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 FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 25, 2024Executive Chef Shaun Thomson Adds Fresh Flair to Nanuku Resort Fiji
PHOTOS: © NANUKU RESORT FIJI , © ERICA ALLEN
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 24, 2024Global City Guidebook: Shanghai
The third-largest city in the world, Shanghai has transformed into one of the world’s most important centers for business, finance, science, culture and transportation. In fact, Shanghai is home to the first free trade zone in Mainland China. The city sits on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, and the Huangpu River flows right through the 26-million-strong city. Art Deco- and Shikumen-style buildings, museums, skyscrapers, gardens, temples and food markets fill the lively, Eastern Chinese city.
Z Hotels Launches Special Summer Offers
eFlyer Deals
Jul 24, 2024eFlyer Deals
Jul 24, 2024TAP Air Portugal Announces Limited-Time, One-Way Fares to Europe
Through Sept. 15, TAP Air Portugal offers one-way fares to Europe for as low as $214. These low, one-way fares are available from all seven of the airline’s U.S. gateways, including:
Sponsored Content
Daejeon Prepares for Its Iconic Zero O’Clock Festival
Daejeon, South Korea, looks forward to August 2024 and the return of its iconic tradition, the Zero O’Clock Festival. This year, the event is held Aug. 9 –17 with a time travel theme featuring past, present and future zones. Find events pertaining to each zone’s characteristics in the area of Jungang-ro Street, from Daejeon Station to the former site of the South Chungcheong Provincial Office. These streets will be free of vehicles, and public transportation is highly recommended.
eFlyer Lead
Jul 24, 2024Delta Air Lines Struggles to Recover from Tech Outage
While most airlines successfully recovered from the worldwide technology outage caused by a software update, Delta Air Lines continues to bounce back from the issue, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The historic outage across Microsoft systems not only affected airlines but also hospitals and countless other businesses. Contactless payments were also impacted.
ShareThis