As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on a year that has been both eventful and meaningful for Oseberg Viking Heritage. In the spirit of the season, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers in the foundation, the boat crews, the textile group, the board, supporters, and sponsors.
2025 – A year of high activity and strong communities
2025 has been marked by high levels of activity, important milestones, and strong collaborations. Our volunteers have made a tremendous effort throughout the year, from the launch of Saga Oseberg in April, to the ongoing construction of Saga Gokstad, and craft activities in the Viking Park in Sandefjord. There have been sailing expeditions and rowing trips with visitors, heavy traffic at the kiosk, and not least a highly successful Viking Festival in July.
We would also like to extend special thanks to “Vi Sammen!”, our Ukrainian friends and Vikings, who time and again have contributed food and wonderful moments during volunteer workdays and events. The efforts do not stop when the season comes to an end; with Saga Oseberg now ashore, a successful Yule Feast at the Rigger Loft, and the ongoing relocation of our shared storage facilities, we are extremely pleased with this year’s collective efforts.
Craftsmanship in practice
Our boatbuilders and craftspeople have had a very active year, both in the Viking Park in Sandefjord and at Vikingodden in Tønsberg. In Sandefjord, there has been extensive activity focused on training in Viking shipbuilding. Several school classes and visitors from Norway and abroad have taken part in building components for the Gokstad ship and learning about traditional craftsmanship and Viking heritage.
Throughout the year, we have also produced crew chests based on those from the Oseberg ship. By supporting the construction of Saga Gokstad, individuals or companies can have their name engraved on a brass plate mounted on a chest onboard the ship. In collaboration with the Museum of Cultural History, we resumed work on Viking shields, which were tested during the Sandefjord Cultural Night. On this occasion, a new dragon head, crafted by department manager Roger Pande, was gifted to Gaia, marking the strengthened friendship between the Viking communities of Sandefjord and Tønsberg
Saga Gokstad
At Vikingodden, work on Saga Gokstad has continued, supported by, among others, the Anders Jahre Humanitarian Foundation, which this year contributed an additional one million NOK for rigging and sails. After autumn storm Amy, large quantities of oak were blown down, and we were contacted by people far and wide who wished to donate oak. What for a time appeared to be a challenge regarding access to suitable oak became a fortunate turn of events, as the storm ultimately made it easier to continue construction.
“We hope to complete the drilling up to strake 16 in the coming year, after which we will begin work on the knees. Previously, it has been difficult to find suitable timber for this, but storm Amy has been good to us,” says construction manager Jan Vogt Knutsen.
Our boatbuilders do more than build ships; they also offer their craftsmanship externally. This provides welcome variety and valuable income. Among other things, they have completed the mezzanine in the Banquet Hall at Midgard Viking Centre in Borre and contributed to the development of the Havna Rundt project in Tønsberg, which was officially opened by Mayor Frank Pedersen.
Showcasing Viking heritage
Throughout the year, we welcomed friends, partners, and sponsors and had the opportunity to showcase the work we are so proud of. Visits included guided tours at Vikingodden, rowing trips with Saga Oseberg, insights into the role of volunteerism in Sandefjord, and demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship based on experimental archaeology.
Among those who visited us during the year were Vestfold County Council, Tønsberg Municipality, SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge, the Anders Jahre Humanitarian Foundation, Vestfoldmuseene IKS, and the DNB Savings Bank Foundation.
We also hosted around 40 representatives from eight European countries as part of the work with the Destination Viking Association, supported by the Council of Europe. The goal is to establish a shared European Viking Route, with The Viking Route in Vestfold now in the process of joining.
The Viking Festival
The 2025 Viking Festival once again demonstrated the power of volunteerism and collaboration. As our part of the city was transformed back to the year 871, we were able—thanks to a large and dedicated volunteer team and our supporters—to offer a free and open festival that attracted more than 18,000 visitors. The festival is a cornerstone of our outreach efforts and a clear testament to what we can achieve together.
One of the highlights was the opening performance, where the sail of Saga Oseberg served as an impressive projection screen.
Saga Farmann
2025 also brought major moments at sea. Saga Farmann completed a highly successful voyage from Rome to London. When misfortune struck and the rudder broke, the strength of craftsmanship and preparedness became evident: construction manager Jan Vogt Knutsen quickly crafted a new rudder in Tønsberg, which his son transported all the way to France. As a result, the ship was once again ready to sail in time for the crossing of the English Channel.
Read more about Saga Farmann’s 2025 voyage here.
Support that enables our projects
2025 has been a very important year for Oseberg Viking Heritage, financially as well. We are proud to say that the foundation has increasingly strengthened its financial sustainability through its own activities and income-generating work, while also experiencing great trust from our supporters.
Among the most significant contributions this year are NOK 3 million from SpareBank 1 Nøtterøy–Tønsberg and NOK 1 million from a private sponsor, both earmarked for the establishment of our upcoming research and dissemination centre at Vikingodden. This provides a solid foundation for the continued development of knowledge, outreach, and public-facing activities.
In addition, we received NOK 3 million from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation, earmarked for materials, tools, and training of young people in traditional crafts, with the goal of combating social exclusion.
New energy and strengthened community
Early in the year, we welcomed Kristin Saga and Terje Gansum as new board members. With their experience and professional expertise, they have strengthened the organisation during a period of high activity. We also appointed event coordinator Knut Roger Brekke, and together with SoMe manager Elin Fylling, we have reached an ever-growing audience through our digital channels. As the new department manager for the Viking Park, Roger Pande has increased activity and brought new life to the park.
Throughout the year, the board has completed projects, initiated new initiatives, and developed strategic plans for the foundation’s continued growth. Focus has been placed on establishing frameworks for efficient operations and delegating responsibility to staff, allowing the board to concentrate more on strategic work and positioning the foundation for the future.
The board has also maintained ongoing dialogue with supporters at county and municipal levels, as well as local members of parliament, to ensure visibility where decisions are made. A heartfelt thank you goes to the board for their engagement, strong collaboration, and dedicated efforts throughout the year.
Looking ahead to 2026
With our sights set on 2026, we move forward with strong motivation and confidence in the future. Work on realising an international Viking centre in Tønsberg continues at full speed, while several ambitious and exciting projects are under development. With this, we extend our sincere thanks for the effort, engagement, and trust shown throughout 2025.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
–Lars Bill
Chair of the Board