Lejre - Historico Archaeological Research Center Forsøgscenter

In the Historico-Archeological Research Center 4 km/2.5 mi northwest of Lejre the past is brought to life! In September 1964 a research area of 25 ha/62.5 acres was opened here which seeks to secure the social and material culture of yesteryear, which is in danger of being forgotten in our present technological age. The principal attraction is the "Iron Age Village", a reconstructed 2,000-year-old Danish village with houses, fields and domestic animals.

In their leisure time or on holiday "Iron Age families" attempt to exist in prehistoric conditions and to do without any modern aids; for example, they plough with a wooden plough drawn by oxen. In addition there are old workshops (pottery, weaving, smithy). In the "Valley of Fire" demonstrations are given on such themes as "Fire and Boat" or "Iron and Horse".

Archaeological analyses are also carried out. At one spot in the open "Sacrificial Marsh", visitors can see how the Iron Age people worshipped their gods. The center's symbol, the Ask Yggdrasil Tree of Life, is taken from Norse mythology.