Country trail 2.1 – Gisselhøj

Gisselhøj is most probably a large mound from the early Bronze Age (1800-1000 BC). This impressive archaeological site is 26 metres across and almost 6 metres high. It was made of turf and was most probably constructed during the early Bronze Age, but because nothing was found inside the mound, there is no way to be certain of this.

Almost 60,000 burial mounds were constructed in Denmark during the early Bronze Age. Originally, the mounds would cover a single grave, but mounds were often expanded as part of later burials. This means that many of them reached impressive heights. Mounds may, in this manner, have served as a kind of family tomb. When a new grave was established, its location would be determined in consideration of older graves. People knew the location of the old graves and respected them.

The dead were buried in full dress, together with jewellery, weapons and personal items. The wealthier you were, the greater number of grave goods you took with you to the land of the dead. Only a dagger or a single piece of jewellery is found in most graves, however.

King Frederik VII was a keen archaeologist. While he was Crown Prince in the 1840s and had a summer residence at Hagenskov near Assens, he excavated many of the burial mounds in the area. He may also have excavated the Gisselhøj mound. There are no accounts confirming that Frederik VII excavated this mound, but the large flat indentation at the top of the mound closely resembles holes that we are familiar with from his other excavations.

Nowadays, archaeologists are extremely cautious and methodical. Mounds are now excavated layer by layer, exposing finds and strata that allow for more precise dating.

Jordløse village trail – Green route

Jordløse country trail – Blue route