Hedeby–Haithabu Viking Emporium
Haithabu · Haddeby · Sliasthorp
Viking Age (early 8th century–1066 CE)·Danish Viking Age / Frankish border·🇩🇪 Schleswig-Holstein, Busdorf at Haddebyer Noor, Jutland isthmus, Germany
About
About Hedeby–Haithabu Viking Emporium
UNESCO Archaeological Border Complex of Hedeby and Danevirke (2018) at the head of the Schlei inlet — the largest Viking Age town in Scandinavia, semi-circular 27 ha rampart enclosing plot-divided harbour, workshops and 11,000+ graves. Founded as Sliasthorp and rebuilt by King Godfred as Hedeby c.810, it linked Baltic amber/furs to Frankish/Islamic silver via the Danevirke portage. Excavated since Sophus Müller 1897, it yielded the Hedeby longships, comb workshops and the famous Hedeby coins. Destroyed 1066 by Harald Hardrada, superseded by Schleswig.
Why it mattersUNESCO Archaeological Border Complex of Hedeby and Danevirke (2018) at the head of the Schlei inlet — the largest Viking Age town in Scandinavia, semi-circular 27 ha rampart enclosing plot-divided harbour, workshops and 11,000+ graves. Founded as Sliasthorp and rebuilt by King Godfred as Hedeby c.81
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Exact toll regime at Danevirke portage
- 02Identity of hedged Christian church vs pagan graves
Theories
- 01Hedeby as Frankish-Danish joint customs node
- 02Abandonment after 1066 raid plus silting of Schlei
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.770 CE as Sliasthorp; relocated Hedeby c.810
- Period
- Viking Age (early 8th century–1066 CE)
- Culture
- Danish Viking Age / Frankish border
- Purpose
- Baltic–North Sea transshipment emporium on Jutland isthmus
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
On the ground
Structures & features
54.4970° N · 9.5694° E · 5 m · 3 mapped features
Semicircular Rampart
rampart1.3 km earthwork enclosing Viking town, 10 m wide base, 8 m high
54.4975° N · 9.5690° EHarbour at Haddebyer Noor
harbourSubmerged jetties and ship graveyard with Hedeby 1–3 Viking longships
54.4965° N · 9.5710° ESouth Cemetery and Chamber Graves
cemeteryExtensive burial field with boat, chamber and cremation graves including Christian earliest
54.4980° N · 9.5680° E