Rakni's Mound - The Largest Barrow in Northern Europe

77 meters in diameter and more than 15 meters high, Rakni's mound in Ullensaker County in Akershus is the largest barrow in Northern Europe.

During the Roman Iron Age and the Migration Period several small kingdoms developed in Scandinavia. This is reflected in the name of this particular area, Romerike (from Norse raumaricii, which means "the Kingdom of the Rauma people"). The reign over these kingdoms were instable, depending on the leader's personal carisma and his ability to reward his warriors. Monumental barrows, such as Rakni's mound, are likely to mark the centers of these early kingdoms.

Rakni's mound and the small lake of Ljøgodt . Photo: Fotograf  Tærud A/S, Jessheim.

The landscape around Rakni's mound has been of strategic importance. The riding-track from Nannestad meets with the ancient road between Lake Mjøsa and the Oslo Fjord in the area. The ancient road towards the farm of Haug is one of the finest examples known of a hollow road in the Romerike area. Today, this is part of the Pilgrim route to Nidaros (Trondheim).

On this website you'll find information and facts about the monument. You can read how Rakni's mound has inspired the folklore, and also the stories about a message in a bottle and a pavilion! Rakni's mound has been excavated three times. "Exhibition" displays pictures from the archaeological investigations. Under "Research" you can read more about the scientific results. You can also read about the surrounding landscape, and the role Rakni's mound played in Iron Age society.

We do recommend a visit to the site. You can hike in picturesque surroundings - rich in culture, history and animal life. You will find information about how to get there under "Directions" on the menu to the left.