Fraugde-Kærby: Traces of the Iron Age and Viking Age

Fraugde-Kærby is an exciting destination for anyone who wants to combine landscapes with archaeology on their journey. A small silver and gold hoard discovered in 2007 led to the identification of a new Iron Age manor site. The find comprises 196 grams of precious metal and was discovered in a posthole of a main house. Together with the burial grounds of Tietgen Byen and the wetland of Kærby Mose, it creates a varied setting for a trip in which not only relaxation but also history and discovery take centre stage.

The Fraugde-Kærby hoard

The site of the Iron Age manor lies approximately 1 kilometre north of Fraugde-Kærby. It is situated on an almost level moraine plain oriented from east to west and bordered by waterways to the west and east. These geographical details help with orientation and also make clear the type of landscape in which the manor was established.

The hoard is best interpreted as a precious-metal deposit. It was therefore intended to be melted down and used to make new jewellery. The find may indicate that a goldsmith worked seasonally at the Iron Age manor; there was probably no permanent connection. For travellers interested in culture, this cautious interpretation is particularly appealing: the precious metal tells not only of wealth but also of craft activities and changing relationships within the society of the time.

Burial grounds from the Bronze Age and Viking Age

Another historical focus is the Late Bronze Age burial site at Tietgen Byen. It comprised 42 cremation graves laid out between two older burial mounds. Two rows of cooking pits roughly marked the western boundary of this burial ground. Such details give the history a concrete structure and provide a talking point when travelling with children and bringing past ways of life vividly to mind.

The Viking Age burial site at Tietgen Byen comprised a total of 49 graves. Ten of these were chamber graves, in which the deceased had been buried in rectangular chambers constructed from wood. The remaining graves lay within an approximately 50×100-metre, almost rectangular area. Those interested in changes in burial practices and historical periods will find several different points of reference here, without the history having to be reduced to a single date.

Kærby Mose and paths in the surrounding area

In addition to its archaeological themes, the area around Fraugde-Kærby offers a landscape contrast. Kærby Mose was converted into a wetland covering approximately 38 hectares. As part of the Kærby Mose project, a network of paths was also improved, increasing the recreational opportunities. This makes it possible to plan the trip flexibly: one day can focus more on historical discoveries, while on another day the landscape and physical activity can take centre stage.

This combination is particularly practical for families when not all travellers share the same interests. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Iron Age manor, the precious-metal deposit and the burial grounds. Those who prefer being outdoors can include Kærby Mose and the improved path network in their plans. Before the excursion, you should check the exact length, condition and accessibility of individual paths separately if this information is important for your trip.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

The FynBus timetable lists Fraugde-Kærby-Vej as a stop on route 195 between Nyborg, Langeskov and Odense. This is a useful reference point when planning your journey. For your specific trip, it is advisable to consult the timetable currently in force. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, you can also consider which travel style matters more to you: a stay focused on archaeology, days spent close to nature or a combination of both.

Fraugde-Kærby is therefore suitable as a base for a trip where historical traces and landscape experiences stand on an equal footing. Allow enough room for different interests and use the available information about the archaeological sites, Kærby Mose and the bus connections as a basis for your personal choice.

For further orientation on the portal, you can also view Odense C, Højby, Odense Sv and Fraugde.

For the overview of the wider area: Odense.