Could this really be the place where Viking kings once ruled? We are standing before Gammelborg, the oldest fortification on the island of Bornholm. Just imagine, Vikings walked these very grounds over 1,200 years ago. Gammelborg, also known as Gamleborg Viking Fortress, served as the seat of power for the kings of Bornholm during the Viking and early Middle Ages. The fortress we see today dates back to around 750 AD. This immense structure stretches 264 meters long and 110 meters wide, guarded by gates at its north and southwest ends. Around 1100, Gammelborg underwent significant renovations. Despite the reinforcements, it was abandoned shortly after, in favor of Lilleborg, a fortress located roughly 700 meters to the northeast. The reasons remain a mystery, but it’s believed that the relocation wasn’t due to any conflict or attack. Although we see mostly ruins today, the outline of this once mighty fortress is still visible. The remnants of the walls, crafted from layers of rock and clay, whisper tales of a time long past. Gammelborg stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Vikings on this remarkable island.
Bjælkestenen
What whispers echo from the weathered face of Bjælkestenen? This rune stone, a fragment of a larger monolith, stands as