Harald Bluetooth probably built this large Viking fortress around 980 AD.

The large runic stone erected at Jelling more than 1,000 years ago by King Gorm the Old contains the first written mention of the nation called “Denmark.” A second stone, erected by Harald Bluetooth, marks the coming of Christianity to Denmark and the end of the Viking era.

Burying a great chieftain inside his ship was common practice among the Vikings, but this 10th-century tomb in Ladby is only Viking ship burial mound ever found in Denmark.

On this peaceful hillside is the largest Viking burial ground in Scandinavia. Almost 700 graves have been found here, some dating back as far as the 5th century.

The venerable National Museum has a fine collection of Viking artifacts from Denmark and Scandinavia, including reproductions of the famous Jelling stones. Also to be found in the National Museum is the famous Bronze Age Sun Chariot www.natmus.dk

Ribe, the oldest city in Denmark, boasts one of the finest Viking museums in the world, built on the site of an ancient Viking market. www.ribesvikinger.dk

The Ribe Viking Center is a living history site that recreates three aspects of Viking life: the farm, the town and the marketplace. Costumed interpreters tend the flocks, build the town, and work at Viking-age crafts, but they’re never too busy to answer questions. www.ribesvikinger.dk

A preserved fortress from the reign of Harald Bluetooth, Trelleborg was probably built around 980. The circular compound is remarkable for the mathematical precision of its construction.

More than a thousand years ago, a cache of Viking ships was submerged in the fjord beside Roskilde as a trap for would-be invaders plotting to attack the town. Today they are displayed in the main hall of this museum, along with information about Viking seafaring history and skills. www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk