Vestfold has taken a major step towards becoming one of Europe’s leading Viking destinations. Recently, some 40 representatives from museums and heritage sites across Europe gathered here to experience the region’s unique Viking legacy.
By Einar Chr. Erlingsen
Over four eventful days, participants from eight different countries explored highlights such as the Midgard Viking Centre with its monumental burial mounds, museum, and grand feast hall. In Tønsberg, they tried their hands at rowing a Viking ship, blacksmithing, and traditional crafts – and enjoyed a taste of Viking cuisine prepared by our Danish friend Jesper Lynge. In Sandefjord, the spotlight was on the vital role of volunteers and craftsmanship. The tour of Viking Vestfold concluded at the dramatic stone monuments of Mølen.
The visitors were all part of the Destination Viking Association, a Council of Europe initiative linking Viking heritage sites across borders into a single cultural route. In total, the project brings together more than 60 destinations in 16 countries. Those who came to Vestfold represented Ireland, England, the Orkney Islands, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Sweden, France, and Norway.
The goal of the visit was to showcase Vestfold’s rich Viking Age heritage. Later this year, these sites will officially be connected through the Viking Trail in Vestfold, a project led by Vestfold County Council. Telemark is also expected to join this growing cultural route in the near future.
Organized by Vestfold County Council / Cultural Heritage, the Vestfold Museums, and Oseberg Viking Heritage, the event was by all accounts a great success.
At Vikingodden in Tønsberg, participants tried Viking ship rowing, blacksmithing, and other traditional crafts – and thoroughly enjoyed Viking chef Jesper Lynge’s cooking. (Photo: Einar Chr. Erlingsen).