Two of Zealand's largest burial mounds

West of the small village of Slots Bjergby, roughly ten kilometres northwest of Slagelse, two mighty burial mounds rise above the flat west Zealand landscape. Hashøj and Galgebakke rank among the very largest burial mounds on Zealand, and their history stretches back several thousand years. The two mounds stand just over a hundred metres apart and together form one of the most impressive ancient monument landscapes in Slagelse Municipality.

Bronze Age monuments — expanded in the Iron Age

Both mounds were originally erected in the Bronze Age as grave monuments for prominent members of society. But the story did not end there. Over several millennia, people continued to be buried in the ancient mounds, and the many burials along with the addition of more earth and multiple layers of stone coverings caused the mounds to grow to their present impressive size. The period between 600 and 750 CE saw particularly significant expansion, as the mounds were enlarged to accommodate members of what is presumed to have been an important local family.

Archaeological discoveries and unexplored layers

When Galgebakke was excavated in the 1940s, archaeologists found clear evidence that the mound had been built up in several phases over a very long period. Hashøj, by contrast, has never been archaeologically investigated and still holds all the burials that took place within it over the millennia. This makes the site one of the most intact ancient monuments in the region — a sealed time capsule from the Bronze Age through to the Viking period, awaiting future researchers.

Execution site and heritage protection

The mounds' history also has a darker chapter. Galgebakke served as an execution site well into the 19th century, with the last execution taking place here in 1847. The name "Galgebakke" — meaning "Gallows Hill" — still testifies to this use. The two mounds were placed under heritage protection in 1932, when it was feared that urban development in Slots Bjergby might squeeze a house between them — after all, they stand 135 metres apart. It was not until the Nature Protection Act of 1937 that general protection of ancient monuments was introduced, with a prohibition on building within one hundred metres.

Slots Bjergby — a village with historical depth

Slots Bjergby is far more than a mere backdrop for the burial mounds. The village has roots deep in history, and in the Middle Ages a royal castle stood here — hence the name ("Slots" means castle). Slots Bjergby Church, situated near the mounds, dates from the medieval period and is worth a visit in its own right. The entire area bears witness to the fact that this corner of West Zealand has held strategic and cultural significance for millennia.

Experiences nearby

From Slots Bjergby it is a short distance to Slagelse, where the Viking fortress Trelleborg is an obvious destination for history enthusiasts. To the west lie Korsør's harbour front and fortifications, and to the south the roads lead to Skælskør Fjord and the coast. The area is crisscrossed by paths and country lanes connecting villages, burial mounds and churchyards in a landscape where prehistory is never far away. Discover even more experiences in Slagelse Municipality and beyond at destinationsjaelland.dk.