Experience Immersive Viking Life at Sweden's Storholmen Village

The Viking Village of Storholmen

Nestled amongst the picturesque archipelago north of Stockholm lies the unique living museum known as the Viking Village of Storholmen. This recreation of a 9th century Viking village provides visitors with an immersive experience into how the Norsemen of ancient Scandinavia once lived. From the architecture and food to the culture and crafts, Storholmen offers a glimpse into Viking life that history buffs and adventure seekers won't want to miss.

History of Storholmen

The island of Storholmen has a long history dating back to the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries. Archaeological evidence indicates it was home to a thriving Viking community, strategically located along important trade routes. Centuries later, a pilot station was established on Storholmen in the 19th century to guide ships traveling between Stockholm and Finland. The station brought new activity to the island until operations ceased in the 1960s.

In the 1980s, plans emerged to recreate a Viking village on Storholmen as an outdoor museum. Based on extensive historical and archaeological research, the Viking Village project authentically reconstructed the island's Viking Age structures and landscape. Finally opening to the public in 1989, the Viking Village quickly became a beloved destination for learning about Scandinavia's Viking heritage.

Visiting the Viking Village

A brief 20 minute ferry ride from central Stockholm transports visitors over 500 years back in time to Storholmen's Viking Village. Costumed guides inhabit the village, taking on the roles of Norse villagers engaged in daily activities like cooking, craftmaking, and animal husbandry. Wandering through the settlement's dirt pathways, you'll encounter animated Viking characters tending to live animals, crafting goods, or telling tales around a crackling fire.

The village is centered around a great longhouse, true to the style of Viking lodgings. Nearby sit smaller workshops housing a pottery, smithy, jeweler, weaver, tannery, and medieval kitchen. The aromatic smells of bread baking in a stone oven and meats roasting over an open fire will whet your appetite as you observe the Viking feasting traditions.

Continuing through the village, you'll find pens of goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens as well as fields growing flax and ancient grains like barley and rye. A vegetable garden provides produce historically cultivated by Vikings, and the surrounding woodlands offer foraging for mushrooms and wild berries. With the tranquility of gentle waves lapping at Storholmen's shores, the Viking Village transporting you to a simpler time.

Viking Culture and Crafts

At the Viking Village, visitors can delve into numerous aspects of Norse culture and everyday life. Costumed interpreters are eager to demonstrate their craft skills and discuss Viking customs and beliefs. Some of the highlights include:

• Watching smelting in the smithy
• Learning traditional Viking board games
• Observing cooking in cauldrons over the longhouse fire
• Listening to Norse poetry and epic tales
• Watching skilled craftspeople create items like ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, wood carvings, and textiles using authentic Viking-era tools and techniques

Interspersed with the living history exhibits are replicas of Viking rune stones telling stories of gods like Odin and Thor. The village also houses a small museum with artifacts found on Storholmen that provide further insight into how the Vikings lived and worked.

Special Events at the Viking Village

In addition to the recreations of daily Viking life, Storholmen hosts exciting special events throughout the season. These might include reenactments of Viking weddings, trading fairs, and feasts overflowing with roasted meat, mead, jousting, and Norse entertainment. Some of the largest events draw Viking reenactors from across Scandinavia for playful competitions in skills like archery, combat, horsemanship, and handicrafts.

The village also hosts programs focused on different aspects of Viking culture and society. Come during the spring Live Like a Viking days to try activities like dyeing, cooking, and felting wool. Viking Fests in August feature storytelling, sports, and music celebrating Norse culture. And the fall Vikings Meet the Gods days explore spirituality and rituals of the Viking belief system.

Visitor Information for Storholmen Viking Village

The Viking Village on Storholmen island is open daily from mid-May through August then weekends only in September. It's easily accessible via ferry from downtown Stockholm near the Grand Hotel. The roundtrip ride takes about 40 minutes. Ferries generally run at least a couple times per day, increasing frequency during peak summer visitation.

On the island, costumed interpreters speak English and Swedish. Guided tours are available but visitors are also welcome to explore freely at their own pace. Admission includes access to all exhibits, activities, and demos in the Viking Village. A café offers traditional foods and gift shops sell handmade souvenirs. Special events may require separate tickets.

Whether you're a history buff, Scandinavian culture enthusiast, or lover of the outdoors, the Viking Village of Storholmen offers an exciting opportunity. Step back into the 10th century to see what life was like for the Norse people who once called this island home. It's a one-of-a-kind experience transporting you to another world just a short distance from Sweden's vibrant capital.

FAQs

What time period does the Viking Village recreate?

The Viking Village recreates life in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, approximately 790 AD to 1100 AD.

What types of activities can visitors do at the Viking Village?

Visitors can observe costumed interpreters engaged in activities like cooking, crafting, animal tending, and storytelling. There are also opportunities to participate in hands-on activities like ancient games, dyeing wool, and grinding grains.

How can I get to the Viking Village?

The Viking Village is located on the island of Storholmen, accessible by ferry from downtown Stockholm near the Grand Hotel. Ferries run daily during the operating season.

Are there special events at the Viking Village?

Yes, special events like Viking weddings, feasts, and cultural festivals are held throughout the season. Check the website for an events calendar.

Is the Viking Village appropriate for kids?

Yes, the Viking Village is very family-friendly. Costumed staff engage kids in Viking activities and storytelling. There is plenty for children to explore under parent supervision.