Full-day courses - Learn to sail a Viking ship

Great sailing experiences awaits you on the full-day courses 'Learn to sail Viking' in the Viking ship 'Kraka Fyr', 'Skjoldungen' or 'Helge Ask'. The Viking Ship Museum offers full-day courses for those who wish to learn how to sail a Viking ship. This will be the real deal when the participants go aboard the Viking ships to learn about square sails, tack, bowlines and all the other concepts associated.

The ships

'Kraka Fyr' and 'Skjoldungen' are reconstructions of Skuldelev 6, a fishing and cargo vessel from the Viking Age. Both reconstructions have been built at the Viking Ship Museums boatyard.
They were constructed using the very same methods, materials and tools used by the Viking boat-builders and the ships are about as close as it is possible to get to the original Viking ships. There are room for 10 participants and there will be 2 crew members on board.

» Learn more about the two reconstructions of Skuldelev 6...

'Helge Ask' is a reconstruction of the Skuldelev 5 ship, a smaller warship from the Viking Age. Helge Ask was built at the Viking Ship Museum in 1990-91. Helge Ask has room for 16 participants and there will be 4 crew members on board.

» Learn more about 'Helge Ask'...

The content of the course

The course will provide the participants with a thorough introduction to sailing with square sails, which is very different from sailing on modern sailing boats. In contrast to Bermuda sails and gaff sails, the square sail is placed in front of the mast, and it often requires some getting used to for sailors with experience from the more modern types of rigging.

The Viking ship’s special design will also be reviewed during the course, and the ship’s cordage will be introduced. The entire course will be based on practical exercises on Roskilde Fjord and before leaving the museum harbour, the participants will be provided with a brief introduction to safety precautions and life vests will be distributed. 

A full day of course in sailing Viking ships offers new experiences for both the novice sailor and he who seeks new challenges.

Lunch box is provided for all participants. Lunch is eaten on board.

Facts and dates in 2023:

Dates for one-day course with 'Kraka Fyr' or 'Skjoldungen':
Satuday 20 of May
Saturday 27 of May
Saturday 10 of June

Price for course in 'Kraka Fyr' / 'Skjoldungen':
Adults: DKK 1350.00 per participant incl. lunch box and water

Dates for one-day course with 'Helge Ask':
Saturday 3 of June
Saturday 17 of June

Price:
Adults: 2.400 DKK per participant incl. lunch box and water

Time:
Saturday 10:00 – app. 16:00

No previous experience with sailing Viking ships is required.

Note:
- IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, all participants must be able to understand Danish or English.
- We reserve the right to cancel if the weather is a safety risk or there are too few registrants.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Lunch box and a bottle of water included.
- Bring warm clothing.
- The ticket cannot be refunded unless the sailing is cancelled.
- Ticket fee is not refunded.
- Read more in our terms of agreement.