With its roots stretching far back in time, much of the history of Gamla Uppsala is unclear and mingles into the semi-mythical legends of the earliest kings of Sweden. What is known is that the area was of great religious and political importance during the Iron Age and Viking Age. The three Royal Mounds themselves likely date from the 6th century AD.
The Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala have been shrouded in mystery for generations. Some believed the three large mounds to be gods Thor, Odin, and Freyr, others thought them to be the burial sites of legendary kings, while some people believed them to be, simply natural lumps of dirt.
Headed by Bror Emil Hildebrand, the first archaeological dig of the Eastern Mound confirmed that it was indeed a burial site, they believed it to be a grave for either a young woman or a young man and a woman. The second excavation in 1874 of the Western Mound yielded more impressive findings of warrior equipment, luxury weaponry, as well as a prominent man dressed in a suit of golden threads.
Though archaeologists were unable to identify the bodies of the mounds, they are quite certain the mounds belonged to a royal dynasty. As Sweden’s oldest national symbols, the Royal Mounds have retained their significance, especially emphasized by a trip from Pope John Paul II in 1989. The three mounds are known today as the Eastern, Middle, and Western Mounds.
Today Gamla Uppsala is one of Sweden’s most important ancient sites and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Gamla Uppsala Museum, displays finds from archaeological digs and tales of Yngling dynasty kings, victims of the Viking era, pagan gods and a warring Iron Age. Visitors can follow along on a journey through the oceans of time, from 6th century local heathen kingdoms to the religious upheaval of the Viking era to the building of the cathedral in the 1100s.
The museum also offers a new Virtual Reality experience that allows visitors the chance to roam around 7th century AD Gamla Uppsala.
Located 2.5 miles north of Uppsala, the flat and pleasant route makes a nice walk or bike ride. Another option is bus 2 or 210 from Vaksalagatan in Uppsala.
]]>Gorm and his son, Harald I Bluetooth, erected several monuments at Jelling including a pair of enormous grave mounds, which are the largest in Denmark. These are still incredibly well-preserved and can be viewed at the site. Gorm was buried in the larger one, although the second one is not thought to have been used.
There are also two runic stones at Jelling, the larger one thought to have been built by Harald and the smaller by Gorm before him. The runic stones known as the Jelling Stones stand before Jelling Church or ‘Jelling Kirke’ which dates back to around 1100.
Jelling Kirke was the third such church to have been built on the site, a former wooden version having been built by Harald who converted to Christianity. This conversion is also evidenced by a figure of Jesus on one of the stones.
Visit the home of the Viking kings and see the incredible monuments including runic stones, a church and the largest burial mounds known from the Nordic Viking period. The Jelling site has a visitor centre – Kongernes Jelling – with a series of exhibits telling the story of the monuments.
Located between the 18 and 30 highways, Jelling is an easy drive from Vejle (20 minutes) or a slightly longer journey from Copenhagen (2 and a half hours).
]]>Kościuszko Mound was founded in 1820 as a memorial to Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish-Lithuanian military leader and national hero, following his death in 1817. He had fought for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and in 1794 led the Kościuszko Uprising against the Russian Empire and Kingdom of Prussia, and also on the American side during the War of Independence.
The mound was built to replicate that of Krakow’s two existing prehistoric mounds, Krakus and Wanda, both long considered the burial mounds of two of Poland’s legendary monarchs.
The project was funded by the donations of Poles living in all different areas of foreign occupation during the Partitions of Poland, and took 3 years to complete. Volunteers of all ages and class worked on its construction, reaching 112 ft upon completion.
Inside the mound, urns containing soil from the Polish and American battlefields where Kościuszko fought were buried, and atop the mound was placed a granite boulder inscribed ‘To Kościuszko’.
During Austrian occupation of Krakow, Austrian authorities built a brick citadel around the mound with the intention of using it as a strategic lookout. The Neo-Gothic Chapel of St. Bronisława was built to replace the one they destroyed, which still stands today.
Today the mound’s winding path takes you up to one of the best viewpoints in Krakow. Stunning views of the Vistula River, the city’s Old Town, and several Carpathian mountain ranges can be admired from the lush greenery of the mound and its surrounding area.
The encompassing fortifications can also be walked upon, and inside provide a number of historical exhibits on Kościuszko’s life. The beautiful Chapel of St. Bronisława may also be explored, and holds a number of items relating to the Polish hero’s life.
Kościuszko Mound is located atop the Blessed Bronislawa Hill in the western part of the Zwierzniec District, and just under an hour’s walk from the Main Square.
The nearest bus stop is Hofmana on Królowej Jadwigi, a 20-minute walk away, while tram stop Salwator is around a 25-minute walk to the top. There is a lot of walking uphill, so it may be easiest to get a taxi to the mound from Main Street, which would take around 10 minutes.
]]>The exact purpose and date of Krakus Mound is still unknown, making it one of Poland’s most unexplained prehistoric sites.
It was at one time thought to be the burial mound of Krakow’s founder King Krakus, a legendary figure associated with defeating the Wawel Dragon and building Wawel Castle above his lair. Following his death, Krakow’s mourning residents supposedly carried dirt in their sleeves to the spot, building a mound to watch over the city in their great king’s absence.
Whether the legend is true, Krakus Mound has held cultural significance for many years in the city. Some date it back to Celtic times, with its position suggesting use in Celtic astronomy – on the morning of Beltane, the second-largest Celtic feast day, if one stands atop the hill the sun will rise directly over the nearby Wanda Mound, where Krakus’ daughter was reportedly buried.
Krakus Mound has also been the spot for the Slavic celebration of Rękawka, which until the 1830s was a popular festival upheld by Krakow’s inhabitants. On the first Tuesday after Easter, the throwing or rolling of eggs was observed on the mound, symbolising the new life of spring. This festival has seen a revival in recent years.
Excavations in the 1930s failed to uncover Krakus’ skeleton beneath the mound, yet artefacts from between the 8th and 10th centuries were uncovered, likely dating the mound to a Slavonic colony of this time.
Today Krakus Mound provides visitors with beautiful panoramic views over the city both atop the mound and on the hillside of its base. Benches are placed in the area and you may often find people picnicking on the pleasant grassy plains of Lasota Hill. It provides a welcome breath of fresh air amongst the hustle and bustle of this city, and allows one to soak in the ancient atmosphere.
The surrounding areas are also great for walking, with scenic meadows and 19th century ruined forts in the vicinity. Should you wish to venture further south and away from the city, a path will take you down past Podgorski Cemetery and Liban Quarry, before eventually reaching the somber site of the former KL Płaszów Concentration Camp.
Krakus Mound is located on Lasota Hill in the Podgorze District of Krakow, directly next to Podgorski Cemetery. It is a 45-minute walk from the Main Square. The closest train station is Kraków Podgorze, a 5-minute walk away, and the closest tram stop is Cmentarz Podgorski, a 10-minute walk away.
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