A crossroads east of Odense

Åsum lay at an important junction east of Odense. The area was connected to the old route across Funen, and its location made it well suited to trade, crafts and controlling movement through the area.

Archaeological finds show activity from around AD 600, continuing through the Viking Age and into the Middle Ages. The many metal finds in particular bear witness to craftsmanship and to goods that were produced, used and exchanged here.

Home of the Æsir?

The name Åsum may also preserve a trace of the past. One possible interpretation is that the name refers to “the home of the Æsir” – the Norse gods. The interpretation is uncertain, however, and we do not know whether the site actually had a religious function.

Even so, the name adds another layer to the story of an area that remained active through the Iron Age, Viking Age and Middle Ages.

Vikings still lie beneath the ground

In Åsum, archaeologists have also uncovered a large Viking burial ground with more than 50 graves and unusually well-preserved skeletons. The burial ground was in use during the 9th and 10th centuries and is among the largest finds of its kind on Funen.

Among the graves is that of a woman buried in the body of a wagon together with glass beads, an iron key and a decorated knife. Other finds point to connections with international trade networks, while analyses of the skeletons may provide new insight into where the people buried here came from and how they were related to one another.

Follow the traces towards Odense

Åsum is only one part of the story of Viking Odense. Follow the Viking route towards the city and discover traces of ancient roads, churches, kings, burial sites and Harald Bluetooth’s ring fortress at Nonnebakken.

Follow the Viking route and discover more places where the Viking Age has left its mark.