Of course that is the name of the small excursion pub next door. Of course all the signs bear the name. "Vikings" is a magical word in the northern German town of Menzlin. Since an early medieval burial ground was found here very close to the river Peene many years ago, Menzlin has not become famous.
Even today, hardly anyone knows anything about the great secret of the Norsemen who penetrated this far. But everyone who comes here is amazed: this is how close the heroes from "Vikings" and all the other legends of the north came to the mid-European region.
No mystical light
The early medieval burial ground of Menzlin on the Peene is also quite unspectacular. The sun shines through the clouds onto a landscape that looks like the entire flat land around it. No mystical light. No rotting longboats.
Menzlin, a small town in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is a real insider tip for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts who come with their eyes open to see what is really left from the time almost 1,200 years ago.
Not much. And yet there is a special atmosphere at this place, which the violent Norsemen had chosen as one of their major burial sites. The burial ground, also known as the "Old Camp", is located about 1.5 kilometers south of the town of Menzlin, on a sand hill near the shores of the Peene. In the 9th century, there was an important settlement here, which was inhabited by both Slavs and Vikings.
Known for their conquests
The Vikings, known for their conquests and trading activities, had established an important trading post here, which enabled exchange between Scandinavia and the Slavic hinterland. Contrary to what Netflix series say, they not only robbed and murdered, but were also great traders who traveled to do business peacefully.
When you enter the burial ground, your eyes immediately fall on the impressive ship-shaped stone settings. These graves, which were actually only found in Scandinavia during the Viking era, are a unique testimony to the burial customs of the time. The Vikings used them because they knew that wooden ships would not last.
Shape of ships
So they buried their dead under stones laid out in the shape of a ship; the more famous the deceased, the larger the stone ship. The graves contained numerous Scandinavian grave goods, including jewelry from Ireland and the Baltic States, which indicates the Vikings' extensive trading relations.
The burial ground is huge. If you didn't know from the signs that you were walking through a cemetery, the place where the Vikings lived and worked could also be some piece of rural Mecklenburg, with forest and river and lots of meadows. 1,200 years ago, the settlement here covered an area of about 18 hectares and was a busy trading place.
Skilled craftsmen
Combs were made here, amber was made into jewelry and there were signs of a weaving mill and a blacksmith's shop. The Vikings who lived in Menzlin were probably more skilled craftsmen and traders than fearsome warriors.
The history of the Vikings in Europe and northern Germany is fascinating and complex. Their conquests began in the late 8th century and extended across large parts of Europe.
They plundered monasteries and cities, founded trading posts and settlements and left a profound influence on the history of the Middle Ages. The Vikings were particularly active in northern Germany and their traces are still visible today.
Famous for their raids
One of the most famous Viking raids was the attack on Lindisfarne Monastery in 793, which is often seen as the beginning of the Viking Age. From there they spread to Ireland, England, France and even to Spain and Italy. In Germany they left their mark mainly in the coastal regions and along the large rivers such as the Elbe and the Weser.
In Menzlin, the history of the Vikings comes to life. The finds from the graves and the settlement bear witness to a time in which the Vikings played an important role not only as warriors, but also as traders and craftsmen.
Findings in graves
Particularly impressive are the numerous beads made of amethyst, rock crystal, glass, carnelian and slate that were found in the graves. These materials come from far-flung regions and are evidence of the Vikings' extensive trading relations.
During a visit to Menzlin, with a little imagination, you can delve deep into history and experience the fascinating world of the Vikings up close. The peace and seclusion of the place, the impressive archaeological finds and the exciting history made this trip an unforgettable experience. Menzlin is a place that brings the past to life and offers a unique insight into the world of the Vikings.
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