Visiting Hedeby & the Danevirke – Museum and Open-Air Site
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
On the trail of one of the most important trading centres of the Viking Age.
Why visit this place?
From the 9th to the 11th century, Hedeby was one of the most important trading centres in northern Europe – a hub between Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Frankish empire. Together with the adjoining border rampart Danevirke, the site is the only place in Germany where Viking Age runestones have been found. A visit is worthwhile because here – unlike at many Viking Age sites – both the museum and a walkable open-air area with reconstructed houses can be experienced.
Historical background
Hedeby was founded around 770 AD and grew rapidly into a major trading centre after merchants were forcibly resettled here from the destroyed trading post of Reric (808). By the 10th century, at least 1,500 people lived here – a large town for its time. A nine-metre-high semicircular rampart protected the settlement until it was destroyed by Harald Hardrada of Norway in 1050 and finally abandoned in 1066. Since 2018, the “Archaeological Border Complex of Hedeby and Danevirke” has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What can you see today?
- Hedeby Viking Museum with original finds, including the Hedeby runestones and remains of the salvaged Hedeby 1 Viking ship
- Seven archaeologically reconstructed Viking houses forming a walkable open-air museum (since 2008)
- The walkable semicircular rampart with views over the Haddebyer Noor
- The adjoining Danevirke – Denmark’s historic border fortification
Hrafn Highlights
Hedeby Viking Museum
Original finds and the history of excavations dating back to 1897, all in one compact space.
The walkable rampart
Wide views over the Haddebyer Noor – a great vantage point to grasp the scale of the former settlement.
Reconstructed Viking village
Seven longhouses built according to archaeological findings, right in the open-air site.
Practical Information
- Location:
- Hedeby (Busdorf municipality)
- Country:
- Germany
- Region:
- Schleswig-Holstein, near Schleswig
- Recommended time:
- 3-4 hours
- Best for:
- Families, history enthusiasts
- Best time to visit:
- May to September (open-air museum open seasonally)
- Getting there:
- By car or bus from Schleswig, approx. 2 km south
Current opening hours & prices → official website
Map
Plan Your Trip
The tour link below goes directly to the official provider’s website – not an affiliate link, Hrafn earns no commission from it. No affiliate program is currently active for accommodations.
Find accommodation
From cosy guesthouses to nearby hotels – find the right place to stay for your visit.
View accommodation in the regionAffiliate partners coming soon
Tours & Activities
Discover guided tours, workshops and experiences around Hedeby & Danevirke.
