Two European countries now boast a longer list of UNESCO World Heritage sites with the addition of five historic Viking-age ring fortresses in Denmark and a planetarium in Friesland, the Netherlands.
© Stichting Werelderfgoed
The Netherlands welcomes its 12th UNESCO World Heritage site: the Eise-Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker. Nominated to be a World Heritage site as early as 2003, this planetarium is the oldest functioning one in the world. Dutch amateur astronomer Eise Eisinga built a movable model of the solar system between 1774 and 1781, using a scale of 1:1,000,000; one millimeter to correspond to one thousand kilometers so that the model could actually fit in his living room.
© Stichting Werelderfgoed
Still in its original state, the planetarium is open to the public year-round. The Netherlands’ other popular UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Kinderdijk windmills, Beemster and Willemstad.
In Denmark, five Viking-age ring fortresses join the country’s UNESCO World Heritage list. Built between 958 and 987 under Danish Viking king Harald Bluetooth as defensive structures, these fortresses feature remarkable symmetry and remain some of the most prominent archaeological remains from the Viking Age in Denmark.
Borgring © VisitDenmark – Rune Hansen
In Aggersborg in Northern Jutland, the largest of the five ring fortresses sits near Løgstør. Built in the 980s, this 935-foot-wide fort features four gate openings, each pointing to a compass corner. The fortress also includes a tower in the center surrounded by 48 houses.
Another of these fortresses can be found in Fyrkat near Hobro in Northern Jutland, also built in the 980s, with impressive views from the rampart. Evidence suggests this fort was most likely built to maintain royal power, with a cemetery just north of the fortress indicating men, women and children lived here. Outside the fortress a reconstruction of one of the largest houses stands.
© VisitDenmark
The other three fortresses sit in Nonnebakken, Borgring and Trelleborg. The remains at Borgring remain an archaeological mystery, while visitors to Trelleborg can explore the lives of Vikings by visiting the reconstructed village of Slagløse.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedNovember 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
November 2024
Nov 20, 2024A Fusion of History and Modernity Makes Bangkok a Perfect Meeting Spot
In this city of contrasts, glass skyscrapers stand behind century- old temples. Street food vendors sling steaming noodles along roadways while tucked-away restaurants serve multicourse, Michelin-level cuisine. Roadways jam with cars as jewel-toned tuk tuks whizz through the gridlock. Long considered a tourist mecca, Bangkok also makes for a dynamic, budding location for corporate travelers.
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024November 2024
Nov 19, 2024Explore the Beguiling Towns of Sicily’s Val di Noto
Best known to tourists for the boisterous chaos of Palermo, the views of Mount Etna from idyllic Taormina, and for that capricious volcano itself, Sicily has far more to draw travelers. In Sicily’s southeast corner, one region encapsulates the Sicilian spirit that has seen it through conquest and natural disasters, a region less well-known to tourists but one of the island’s most beautiful and fascinating.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Slideshow
Nov 18, 20247 Reasons to Put Phoenix, Arizona, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Phoenix, Arizona, with us.
ShareThis