Viking festivals are held all over Norway. Viking dwellings, clothes, food, art, music, sports, storytelling, craft demos, archery workshops, and other thematic entertainment are held in the reconstructed Viking settlement to make you feel as if you were one of the Scandinavian warriors. A true member of the ancient Vikings' camp.
Viking Festival Avaldsnes (June 6-9, 2024)
In early June, usually around the second weekend, Viking culture is celebrated in Avaldsnes, a village located in the South-West of the Karmøy municipality. It's famous for being the largest Viking market in Western Norway. The festivities are held over four days at the Viking Farm Avaldsnes. The main purpose of the celebration is to continue the tradition of gathering the Vikings from different countries as it used to during the Norse Sagas when the royal estate at Avaldsnes was a famous meeting place.
Lofotr Vikingfestival (August 8-11, 2024)
In August, a similar festival takes place at the Lofotr Viking Museum in Bøstad, a village in the Lofoten Islands. About a hundred Vikings from Norway and beyond assemble at the Lofotr Viking Festival. The action takes place at the Boathouse, Lofotr Viking Museum, which is 8.6 miles (14 km) north of Leknes. Tickets are sold at the museum’s gates, as well as at the entrance to the festival area. Visitors can buy day tickets or festival passes. Adults/Seniors/Students/Kids Festival Pass costs $36 and Family Pass (2 adults and 3 children) costs $82.
At the Skjeltersjåen café located within the festival grounds, you can try a variety of cold and hot beverages, today's Viking-inspired meal, and other dishes for sale. In the museum café, known as Glassgården, visitors can enjoy regular refreshments throughout the day, including hot and cold drinks, dinner options, snacks, and additional offerings. There is no parking in the festival area, but you can find it at the museum's grounds.
Tønsberg Viking Festival (August 8-11, 2024)
At the beginning of September, Tønsberg hosts a Viking Festival. It is the oldest Norwegian town situated in the Southeast of the country. Norway's former capital, Tønsberg, has a vivid Viking history. Viking enthusiasts are welcome to join in the celebration. Festival visitors can enjoy various events, like archery master classes, boat building, glima, Viking games, rune workshops, blacksmithing, textile crafts, and more.
For example, the Viking Toys event features historical games and sports from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, countless games and competitions for kids of all ages, and more. In the free Glima course, you will learn how to perform the basic techniques of Glima wrestling. With Lars Magnar Enoksen, you'll have the chance to train with a true master of Viking wrestling. The highlight of the festivities also is the launching of an ancient Viking ship.
Tønsberg Viking Festival was established in 2007 by Benny Braaten to share knowledge and joy about of the Vikings' music and history. That's why vocal and instrumental ensemble performances are one of the main festival program points.
