25 Sept 2023
Odense marks historic Viking fortress with new light installation
On Saturday 30 September, Odense’s Viking fortress Nonnebakken will be illuminated by the installation What was and what is, putting the spotlight on Odense’s largest and most important historic monument.
Odense’s 1,000-year-old Viking fortress Nonnebakken is, thanks to its role in the formation of the Danish kingdom and its physical size, by far Odense’s largest and most important historic monument. The fortress is well preserved beneath the ground and is the only one of Denmark’s five ring fortresses — which also include Aggersborg near Løgstør, Fyrkat near Hobro, Trelleborg near Slagelse and Borgring near Køge — to have been built next to a town.
This makes Nonnebakken the only one of the five ring fortresses to have fulfilled Harald Bluetooth’s ambition of uniting the kingdom. This can be seen in the way Odense continued to develop after the establishment of Nonnebakken, becoming Funen’s main town and serving as a bishop’s seat. In this way, Nonnebakken adds extra dimensions to the overall story of the five ring fortresses.
Nonnebakken’s architecture and story are hidden beneath the ground and can be difficult for passers-by to interpret. That is why Odense Municipality and Museum Odense have chosen to mark the historic ring fortress with a new visual and dynamic light installation created by JAC Studios, FortheloveofLIGHT and TAINTEC. The installation What was and what is traces the outline of the rampart between Hunderupvej and Nonnebakken through light and colour.
It is important to mark Nonnebakken in its original location in the city. It is truly unique that you can sense the scale, shape and position in the landscape of this huge Viking fortress in the middle of today’s vibrant city. It will add new dimensions to the experience of Odense — both for the many locals who pass the site every day and for visitors to the city.Ph.D. Mads RungeHead of Research, Museum Odense
Our Viking heritage and past are something we must continue to remember and preserve. Nonnebakken is something as rare as a ring fortress in the heart of a Danish city, and although it no longer stands physically in the area, it is still there. We want to mark this by creating an atmosphere and a sense of moving around inside the ring fortress, while giving people a moment to think about some of the very first Odense residents.Peter Rahbæk JuelMayor of Odense
Human chain around the fortress and free activities
The inauguration of the light installation will take place on Saturday 30 September at 8 pm, but throughout the day Nonnebakken will be in focus with a Viking market offering a wide range of free activities. Among them is a human chain that will recreate the full circumference of the ring fortress. The human chain will be formed at 1:15 pm, and everyone who wants to take part is welcome to join.
In the afternoon, there will also be warrior training for children, food stalls and musical entertainment with cheeky Viking songs, tales and stories from Norse mythology. There will also be activities hosted by Nonnebakken’s residents, the Odd Fellow Lodge and Giersings Realskole, where pupils will display works they have created together with the artist Erik Peitersen.
In the area towards the river, a marketplace will be set up throughout the day, with stalls and tents from the Iron Age Village – Odin’s Odense. Here, visitors can see different forms of crafts such as nålebinding and woodcarving. During the afternoon, you can meet the village traders, and in the evening, you can meet the warriors of the ring fortresses as they pass the time with feasting and games. Museum Odense will share stories about Odense’s Viking history. You can also join the new 13-kilometre Viking walking route, which will be inaugurated on the day.
Best regards,
HAVE Kommunikation & PR