Discover Busdorf: Haithabu and Rune Stones

Busdorf is a destination for travellers who want to learn about the Viking Age through archaeological finds, reconstructed houses and local memorial sites. Haithabu’s heritage in Busdorf is connected with the Haithabu and Danewerk UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2018. Other highlights include the Skarthi Rune Stone, St. Andrew’s Church and a circular hike that brings together nature and culture. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on the museum and Viking houses, local history or a longer hike.

Haithabu: Museum and Reconstructed Houses

The Haithabu Viking Museum is one of Germany’s most important archaeological museums. It presents finds from the former Viking metropolis in their historical context, around 1,000 years ago. The exhibition may change. The focus is therefore not only on individual objects, but also on how they fit into the history of this trading centre.

The reconstructed Viking Houses of Haithabu offer a glimpse into living conditions around 1,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the houses along narrow boardwalks and via a landing bridge at the harbour. The museum finds and reconstructed houses offer different perspectives: one presents archaeological evidence in its historical context, while the other vividly depicts the living conditions of the time and the paths through the site.

The Haithabu museum complex’s events programme also includes demonstrations of historic crafts and markets. Dates may vary; if an event is important to your visit, check the schedule in advance.

Rune Stone and St. Andrew’s Church: Further Traces of History

The Skarthi Stone offers a different historical perspective. The Busdorf Rune Stone was discovered in 1857 between two burial mounds. It commemorates a retainer of King Sweyn Forkbeard and is considered a local landmark. Its findspot and dedication connect a particular place with someone from the king’s circle.

St. Andrew’s Church was built from fieldstone around 1200 and retains late Romanesque features. Inside is a three-panel carved altarpiece dating from the 1430s. As a protected cultural monument, the site comprises not only the church and its furnishings, but also the churchyard, graves dating back to 1870, the fieldstone wall, the ring of trees and the side gate. The dates mark two historical layers: the church was built around 1200, followed by the altarpiece in the 15th century.

Nearby, the Busdorfer Schanze memorial site adds to the local history. It includes a cannon monument with a commemorative plaque and a six-metre-high obelisk made of Danish red granite by the lake.

Circular Hike, Getting There and Planning Accommodation

The Rune Stones–Königshügel circular hike starts and ends at Haddebyer Chaussee 13 in Busdorf. The route is listed as 12 km long, with an estimated duration of 3–4 hours. It combines nature and cultural themes and is considered accessible year-round, although seasonal conditions can still affect the hike. This time estimate makes it possible to plan the route as a longer activity. Also check the latest route details before setting out.

By car, take the A7 via the Schleswig-Jagel exit, then follow the B77 and B76 towards Haddeby. One public transport option is to take a regional train from Kiel Central Station to Schleswig station, then walk along the E1 to Haddeby. Check train connections and pedestrian access before travelling; roadworks and traffic may affect the driving route.

The Haithabu Viking Museum’s visitor address is on Haddebyer Chaussee, by the B76 federal highway in Busdorf; the hike starts and ends at Haddebyer Chaussee 13.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Borgwedel, Jagel, Fahrdorf, Dannewerk, Geltorf, Selk.

Return to the main travel overview: Haddeby.