Denmark's largest reconstructed Viking longhouse opens

Located 45-minutes west of Copenhagen it is a recreated version of the largest Viking Age building found in Denmark – and the largest so-called 'King's Hall' ever found in the Nordic region.

The building is set to be opened by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on Wednesday 17 June 2020.

Measuring 61-metres long and 10-metres high, it has been built according to original construction methods but also uses modern technology and it will have electricity and heating. It has been recreated after original findings of the hall by archeologists in Gl. Lejre back in 2009.

Using 1000 tons of oak timber it makes an equally impressive sight now as it would have done in the 7th century when the original building is believed to have been created in an area 3km away from the site of the new longhouse. Inside, you’ll find carvings on the walls and hands-on Viking activities, such as silversmithing.

Lejre Land of Legends was first established in 1964 as an experimental hub for history and archaeology. The 'Kings Hall' will be the new centerpiece of the attraction, which is open each summer for visitors to see a reconstructed 'working' Viking village. 

Beyond the Lejre Centre

The Sealand region is rich in Viking and Iron age history, making it the perfect location for a historical and cultural exploration.

At Roskilde (25 minutes by train from Copenhagen), the UNESCO World Heritage Roskilde Cathedral has been the final resting place for Danish royalty since the 15th century. The building dates from the 12th and 13th century and was Scandinavia's first gothic cathedral. With its strategic location at the base of the Roskilde Fjord the town was a key location in Viking times. At the town's Viking Ship Museum a permanent exhibition includes the remains of five original 11th century Viking ships that were recovered from the sea bed in 1962, in a location 20km north of Roskilde. The recovered pieces of the submerged ships revealed them to be five different types of Skuldelev ships that were allegedly deliberately sunk to protect the lower part of the fjord from the risk of attack by sea.

In the Viking Ship Hall the permanent exhibition tells the story of the ships as well as the history of the Nordic maritime adventures; whilst outside the Museum Harbour holds a large collection of more than 50 traditional Nordic wooden boats and reconstructed Viking ships. During the summer months visitors can meet the craftsmen who have built and maintain the vessels and try their hand at maritime trades such as rope making and sail aboard a Viking longboat on Roskilde Fjord.

Surrounding the Roskilde Fjord the Skjoldungernes Land National Park combines salt meadows, islands and islets where unique flora and fauna thrive and visitors can enjoy the simple pleasures of hiking and camping in the ancient deciduous forest; follow mountain bike trails or take a refreshing dip in the pristine waters of Avnsø Lake.

The area is filled with reference to ancient Danish history. Such as the legend of the Norse God Odin who sent Denmark's first king, King Skjold, to the area. His name is the basis of the ancient Danish kings who are known as Skjoldungerne (i.e children of Skjold). The epic old English poem, Beowulf is set in the Skjoldungernes Land and tells the story of how Beowulf came to visit an ancient Danish king in the area.

In collaboration with VisitFjordlandet.