The Ravning Bridge, Vejle River Valley

Viking Period
The Ravning Bridge

The Ravning Bridge is a bridge from the Viking period, built in oak in ab 979 at the same time as Trelleborg, Fyrkat, Aggersborg and Nonnebakken, all being counted to Harald Bluetooth's ruling period. Seemingly they lost their military significance and fell into decay after ab. 5 years of use. The Ravning bridge was discovered in 1953; it is situated 10 km south of Jelling in Vejle River Valley and has a natural connection to the longitude road of Middle Jutland, called Hærvejen (The Army Road) and to the old roads southwards. The bridge is 760 metres long and 5 metres broad, and the building was characterized by an impressing accuracy. The sequences of the bridge only differed up to 5 cm from a straight line.

photo 240307: grethe bachmann

Kongens Kær close to Vejle city.

Kongens Kær
English: the King's Fens/ the King's Meadows


















Kongens Kær was named by the citizens of Vejle. It lies in eastern part of Vejle River valley and forms a wedge into the western part of Vejle city. It is a unique nature area which together with the lake Knapperup Sø creates a wet area of over 100 ha.

Vejle city and a bird island in front

A view from the platform to  three Vejle towers

the start of one of the nature paths.....

Kongens Kær was through many years kept relatively dry by help of pumps which dewatered the area, and it was possible to use it for farming. In connection to the weat area- project the pumps were switched off. To secure the neighbours against flood an earthen embankment was built around the area.

the bridge out to the small view platform...

...and a bird watcher on the small platform

The seagulls nest in every place they can find.

The living conditions of the bird life and the rare birch mouse (Sicista betulina)  are improved by establishing bird islands and earth banks. The low water level creates ideal conditions for a varied and species-rich plant society.


  
The birds are quick to acknowledge the improved living conditions. Here are many waders and waterfowls, and birds of prey like the marsh harrier, the red kite and occassionally the osprey. Even the white-tailed eagle has visited the area. The white-tailed eagle is a top-predator and in top of the food chain, and it tells us that Kongens Kær has a good, versatile and rich nature.

 -the platform reaches out in the air like the bridge of a ship

Kongens Kær has become an attractive destination for the citizens of Vejle and other interested, also the schools. From the large platform at the country road you can watch across the pretty landscape of Vejle River valley and the bird life in the wet meadows. The big platform has also access for wheel chairs. Downside by the path is a bridge out to a small platform in the edge of the wet area.

a seagull in a tree.................

Kongens Kær belongs to Skov- og Naturstyrelsen.

photo 2012/ 2013: grethe bachmann