Hallebergs fornborg

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Halleberg fornborg - the death rock (Ättestupan)

Hallebergs fornborg east of Vargön near Vänersborg in Västergötland is Scandinavia's largest prehistoric castle with around 20 square kilometers . The second largest Fornborg in the north is Lollands Østerborg on Lolland with 4 square kilometers in Denmark . The Torsburg is the third largest, the fourth largest is Grogarnsberget , both on Gotland in Sweden .

description

The castle is almost entirely naturally protected by steep mountain slopes. Especially at Storgårds in the southwest, the plateau is fortified with three long stone walls. They have a total length of 1800 meters. The longest is about 700 meters long and 1.0 m high. Small dams like the small forest and Björkås stairs are passable entrances. Remains of the wall can be seen most clearly on the north side at Susisaari. The castle was built during the Iron Age between 400 and 500 AD.

The castle also played a role in historical times. The Danes conquered it in 1612 during the Kalmar War . It was a place of refuge in later wars (e.g. in Gyldenløvsfejde in 1676 and during the Russo-Swedish War of 1788).

use

There are several theories about the original function of the system. Although the buildings suggest a defensive structure, this is difficult to secure given the size. Therefore, the Fornborgar are compared with Slavic castles , which, like the later medieval cities, were protected dwelling places and religious centers. The function as a refuge is also considered for some, but it should be a uniform reason for use. A part of the mountain is called Häcklan, this refers to Odin , who was also called Häcklaman and is said to have sat here in his Valhalla . On Häcklan lie the ”dödsbänkarna” (dt. “Death benches”), on which Odin's warriors sat and drank mead before they went into battle.

The Hästevads stenar stand on a burial ground from the Iron Age below Hallebergs fornborg.

In the north-west of Finland there are similar castle structures, which are called Jätinkirkko (German giant churches ) and which date from the Stone Age .

Web links

Coordinates: 58 ° 22 ′ 42.6 "  N , 12 ° 26 ′ 52.3"  E