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 brought them into contact with many different cultures, from the Middle East to North America.
The ship made all of this possible. But it was much more than just a means of transportation. It held a unique place in Viking society, playing a central role in powerful rituals that demonstrated the authority of chieftains and kings, such as bog sacrifices and ship burials.
We can confidently say that the Viking ship was, and still is, the essence of the Viking Age. This exhibition takes a closer look at the ship’s multifaceted role and cultural significance.