Stop the Danes at Ajmund’s bridge!

After the landing, King Valdemar’s army makes its way to Visby. The quickest route is via Ajmund’s bridge by Mästerby, over the river of Sudertingsån.

The Gotland farmers presumably chose Ajmund’s bridge as a point at which to gather its forces. The bridge, with the river and the marshy bogs to the east, is an ideal place to attempt to stop the Danes.

Valdemar realises that the losses would be great if he attempted to cross the bridge. One kilometre to the east the marshland is at its most narrow; at Fjäle bog. Perhaps just 150 metres across. And the summer is dry and hot. The bog can carry both the Danes and their horses.

Archaeological discoveries indicate that battles took place here. Arrows fell on the Danes when they crossed the bog. On the other side, the forces met in close combat. The Danish warriors were superior. The farmers’ army were forced to retreat. The road to Visby lay open to the enemy.