In late May 2025, a significant Viking-era hoard was discovered near the historic trading center of Haithabu, located in Schleswig-Holstein. The discovery was made by metal detectorist Arjen Spießwinkel along the Schlei inlet. This hoard sheds new light on trade connections and cultural processes in 10th-century Northern Europe.
Among the finds are silver ingots, hacksilver, Arabic dirhams, and a unique pendant that has sparked debate among scholars. Its unusual orientation and form have led to arguments about whether it is an early Christian cross or a symbol of the old Norse faith—Thor's hammer.
Haithabu was one of the most important maritime trading centers of the Viking Age, connecting Scandinavia with Europe and the Middle East. The presence of Arabic coins and Mediterranean jewelry in the hoard confirms the vastness of Viking trade routes and their role in cultural exchange between distant regions. These items show that the Viking Age was a time of complex interaction between different civilizations.
Researchers plan to continue studying the artifacts to better understand their origins and historical role, as well as to uncover new aspects of life and culture during the Viking Age. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the complex connections between different regions in the 10th century.