Fyrkat (Castle)

The construction of Fyrkat, like other similar Viking fortresses, is dendrochronologically dated to the reign of Sweyn Forkbeard between 970 and 980. The fortress was built on a headland in the Osnild Å stream valley, requiring extensive infill work. The moat was of secondary importance from a fortification perspective and was apparently not fully completed. Access was through a western gate. The houses within the fortress were long and narrow, with curved long sides, and required a large number of oak trees for their construction. Archaeological finds, including everyday objects and traces of metalworking, indicate a brief but intensive period of use. North of the fortress, a burial ground with 29 graves was discovered, including men's, women's, and children's graves, providing information about Viking burial customs and trade contacts. The fortress was never repaired and eventually burned down.

The Viking fortress of Fyrkat is located at an elevation of approximately 13 m above sea level near Hobro in the Mariagerfjord district, in the North Jutland region, Denmark.

The fortress complex is open to visitors. Next to the rampart is a reconstructed Viking house from 1985. Approximately one kilometer away, a large farmer's homestead has also been reconstructed, comprising a longhouse, a smithy, and other outbuildings, which is used for museum educational activities.