The Viking Age began with the first Scandinavian raids on foreign shores in the 8th century.
The Vikings were skilled seafarers who crossed open seas in well-built ships, but they were also warriors, settlers, traders, farmers, and fishermen. Their voyages led to encounters with many different cultures — from the Middle East to North America.
The ship made all of this possible, but it was also much more than just a means of transport. It held a unique and central place in Viking society. Ships played a leading role in grand rituals that demonstrated the power of chieftains and kings — such as bog offerings or ship burials.
It is fair to say that the Viking ship was — and still is — the very essence of the Viking Age. In this exhibition, we explore this theme in greater depth.