The 'Borre style' is a specific Viking Age art style named after a harness fitting found in a grave at this site.
The mound cemetery covers an area that has been used for burials for over 600 years.
Georadar investigations in 2019 revealed the existence of a massive 'ship-setting' or large hall structure hidden beneath the surface near the mounds.
Excavations in 1852 found a Viking ship burial, but the site was largely ransacked and disturbed before modern archaeological standards were established.
The mounds are situated on a natural moraine ridge that creates a prominent silhouette against the horizon.
The Borre Mounds, known as Borrehaugene, contain the largest collection of monumental burial mounds from the Merovingian and Viking ages in Scandinavia. The site features nine large mounds and three large cairns, along with approximately 30 smaller mounds. These burial structures were once part of a significant royal power center for the Yngling dynasty. Archaeological excavations have uncovered rich artifacts, including ornate metalwork featuring the distinctive 'Borre style' of Viking art. The site is located directly adjacent to the Midgard Viking Centre, which provides context for the archaeological discoveries. The landscape is characterized by a strategic position overlooking the Oslo Fjord. It served as a cemetery for the elite, emphasizing the area's role in early Norwegian political and social hierarchies. The mounds are protected as a national cultural heritage site under Norwegian law.
From the ridge looking toward the fjord, capturing the silhouette of the largest mounds against the water.
Walk the gravel paths that wind between the mounds to see the scale of the earthworks from different elevations.
Combine your walk with a visit to the adjacent Midgard Viking Centre to understand the specific artifacts excavated here.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the grassy terrain can be muddy after rain.
Do not mistake the modern sculptures near the center for ancient historical artifacts.
The outdoor mound area is accessible year-round, though paths may be icy in deep winter.
Do not climb on the mounds, as they are protected archaeological monuments; stay on designated gravel paths.
