Hidden beneath the sands of time for a millennium, Lindholm Høje, the ancient Viking graveyard, reveals its enigmatic past. Delve into this captivating archaeological site where the echoes of the Viking Age still resonate.
A Lost Legacy Rediscovered
Lindholm Høje, the final resting place of Vikings, remained concealed beneath thousands of tons of sand for a staggering one thousand years. In recent times, archaeologists have meticulously excavated this hidden gem, unearthing the remains of over 700 burials, along with traces of settlements dating back to the Viking Age and the preceding Germanic Iron Age. This captivating site offers us a glimpse into a world long forgotten.
The Strategic Location
Nestled on the northern side of the Limfjord, opposite the modern city of Aalborg, Lindholm Høje’s strategic location made it an attractive spot for settlement. The Limfjord’s narrowest point, it served as a vital crossing between the North Jutlandic Island and the Danish mainland. Perched at 42 meters (137 feet) above sea level, the hill provided an ideal vantage point, offering commanding views over the fjord. Its elevated position ensured that any approaching enemy would be easily detected. Moreover, the relatively dry soil on the hill facilitated cultivation, making it a desirable place to call home.
Journey Through Time
Burial Practices
Lindholm Høje’s history dates back to around 400 AD, as evidenced by the graves discovered on the hill’s summit. These ancient burials, the oldest of which contain inhumation, reflect the customs of the time. However, cremation eventually supplanted inhumation, leading to the majority of graves containing cremated human remains. As we descend Lindholm Høje, the graves progressively become more recent, offering a fascinating timeline of evolving burial traditions.
Settling In
The archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of two villages at Lindholm Høje. The northern village, dating from 700 to 900 AD, boasted several houses, fences, five wells, and a road. It is estimated that six families, each comprising 10 to 15 members, resided here. Smaller structures, possibly used for work like spinning and weaving, were also discovered. A similar southern village, which existed from 1000 to 1150 AD, marked the final settlement on Lindholm Høje. These findings provide invaluable insights into the daily lives of the people who once called this place home.
Nature’s Wrath and Sand Drift
The abandonment of Lindholm Høje as a habitation site may be attributed to the relentless forces of nature. At the dawn of the Viking Age, Denmark was predominantly covered in forests. Over time, the rampant deforestation, driven by the need for resources like wood for houses, ships, and roads, left the western part of Jutland exposed to harsh westerly winds. The constant exposure led to soil degradation, possibly due to erosion, while vast quantities of sand were carried by the winds, blanketing the land.
In the 1950s, when archaeologists first delved into Lindholm Høje, they encountered a thick layer of sand covering the site. The inhospitable conditions likely prompted the inhabitants to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Paradoxically, this sand acted as a guardian, preserving the burial sites and the hauntingly beautiful stone circles that marked the graves.
A Journey Through History
Today, Lindholm Høje stands as a captivating tourist destination, inviting visitors to delve into its rich history. Beyond the site itself, a museum offers a treasure trove of artifacts recovered from excavations. It also features intricate reconstructions of various aspects of Lindholm Høje, allowing visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the Viking era.
