Foteviken – a viking kingdom

Genuine vikings

Photo: Sven Rosborn/Foteviken

They have their own king, their own currency and their own laws. It all started out as a centre for maritime archeology with the Viking era in focus, but it has now developed into a piece of living history.

Vikings having a meal

Photo: Sven Rosborn/Foteviken

During the summer months the village is used just like a proper Viking settlement. As a tourist you can come and join them for a day or more, dress up in Viking clothes, eat Viking food, help out with all the everyday chores, maybe indulge in a little ship-building or get taught one of the many trades.

You start out as a ”thrall”, the lowest in the hierarchy of a Viking village. Your "master" is one of the villagers, but really their task is to introduce you to Viking life. Other Viking villages from all over the world come to visit and trade and then there is a huge Viking feast in the big hall of ”Valhall”.

For anyone with an interest in this period and the Vikings, it is a perfect place to come and actually live the part. You can go for a day visit or stay overnight in the youth hostel or one of the cottages outside the village.