Gatten-Aars

Selected experiences on the route

The Gundestrup Cauldron
Imagine a spring day in 1891, when peat was being dug in Rævemosen near the small village of Gundestrup. The peat was intended for use as fuel, but suddenly the spade struck something hard and shiny, which turned out to be the bottom part of a large silver cauldron.

The Gundestrup Cauldron is a unique European find from the Iron Age that sheds light on the distant past and is a testament to a bygone era: The cauldron is a masterpiece of silver, with an impressive circumference of two meters and adorned with thirteen enigmatic plates, bearing images of gods and myths.

Historical sources, among others the Greek historian Strabo, tell us that the ancient Cimbri valued princely wagons and mighty metal cauldrons, preferably made of silver. It is probably no coincidence that a large, princely silver cauldron was found in a bog in Himmerland. Close by, another rare cauldron made of bronze was found. Both cauldrons have come from far away in Europe and were sacrificed in the bog by the Iron Age people of Himmerland.
At the Vesthimmerland Museum, you can visit the exhibition and get a fascinating insight into the archaeological decoding of the great silver cauldron. The exhibition also showcases the impressive silver technology that was mastered 2100 years ago.

Søndergade 44, 9600 Aars