Bork Viking Harbor

Travel back in time to 1000 years ago during a visit to Bork Viking Harbor. Here you can see, feel, and taste the Viking Age. And you get the experience of standing in a Viking harbor, where the Vikings prepared for the next raid, worked on various crafts, produced food, played music, and worshiped their gods. It is especially interesting to visit Bork Viking Village during the summer holidays, where volunteers play a major role in bringing the place to life and making the experience unique. There is an opportunity to try out lots of traditional games and competitions from the Viking Age, both on land and by the water.

A Vestjysk Viking Harbor

Bork Viking Harbor is reconstructed based on archaeological findings and excavations in West Jutland. The buildings have thus been reconstructed based on entirely local findings. The fine wooden church is based on findings of an earlier wooden church beneath the church in Vorgod, north of Skjern. The chieftain's longhouse is a copy of a house excavated in Tarm. The pier is inspired by findings from Nybro between Bork and Varde. And the watermill is inspired by finds from Sejrup east of Tarm and Omgård between Skjern and Holstebro. There are five ships in Bork Viking Harbour; Havørn, Ravnunge Bork, Byrjargol, Gere, and Freke. Gere and Freke are, for example, Bork Viking Harbour's two ferry boats. Gere means "the greedy" and Freke "the greedy". Gere and Freke are Odin's two wolves in Norse mythology, who follow him everywhere. The Faroese boats present traditional Faroese fishing boats that were used in the Atlantic Ocean back from the early Middle Ages. Gere and Freke are 5.3 meters long and can sail at 6 knots with the sail. You can read more about the ships at Bork Viking Harbour here: The Ships – Ringkobing Fjord Museums

Taste and feel the Viking Age

For the younger children, the biggest hit at Bork Viking Village is pulling sailboats along the canal. Small homemade wooden boats on a string, just like children in the Viking Age probably played with. For older children, archery is a must. There is an opportunity to try out various creative activities such as making beeswax candles. An experience card can be purchased at the entrance, which can be used for the paid activities. There are also plenty of free activities and games. Maybe you should try to see who is the strongest and most athletic Viking by participating in various Viking challenges at the Viking playgrounds. It is also highly recommended to bake a flatbread.

Riddle hunt

Are you also jumping on the geocaching wave or want to try it out, then Bork Viking Harbor can offer two geocaching adventures. "Fang Fenrisulven" is designed for children aged 4-10 years. "Gods' riddles" are for adults, teenagers, and big children. The treasure hunts need to be purchased additionally. It's a really great way to get around the entire Viking harbor and to learn more about the Viking Age.

Another great thing about Bork Viking Harbour is that children and young people under 18 years old get free admission. There is also a shop on the premises. The café serves food based on traditional ingredients from the Viking Age. However, this also includes reinterpretations such as sausage rolls and cappuccino.