October 14th to 22nd: The Vikings' Valhalla
In the Viking Age, autumn was a time where crops had to be harvested, the warriors came home from expeditions and the boats had to be maintained over the winter months ahead. The days were getting shorter and the dark time was approaching. In the evening, people gathered around the fire, where stories about gods and heroes were told to help pass the time.
Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure in the world of the Vikings at Vikingeskibsmuseet this autumn. From engaging activities and captivating storytelling to exploring reconstructed ships and ancient shipbuilding techniques, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Discover the rich history, mythical tales, and vibrant culture of the Vikings at Vikingernes Valhal in Roskilde, Denmark. Don't miss this opportunity to step into the world of the Norse and experience the magic of Viking culture firsthand.
Let's explore what awaits visitors at Vikingernes Valhal during the autumn holidays
Autumn Activities: From October 14th to 22nd, Vikingeskibsmuseet presents activities for visitors to enjoy. At Strandengen (the Beach Meadow), the museum's outdoor area, families can participate in Viking games and find the family's fiercest Viking warrior. After the duels, warm up by the fire, relax in the storytelling tent, join the daily family-guided tour, or explore the world's longest reconstruction of a Viking ship.
The Viking Experience:
Step into the Viking era this autumn and be transported back in time. The Viking Ship Museum showcases the impressive longships and trading vessels that were essential to the Vikings' way of life.
Mythical Tales from the Norse Mythology:
Inside the storytelling tent at Strandengen, visitors are invited to listen to mythical tales of gods, giants, and ships from the Norse Mythology. Learn about "Skidbladner," the ship that always had wind in its sails, and "Nagelfar," the death ship, built of the nails from the dead. Brace yourselves for a captivating journey through the world of Norse mythology.
Family Guided Tour - Tyr's Lost Courage:
Delve deeper into Norse mythology with the family guided tour titled "Tyr's Lost Courage". Children and adults can participate in this interactive tour centered around the Nordic myths. Help Tyr, the Norse god, regain his lost courage by solving a series of challenges that require wit, bravery, and teamwork. These tasks are inspired by the maritime life of the Viking age and the fantastic tales from Norse mythology.
War, Combat, and Weapons:
Discover the art of Viking warfare and weaponry during the autumn holidays. Most Viking warriors carried axes and shields, while noblemen and leaders possessed precious swords, helmets, and chainmail. Warfare was a craft, honed through training and skill, ensuring the warriors' safe return to their families after expeditions. In autumn, the Viking warrior showcases their impressive weapons and offers demonstrations on how to wield them.
Board the Sea Stallion:
At Strandengen, visitors can easily board the "Sea Stallion from Glendalough," the world's longest reconstruction of a Viking ship. Measuring 30 meters in length, climbing aboard the Havhingsten offers a unique opportunity to truly experience what it was like to sail on a longship during Viking times.
Baking Viking Bread:
No warrior can survive without food, and at Viking Ship Museum, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked Viking bread. These delicious flatbreads, known as 'Birka bisquits', are baked on iron pans over an open fire. They serve as a perfect treat after a day of play and training.
Viking Boatyard:
At the museum's boatyard, visitors can witness the skilled craftspersons in the process of constructing a replica of the Skuldelev 5, a Danish warship from the end of the Viking age. Dive into the ancient craftsmanship techniques and tools used in Viking shipbuilding. Additionally, inside the shipyard, there is a construction of a clinker-built dinghy, approximately 16 feet long, for the National Park Skjoldungernes Land.
"Build a Boat" Workshop:
Unleash your creativity in the open workshop at the boatyard, where both children and adults can build their own boats. Let your imagination run wild as you design and construct your vessel. However, don't forget that a good boat must float, be stable in the water, and capable of sailing. Inspired by the tales of the gods' ships in the storytelling tent, children can imbue their boats with divine qualities using colored crayons, paper, and their boundless imagination.
Special Guided Tour - Skuldelev 5 and the reconstructions:
Embark on a special guided tour that centers around the history of Skuldelev 5, an original Viking ship exhibited in the Viking Ship Hall, and the ongoing reconstruction projects. Explore the Helge Ask reconstruction in the museum harbour and witness the new reconstruction taking place at the boatyard. Learn about the importance of experimental archaeology and gain insight into the project's essence. Understand why the reconstruction of Skuldelev 5 is being undertaken once again and how it differs from the previous attempt.
Exploring the Viking Ship Hall:
The Viking Ship Hall offers various activities for visitors to enjoy at their own pace. Help solve the Museum Mystery, a digital scavenger hunt playable on personal smartphones. Listen to the audio guide, featuring stories for both children and adults, and delve into specialized "expert stories" for those seeking a deeper understanding. Additionally, a unique, child-friendly exhibition allows visitors to experience a 10-minute simulation of life at sea aboard two large ships, complete with "living walls" that simulate sailing across the ocean.
Event Details:
October 14th to 22nd 2023: The Vikings' Valhalla
Rundvisninger og fortællinger:
11.00: Mythical Tales from the Norse Mythology (in Danish)
11.30: Special Guided Tour - Skuldelev 5 and the reconstructions (in English)
12.00: Viking Talk: War, Combat, and Weapons (English and Danish)
12.30: Family Guided Tour - Tyr's Lost Courage (in Danish)
13.30: Mythical Tales from the Norse Mythology (in English)
14.00: Viking Talk: War, Combat, and Weapons (English and Danish)
14.00: Special Guided Tour - Skuldelev 5 and the reconstructions (in Danish)
14.30: Family Guided Tour - Tyr's Lost Courage (in English)
15.00: Mythical Tales from the Norse Mythology (in Danish)
Event Details:
Dates:October 14-22, 2023
Location: Viking Ship Museum, Vindeboder 12, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
Events: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tickets:Children under 18 - Free; Adults - DKK 160; Family ticket (2 adults + children under 18) - DKK 300