Revitalising the Danish Viking Age Ring Fortress Nonnebakken, Odense, Denmark

ABSTRACT The Viking Age ring fortress Nonnebakken is located within and under the modern city of Odense in Denmark and is only visible to the informed or trained eye. The fortress has however been known for centuries from historical maps and excavations, and recent investigations in the form of excavations and non-destructive analysis have proven that its state of preservation is generally excellent. This new research has been the point of departure for a revitalisation of Nonnebakken in local consciousness. The paper presents the results of the recent research and offers new interpretations on the local, regional and national landscape context of the fortress. It also describes the strategies and methods that are being deployed to improve the visualisation of the fortress and its landscape setting and to help local people be more aware of it in terms of ownership and pride.