Life in the fortress
Viking warriors lived and fought at Trelleborg over a thousand years ago. Some were victorious, while others ended their lives in the burial ground. Life at the Viking fortress was not only about war and battle, but also about craftsmanship, trade, and everyday life.
In the museum's exhibition, you can step into the world of the Vikings and everyday life at Harald Bluetooth's fortress. Explore the authentic finds and discover traces of everyday Viking life. Feel the weight of a Viking shield, come face to face with battle-ready warriors, and see traces of the Battle of Trelleborg. Meet a Viking and explore the Viking Age through reconstructions and replicas, displays, and authentic finds.
1.
Denmark's only and oldest Viking shield
The exhibition features Denmark's only preserved Viking shield. The shield dates from around 980 AD and provides insight into Viking craftsmanship and warrior combat techniques. The original is displayed behind glass in a display case, but you can try holding a reconstruction of this unique find.
2.
Become a Viking for a while... or longer.
Just outside the exhibition, Viking costumes for the whole family are available. Let your imagination run wild and become Vikings for a while. And if you feel your inner Viking and can't let it go, you can read here about how to become a volunteer at Trelleborg.
Learn more about volunteers at Trelleborg
3.
The Vikings not only fought with others, they also traded.
The discovery of small weights and scales at Trelleborg indicates an active trading life. The value of goods was determined both by coins, such as the Trelleborg coin, which you can see in the exhibition, and by scrap silver – jewelry cut into pieces according to their silver weight. A bracelet could be used as payment, a ring as wealth. The many traces of trade show that Harald Bluetooth's fortress was not only home to warriors, but also to traders who connected the Nordic region with the rest of the world.
5.
Step onto the battlefield with VR
With our VR glasses, young and old alike can step right onto the battlefield in “The Battle of Trelleborg.” The battle is reenacted annually by up to 300 volunteer Viking warriors, and it is a highlight of the annual Viking festival at Trelleborg. You can put on headphones and listen to stories about the important kings and queens of the Viking Age.
