Lejre, Seat of the Skjöldung Kings

About Lejre, Seat of the Skjöldung Kings

Lejre appears in Beowulf and Norse sagas as the home of the legendary Skjöldung kings and the setting of the hall Heorot. The German chronicler Thietmar of Merseburg described sacrifices held here every nine years in honor of the gods. Excavations at Gammel Lejre uncovered several great halls built one after another from the 6th to the 10th century, the largest nearly 50 metres long.

Beside the village, the Grydehøj mound and a stone ship setting called Skibssætningen add to the atmosphere. A small figure found here, possibly Odin on his high seat with two ravens, suggests the hall served ritual as well as royal purposes. The Land of Legends open air museum nearby lets visitors experience Iron Age and Viking life.

What to see

• Site of the great halls
• Stone ship setting
• Grydehøj burial mound
• Lejre Museum and finds
• Land of Legends open air museum

Visiting Lejre, Seat of the Skjöldung Kings: practical guide

Best time

May to September

Hours

Outdoor site open at all times; museums seasonal

Entry

Outdoor site free; museums charge entry

Dress code

Walking shoes for meadows

Nearest airport

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), 50 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Take the train to Lejre station and walk or cycle
• Combine with the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
• Land of Legends is open mainly in summer

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Old Norse Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Do not climb burial mounds unless paths invite it; they are graves.
• Leave rune stones untouched, as lichen removal and rubbing cause damage.
• Respect modern Heathen offerings you may find at some sites.
• Dress for changeable weather at outdoor sites in Scandinavia and Iceland.
• Follow museum rules when viewing ship burials and grave goods.

Location map

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Frequently asked questions