgettable nights.
Tartan Pub
12.6 km
Vejle's legendary Scottish pub since 1975—dance, drink, and connect in authentic Celtic charm.
BarMix Vejle
12.6 km
Late‑night energy, chart hits and a mature party crowd in the heart of Vejle’s nightlife strip on Dæmningen.
The Cat And Barrel
12.6 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.
Sømærket v/Margit Østergaard Nielsen
12.6 km
Smoky, old-school brown bar by Vejle’s harbor, pouring inexpensive beers in a lively, no-frills atmosphere that feels more local living room than lounge.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
temabar APS 23-05
12.5 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
14.6 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
17.3 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
Fishi
21.8 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.
Koldingtivet Engen
22.3 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
22.5 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
22.6 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
22.7 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.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
26.2 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
27.3 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.
AHA Livestage
29.0 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.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
32.4 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
PDD
36.7 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
37.4 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
37.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly