In 1953, big shaped oak timber was found near Ravning at the south side of the Vejle River Valley.

Later more timber was found where ponds for fish farming were constructed, this time at the north side of the valley.

[2] The end date of the interval has been questioned by another dendrochronologist who concludes that the date cannot be stated more precisely than "after c. 980 and before c. 1010"[3] The Ravning Bridge is thought to have been built in the Viking Age around 980 AD, as ordered by King Harald Bluetooth, who also built the Viking ring castles.

[4] The deck area covered 3,800 square meters, and it is estimated that more than 300 ha of oak forest was felled to construct the bridge.

In the Viking Age the water levels were higher in the Vejle River Valley and ships could navigate further inland and so dock closer to the important royal seat of Jelling.