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Bornholm’s rune stones: A guide to the island’s historical runes
The Viking Age spanned from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century and was a period of great significance for all of Scandinavia, including Bornholm. The island played a key role as a Baltic Sea hub, which saw trade, cultural exchange and warfare. This article takes a closer look at Bornholm’s Viking Age, its historical significance and the archaeological finds that have contributed to our understanding of this fascinating period.
Bornholm was strategically located in the Baltic Sea, making the island an important trading post and a natural stopover for the Vikings on their journeys between Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and Western Europe. The island’s location gave residents access to different trade networks and influences from other cultures, which left its mark on island life.
In recent decades, archaeological excavations on Bornholm have uncovered numerous significant finds from the Viking Age. Among the most notable are rune stones, burial mounds and treasure finds that provide insight into daily life, beliefs and trade during this period. Rune stones bear witness to both religious beliefs and social structures.
Bornholm’s rune stones are some of the most significant finds from the Viking Age. These stones bear inscriptions that often honour deceased family members or mark important events. The burial mounds on the island, which include both simple and elaborate graves, provide us with insight into the Vikings’ social hierarchy and their customs related to death. The largest rune stone on Bornholm is the Brogårdsstenen south of Hasle.
Several Viking treasures have been found on Bornholm, testifying to the island’s wealth and its importance to trade at the time. The treasures include coins, jewellery and silver bars that were probably used in trade or as offerings to the gods.
Continues after the imageThe first time written sources mention Bornholm, the island is referred to as an independent kingdom. Around the year 890, Wulfstan reported that Langeland, Falster and Skåne were Danish, while Blekinge, Öland and Gotland belonged to Sweden. “But Burgenda land/Bornholm is independent and has its own king”.
Gamleborg in Almindingen Forest was built as the island’s main fortress in the Viking Age, but we do not know exactly when, or whether it was built by the local king or the Danish king.
According to the sagas, Bornholm was last subjugated to the Danish kingdom under Harald Bluetooth, when Hans Jarl Veset ruled. Despite the change of power, there was still great wealth on Bornholm, and in times of unrest people used to bury their treasures. Many of these silver treasures remain in the ground, and archaeologists regularly make major finds.
The lives of the people of Bornholm during the Viking Age were dominated by both hard work and risky activities, reflecting the general lifestyle of early medieval Scandinavia. Most people on the island are thought to have been involved in farming, fishing and various crafts, but they also participated in the maritime activities that the Vikings are famous for, including trading and pillaging.
Visit the Værfeldtsgård Viking Homestead during your holiday.
One museum – four unique experiences
The castle ruins contain Bornholm’s oldest walled entrance gates at a castle
