Here lies Kong Svends Høj a silent testament to bygone eras. This impressive mound stands as a grave. It marks a significant place in Egedal’s history.
Kong Svends Høj is located in Smørum. You can spot it driving along Kirkevangen. Look towards Smørum Church and Smørumovere. It sits to the right between Oticon and newer buildings. You’ll see a large burial mound crowned with two large trees.
The exact age of Kong Svends Høj remains a mystery. It has never been excavated. Its shape and size suggest it dates back to the older Bronze Age around 1800-1000 BC.
Kong Svends Høj is well-preserved. It occupies the highest point in the parish. This offers a stunning view toward Maglehøj another large burial mound to the southwest. It is 36 meters across and six meters high.
Archaeologists explored the area around Kong Svends Høj from 2002 to 2003. This was prior to planned housing development. The excavations unearthed 64 houses. They also found facilities like pits and wells from the Bronze and Iron Ages. A small Stone Age burial site and early Iron Age urn graves were also discovered. The finds included flint objects pottery shards and casting molds. There were crucibles iron tools metal and glass jewelry plus human and animal bones.
The identity of the person buried within Kong Svends Høj remains unknown. A two-aisled longhouse was found 50 meters east of Kong Svends Høj. It could be from the same period as the burial mound. This suggests the house may be linked to the mound’s construction perhaps for a chieftain’s burial.
The name “Kong Svend” might be misleading. It could be a romanticized version of an older name “Svendekol”. “Swen” in old Danish means unmarried man servant or fellow. It might not refer to a king at all. It could be named after Svend Tveskæg.
Kong Svends Høj offers a journey into Egedal’s past. From this vantage point you gain insight into the area’s history. Egedal Municipality has put up informative panels with descriptions of the area. It is an ideal spot to deepen your understanding of Egedal and immerse yourself in its ancient history.