Trojaborg labyrinths are the oldest type of labyrinth known. They have existed since the Bronze Age (i.e., 3,000–4,000 years ago). Trojaborg labyrinths are constructed from hundreds of stones arranged in a specific pattern (either a 7-ring or 11-ring design).
These stone labyrinths are found in large numbers across the Nordic region—most notably in Sweden, where over 300 Trojaborg labyrinths have been recorded, both ancient and modern, complete and incomplete.
In Denmark, there are about 20 modern replicas of stone Trojaborg labyrinths today, but none of the original historical ones. The reason for this may be that the Danish soil is too fertile, causing the stones to have been plowed under, removed, or simply disappeared over time due to lack of maintenance.
There are two characteristic basic types (based on the design of patterns):
One is the Trojaborg type, and the other is the Chartres type.
Many labyrinth floor plans are based on one of these two types.
What these two labyrinth types have in common is that once you reach the center, you have passed through all the pathways. There are no dead ends. You are guided all the way in and out. The system feels harmonious. There is a single continuous path.
The name Trojaborg dates back 2,500 years.
But why do so many labyrinths in the Nordic region bear the name “Troy”?
Where does this designation originate from?
The answer is twofold, though not entirely definitive.
Firstly, labyrinths were often named after destroyed cities, such as Jericho, Jerusalem, Babylon, Lisbon, and Troy.
All of these places have been besieged, conquered, or destroyed.
This is intriguing in itself, but in relation to Homeric Troy, one should also remember the story of "The Beautiful Helen," who had to be found and taken out of Troy’s fortress.
In Nordic examples of the so-called "Maiden Dances," one can see a parallel to Troy.
The Nordic labyrinth legend tells of a young woman placed in the center of a Trojaborg, and it is the young man's task to find his way in and rescue her.
Another and probably better explanation is that the word "Troy" originates from the old Nordic word meaning "to turn/to twist."
This refers to the labyrinth’s many twists and turns.
In Germany, labyrinths are called Zauberkreis, Windelbahn, Wendeberg.
In England: The City of Troy, Julian’s Bower, Troy Town.
In Wales: Caerdroia.
In Iceland: Völundarhus.
In Sweden, names include Trojaborg and Queen Christina’s Riding Ground, and in Sweden and Finland: Jungfrudans (Maiden’s Dance).
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Trojaborg labyrinths are also called the Cretan type because the pattern has been found on coins from Crete dating from 500 to 100 BCE.
The oldest securely dated labyrinth depiction was discovered on a clay tablet in the Mycenaean fortress of Pylos in Greece. It was inscribed around 1200 BCE, during the Bronze Age. On the other side of the tablet, there is an inscribed, datable text.
The Trojaborg motif was thus also known in Southern Europe, but curiously, there are no stone labyrinths in the Greek, Cretan, or Etruscan world.
Stone-built Trojaborgs are found only in Northern Europe, primarily in Scandinavia, which is considered the classical region for Trojaborgs. However, labyrinths were known in ancient Greece in other forms, both as rock carvings and in Greek myths and legends.
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Most Trojaborg labyrinths in the Nordic countries are no older than 900 years and were thus built after the introduction of Christianity. However, the stories about their purpose and use are linked to ancient pagan superstitions.
It was especially those people who were most exposed to the unpredictable forces of nature who continued to perform the old rituals in the labyrinths. In many areas of Finland and Sweden, the labyrinths were built and used by people who believed that these winding and twisting paths could help them overcome various difficulties. In many places, these pagan rituals have survived well into our century.
Fishermen likely used the labyrinths as protection against the dangers of the sea, and possibly also to increase their chances of a good catch. They believed that "evil spirits" would bring misfortune, and that by using the labyrinth, they could scare away these spirits and gain protection from them. The Sámi and herders used labyrinths as protection against wolves and wolverines, and it seems that labyrinths were also used as protection against other threats and as a means to combat mental disorders. Labyrinths have thus been used for many different magical purposes.
According to local traditions among the people living in the northern Swedish archipelago, a stone labyrinth brings joy to anyone who can walk through the winding paths without disturbing the stones or destroying the labyrinth.
Therefore, it is important to follow the labyrinth’s paths all the way to the center and back out again. If you succeed, it brings luck & success, but if you cheat and step over the stone walls, misfortune will follow you.
A modern application of Trojaborg labyrinths is for problem-solving: Walk slowly to the center and back out again. On the way in, you find a solution to your problem based on your emotions or intuition. On the way out, you evaluate the solution—you do not change your mind—and determine what the solution means for you in practice. Once you exit, you will know exactly how to resolve your problem!
The classic 7-ring labyrinth can also be used for holistic problem-solving. The labyrinth’s paths can be numbered (from the outside in) from 1 to 7. Many different systems use the number 7, such as the seven chakras. A 7-ring labyrinth can, for example, be used to answer a question or to process a specific problem you are facing in life. As you walk through each of the rings, you work through this question or problem so that you have clarity when you emerge from the labyrinth.
Gl. Ryvej 2, Rodelund
DK-8653 Them
Gl. Ryvej 2, Rodelund
DK-8653 Them
At Labyrinthia, you can choose to buy food in the café and eat it indoors or outside on the south-facing terrace.
You can also bring your own food and eat it outside.
We also have two large gas grills, so you can grill your own food if you wish.
NB: There is a free “doggy bar” (fresh water) for our thirsty four-legged guests.
In the café, we offer a delicious selection of food and drinks. Enjoy freshly made sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, barista coffee, slush ice, ice cream, and much more.
Create the ideal setting for your next school event, activity, or gathering with our cozy tent – perfect for outdoor teaching, teacher days, field trips, and more.
The tent accommodates up to 64 people, and you can rent the entire tent for 500 DKK or just half of it (max. 32 people) for 250 DKK, if the tent is shared with another event.
Contact us to learn more about how our tent can be used for your school or institution! Most things can be arranged.
Call us at 86 84 99 44 or send an email to labyrinthia@labyrinthia.dk
In the Puzzle Center, you will find logic games, puzzles, and educational games in various difficulty levels. The old stable building has been converted into a cozy showroom or "Puzzle Center," as we also call it.
With over 50 different tasks and games, there is something for the whole family – from beginners to experienced players. Set aside plenty of time, as it can be hard to tear yourself away from the many exciting challenges once you're started!
