The Skald’s Threads of Fate – Autumn Holiday at the Viking Ship Museum
11–19 October 2025
Autumn quietly approaches, as summer slips away almost unnoticed. The forest changes colour and glows like the long fire burning in Viking halls, and the fjord ripples gently, heralding the coming of winter.
In Viking times, autumn was a season of joyful reunions, handicrafts, and preparations for the cold months ahead. Warriors and merchants returned home after long journeys at sea, and the ships were hauled ashore when the eastern winds grew “unhappy,” as described in the medieval manuscript The King’s Mirror from around 1230:
“At the time when the 16th of October begins, the east wind grows unhappy, for he feels dismissed from his duties and his head adornment, the golden crown, has been taken from him. Then he puts a cloud-covered hat on his head and blows heavily in great anger.”
In villages and settlements, families gathered around the fire, where the Skald – the community’s finest storyteller – entertained with tales of the Norse gods and accounts from the summer’s voyages. Threads were spun, sails repaired, and clothes mended.
Beach meadow - lively activities
The beach meadow is transformed into a living Viking camp with bonfires, a storytelling tent and a training area. Here you can practice your Viking skills: learn to throw a mooring rope, fight like a Viking with a sword, or test your family's strength in a game of tug-of-war.
At the bonfires we bake Birkakiks, a recipe for Viking biscuits recreated from the remains of charred bread found at a trading post in Birka, close to Stockholm.
Museum Island - Experience the art of boatbuilding
On the Museum Island you can learn more about how the magnificent boats are created. See how maritime archaeologists investigate and document the ship finds Svælget 1 and 2 from Copenhagen Harbour in the Maritime Archaeologists' Doculab. At the boatyard the boatbuilders is workning on Skuldelev 5 ship. You are very welcome to ask about their work, tools and choice of materials, or any other questions you may have.
The Build Boat workshop at the shipyard is where children and creative souls can build a model boat and then see how seaworthy their boat is in the water tank next to the workshop.
Viking Ship Hall - play and learn
After playing outside in the cool autumn breeze, warm up in the Viking Ship Hall and explore ancient discoveries. Both kids and adults will enjoy the history and stunning ships sunk 1,000 years ago. Learn from signs, join daily guided tours, or use the Useeum app with audio tracks for kids, adults, or experts. Kids can also solve the Museum Mystery to stop Master Thief Heidenreich's plans.
The museum's new Children's Hamlet offers crafts, role-playing, and storytelling. Pack a chest, tuck dolls into goatskin duvets, or cook by the fire for returning conquerors.
