Photos from a dramatic day

On the 6th and 7th December, the Viking Ship Museum had some difficult days as floodwaters threatened to break through the Viking Ship Hall's glass façade, and the rising water inundated the buildings on the Museum Island.
The Viking ships suffered no damage and the Viking Ship Hall stood firm against the waves and the extreme water level. Luckily, the damage was limited to the museum buildings and grounds.

No artefacts were affected, thanks to a formidable and early intervention on the part of the Danish Emergency Management Agency, Police, Home Guard and volunteers, conservators from the National Museum and the employees at the Viking Ship Museum.
The Viking Ship Museum was well prepared for the storm, and although there was no panic, it was an intense and very uncomfortable night as the water rose to 206 cm above normal sea level, and the force of the waves caused the windows of the Viking Ship Hall to crack.

» The pictures were taken by photographer Werner Karrasch. Click on one of the pictures to see them bigger and series.

Photos from a dramatic day

6 December 12:28, 134 cm above mean sea level. The museum's craftsmen and marine archaeologists pulled on waders and diving suits and fought against the rising water.
6 December 12:28, 134 cm above mean sea level. The museum's craftsmen and marine archaeologists pulled on waders and diving suits and fought against the rising water.
6 December 12:31, 136 cm above mean sea level. The water started rising early in the day high up on the Viking Ship Hall's glass facade.
6 December 12:31, 136 cm above mean sea level. The water started rising early in the day high up on the Viking Ship Hall's glass facade.
6 December 12:55, 141 cm above mean sea level. The fjord water rolled up on the large lawn that surrounds the Viking Ship Museum.
6 December 12:55, 141 cm above mean sea level. The fjord water rolled up on the large lawn that surrounds the Viking Ship Museum.
6 December 16:31, 170 cm above mean sea level. When the water level at approximately 14.30 reached 150 cm above water level, the whole Museum Island was flooded.6 December 19:58, 193 cm above mean sea level. Vikingeskibshallen was now isolated, surrounded
6 December 16:31, 170 cm above mean sea level. When the water level at approximately 14.30 reached 150 cm above water level, the whole Museum Island was flooded.6 December 19:58, 193 cm above mean sea level. Vikingeskibshallen was now isolated, surrounded by water on all sides.
6 December 20:30 at 195 cm above mean sea level. Conservators from the National Museum in the process of ensuring the ships further with plastic covers.
6 December 20:30 at 195 cm above mean sea level. Conservators from the National Museum in the process of ensuring the ships further with plastic covers.
6 December 20:45, 195 cm above mean sea level. The windows began to give way under the pressure of the water. To prevent water splashes on the ships they were further protected.
6 December 20:45, 195 cm above mean sea level. The windows began to give way under the pressure of the water. To prevent water splashes on the ships they were further protected.
6 December 21:17, 199 cm above mean sea level. Covering almost done. At 23:30 the water reached the highest water measurement: 206 cm.
6 December 21:17, 199 cm above mean sea level. Covering almost done. At 23:30 the water reached the highest water measurement: 206 cm.
7 December 10.45, 146 cm above mean sea level. The day after - thankfully we only saw damage to buildings and facilities!
7 December 10.45, 146 cm above mean sea level. The day after - thankfully we only saw damage to buildings and facilities!