fyrkat

Fyrkat is a Viking ring fortress located near Hobro in North Jutland, Denmark. It is one of the most well-preserved and significant ring castles from the Viking Age. The fortress was built around 980 AD by King Harald Bluetooth, as indicated by archaeological evidence and runic inscriptions. Its strategic location on a peninsula in the Mariagerfjord likely facilitated control over trade routes and the surrounding region.

The structure of Fyrkat consists of a circular rampart made of earth and timber, with a diameter of approximately 340 meters. Inside the rampart, four main streets of post construction intersected at right angles, leading to four quarters. Each quarter contained four longhouses, making a total of sixteen houses within the fortress. These houses were typically long, rectangular buildings with timber frames and wattle-and-daub walls, designed to accommodate people and animals.

Archaeological excavations at Fyrkat have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including tools, weapons, jewelry, and everyday household items. These findings provide valuable insights into the daily lives, craftsmanship, and social structure of the Vikings. The site also includes a burial ground located outside the fortress walls, containing numerous graves with grave goods, offering further information about Viking burial customs and beliefs. Fyrkat is now a museum and a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Denmark's Viking past.