The Tollund Man

Photo: John Sommer

The Tollund Man

On 6 May 1950, a dead body was found in a bog near Bjældskovdal about ten kilometres west of Silkeborg. The police was called by two brothers who were out cutting peat, but suddenly stumbled upon a body. The brothers were convinced that the deceased had passed away quite recently, since the body was in such good condition.

Archaeologists Were Called

When they told the police that the body had been found 2.5 metres below the peat, the police immediately realised that the case was probably one for Silkeborg Museum rather than the police. Therefore, both police and museum officials went out to the bog where they saw the crouched bog body lie about 60 metres out from solid soil. It was clear to everyone that this was a significant discovery, and an archaeologist from Aarhus was sent for in order for the excavation to be conducted properly.

An Exciting Discovery

Examinations of the Tollund Man revealed that it was a man between 30-40 years of age who had been strangled with the leather strap he still wore around his neck. Later scans of the bog body have disclosed that the man probably died from hanging. Today, Tollund Man is on display at Museum Silkeborg and is famed for being one of the best-preserved bog bodies in the world. Not far from where the Tollund Man was excavated, another body was found in the 1930s – the Elling Woman. She too can be seen at Museum Silkeborg.

Listen to the song: TOLLUND MAN - Please Tell Us What Your Name Was

See what others are sharing on Instagram

#tollundmanden #museumsilkeborg #visitsilkeborg 

Hotels nearby of The Tollund Man

  • Hotel Dania Silkeborg

    1.58 km

    Hotel Dania commands a central location in Silkeborg, surrounded by shops, sights and attractions and close to the woods and lakes. Dating from 1848, the hotel has been carefully refurbished to preserve its special charm and atmosphere. The hotel restaurant Brasserie Underhuset serves a cuisine in a class of its own.

    Read more : Hotel Dania Silkeborg
  • Kongensbro Kro

    16.02 km

    Kongensbro Kro is located between Aarhus and Viborg. In the old times it was known as a bargeman’s inn, but today it is a modern inn with up-to-date rooms with a view of the inn’s garden and the Gudenå. The inn’s patent of nobility is good food, from homemade rissoles to the French cuisine.

    Read more : Kongensbro Kro
  • Låsby Kro

    16.16 km

    You will find Låsby Inn in the middle of Jutland in the beautiful and hilly nature between Silkeborg and Aarhus. There is a cozy atmosphere and the inn is furnished with all that classifies a typical inn. It's like being in another time wrap.

    Read more : Låsby Kro
  • Nørre Vissing Kro

    19.13 km

    The royally licensed inn Nørre Vissing Kro, dating back to 1801, is situated close to hills, woods and lakes. The inn is famous for its creative and uncom-promising cuisine with a restaurant, filled with an incredible atmosphere, and an excellent wine cellar. 25 min. to both Aarhus and Silkeborg.
    Read more : Nørre Vissing Kro
  • Hotel Skanderborghus

    28.28 km

    Skanderborghus, which is situated in the deer park Dyrehaven at the shore of the lake, is indeed a gem near lake and wood. The hotel is situated close to the cosy centre of Skanderborg with fine shopping possibilities, and in the surroundings there are fine possibilities of sailing, golfing and playing tennis.
    Read more : Hotel Skanderborghus
  • Montra Hotel Sabro Kro

    29.07 km

    This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Sabro close to the city of smiles, Aarhus. With the E45 close by, there is easy and fast transport to a wealth of options. Here you will find room for attention, presence and wonderful experiences. There is always a good reason to visit Montra Hotel Sabro Kro.

    Read more : Montra Hotel Sabro Kro
  • Palads Hotel Viborg

    32.64 km

    Palads Hotel Viborg is located right in the center of Viborg right by the city's cozy and charming pedestrian street and a few minutes to the train station.
    Read more : Palads Hotel Viborg
  • Hotel Eyde - SDH Partner Hotel

    35.97 km

    A hotel with soul and history all back to 1839. Quality is the key word at Hotel Eyde, and everything is made from scratch, so you get the best dining experience. The hotel is centrally and conveniently located in Herning, and you therefore have the inner city as a great starting point.
    Read more : Hotel Eyde - SDH Partner Hotel
  • Herning City Hotel

    36.18 km

    Herning City Hotel is a good address if you want to visit Herning, Jutland’s heathland capital – whether you are simply enjoying a mini-break, visiting one of the town’s fascinating museums, attending an event at Jyske Bank BOXEN, or participating in one of the many trade shows at MCH Messecenter Herning.
    Read more : Herning City Hotel
  • Jørgensens Hotel

    38.76 km

    When you visit Jørgensens Hotel, look forward to an experience of historical awareness, quality in every detail and personal hospitality in the center of Horsens.
    Read more : Jørgensens Hotel