Viking Ring Fortress Nonnebakken

What is Nonnebakken?

Nonnebakken is one of the five known Viking ring fortresses built by King Harald Bluetooth. Constructed around AD 980, the fortress formed part of the king's ambition to unite and strengthen the Danish realm. With a diameter of around 180 metres, Nonnebakken was an impressive structure, protected by a substantial rampart and strategically located near the Odense River.

Today, most of the fortress lies hidden beneath roads, buildings and gardens. This makes Nonnebakken a unique place to visit, where the story of the fortress is brought to life through archaeological discoveries and the history of the site.

What makes Nonnebakken special?

Nonnebakken differs from Denmark's other Viking ring fortresses because it is the only one located in the middle of a modern city. Even during the Viking Age, the fortress was built next to the settlement that later developed into the city of Odense, and the area played an important role in the city's growth.

In 2023, Nonnebakken was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List together with Denmark's four other Viking ring fortresses. The designation highlights the fortress's international significance and made Nonnebakken Funen's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A new way to experience Nonnebakken

In the coming years, Nonnebakken will become more visible in the cityscape. A major interpretation project will mark the shape of the fortress in the landscape, create new visitor experiences and make it easier to understand the sheer scale of the site. Once completed, the project will make it easier than ever to understand the scale and significance of the fortress.

Nonnebakken is also part of the wider story of the Vikings in Odense, where you can explore many other traces of the city's Viking past.