Learn to sail a Viking Ship - One-Day Course on Roskilde Fjord

Join a full-day course and experience Viking ship sailing firsthand.

Curious about how people sailed during the Viking Age? At the Viking Ship Museum, you can take part in full-day sailing courses aboard the reconstructed Viking ships Kraka Fyr, Estrid Byrding, or Helge Ask.

Throughout the day, participants are introduced to the basics of square sail handling and gain hands-on experience with the terminology and techniques associated with Viking ship sailing: square sail, side rudder, and oars.

The course is practice-based and open to anyone with an interest in sailing – no prior experience required.

[Translate to English:] Find dit dagskursus: Lær at sejle vikingeskib

Full-day course

Learn to sail a Viking ship

Book course

English: Om vikingeskibene

Helge Ask is a reconstruction of Skuldelev 5, a 17-meter-long warship from around the year 1030. It was built at the Viking Ship Museum in 1990–91 and has since completed numerous voyages and course days. The ship is beautifully painted with red and yellow stripes and is occasionally fitted with a carved dragon head for special occasions.

Kraka Fyr is a reconstruction of Skuldelev 6, a smaller cargo and fishing vessel from around the year 1030. Built in 1998, the ship has been used for experimental archaeology, including studies of linden bast and horsehair rope, as well as various types of side rudders.

Estrid Byrding is a reconstruction of Skuldelev 3, a Viking Age trading ship from around 1040. Launched in 2022, Estrid Byrding was built of oak at the museum’s boatyard. It is easily recognized by its distinctive orange-red wool sail.

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.

Available courses

19 July2025: SOLD OUT
Full-day course im Kraka Fyr, the replica of Skuldelev 6

26 Juli 2025:
Full-day course in Helge Ask, the replica of Skuldelev 5

Important Information About the Courses

  • For safety reasons, all participants must be able to understand Danish or English
  • Children can participate from the age of 12
  • Courses start at 10:00 and end around 16:00
  • A packed lunch and a bottle of water are included
  • Please bring warm clothing
  • We reserve the right to cancel in case of unsafe weather conditions or too few participants
  • No prior experience with Viking ship sailing is required