The Aggersborg viking fortress - a part of UNESCO's World Heritage List

Aggersborg Ringborg is an impressive Viking fortress located in the northwest corner of Himmerland – and is actually the largest of Denmark's 5 ring forts. Aggersborg has received the prestigious inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage List. This significant archaeological gem dates back to the Viking Age and represents a crucial part of Denmark's cultural heritage.

Built in the 10th century during the reign of Harald Bluetooth, Aggersborg Ringborg is renowned for its impressive round shape and strategic location right by the Limfjord, offering opportunities for trade and views for visitors from the waterside. UNESCO's recognition celebrates Aggersborg for its historical significance as a hub for the political and social activities of Viking society.

Visitors today can explore the well-preserved ramparts and experience the ambiance of the past, making Aggersborg Ringborg a unique destination on UNESCO's prestigious list. It is an honour to see this historical treasure acknowledged globally, where it can inspire future generations and spread awareness of our shared past.

Aggersborg, located just 2 km north of Løgstør, boasts a magnificent view over the landscape and Limfjord. The view is nothing short of magnificent and explains the castle's location. On-site, there are information signs in Danish, English, and German, telling the story of the place, and there's also a small exhibition house with an informative and child-friendly exhibition. Digitally, the castle can be experienced through the 'Aggersborg' app, which acts as a window to the past.

Find the app for Android here - and for Apple here!

The dimensions of the ring fort are marked by a recreated rampart. A grass path on the rampart invites for a stroll past the protected manor, Aggersborggård, from where there is a beautiful view to the crossing place of the past over Limfjorden. In Aggersborg Church, rune inscriptions from the 12th century can be found.

Every year in July, the guides from Vesthimmerlands Museum can be found daily at the castle area, where they tell the story of the place at eye level and offer two daily guided tours. In late summer, it's possible to experience Viking-age craftsmanship up close, during the last weekend in August when a Viking craftsman gathering takes place.

See the programme and more information at Vesthimmerlands Museums website.

The story around the ring fort

Aggersborg is the oldest of the Viking Age ring forts. Erected on a hillside at one of the narrowest spots of the Limfjord, it stood out in the landscape as a massive structure with 48 longhouses within the rampart. Aggersborg stands out by being significantly larger than the four other Danish ring forts, which must be due to its strategic location at the then most important traffic artery, the Limfjord. Traffic and trade between east and west, north and south could be controlled from the fortress.

Even before the castle was built, there was a lively trading place with a prominent chieftain's farm from before the 8th century. After the ring fort was abandoned, the area became a royal estate. After the decline of the ring fort, the area remained in the hands of the royal power, and a royal estate was established. Today, the current protected manor, Aggersborggård, represents the last part of Aggersborg's long history. Aggersborg and Vesthimmerland are connected to the history of the landscape of power in the Viking Age. Archaeological finds from the area show the region's close connection to royal power and the trade wealth associated with the Limfjord.