Trelleborg (Slagelse)
The Trelleborg (or Trælleborg), west of Slagelse on the Danish island of Zealand, is one of seven known Viking ring castles. When built, the fortress was situated on a peninsula that jutted into the swampy area between two rivers. The swamp was connected to the Great Belt by a lake and could be navigated by Viking ships. Trelleborg is believed to have been ordered by King Harald Bluetooth in the year 980 AD and it might have commanded the Great Belt and its sea traffic, between the islands of Zealand and Funen.
Aerial view of Trelleborg, Slagelse | |
Location of the site in Denmark | |
| Location | Region Zealand, Denmark |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 55°23′39″N 11°15′55″E |
| Site notes | |
| Official name | Viking-Age Ring Fortresses |
| Criteria | (iii)(iv) |
| Reference | 1660 |
| Inscription | 2023 (45th Session) |
Trelleborg is the best preserved of the Viking ring fortresses. Since 1995, the Trelleborg Museum has presented the story of this particular fortress and the nearby area. Some of the artifacts found in connection with the archaeological excavations are on display at the museum, while others are on display at the Nationalmuseet in Copenhagen.