Storholmen - a true Viking experience!
When you mention the word ‘Viking’ to anyone they will conjure up images of fierce warriors burning and slaughtering their way across Europe. But the Vikings had more sides to their nature too, which is shown at Storholmen Viking Village, situated north of Sweden’s capital city Stockholm. Visitors are encouraged to take part in activities that demonstrate how everyday life was led in the Viking Age
The focus of the village is on the home life of the Vikings. Visitors are encouraged to take part in activities that demonstrate how everyday life was led in the Viking Age. The Vikings were maybe, in order, first of all farmers, then craftsmen, merchants, seamen and then of course some men were – as they are known for – warriors, more or less like pirates.
The Storholmen Viking Village is a Experimental Open Air Museum. The artefacts you see there is the buildings, the exhibition and – the people you meet! All dressed in authentic clothing, doing the everyday life things, almost always in the way it was done 1000 years ago. And how do they know that, you may wonder? Well, by trying, by doing experiments and of course – by deep studies. So, everyone you meet there, will tell you stories how life presumably were led at this very place in the Viking Age.
The sound of the village blacksmith working at his anvil rings throughout the village and he toils over creating iron goods; from arrow heads to decorative jewellery. Beautiful glass beads are made in a clay furnace. You will here music and dance, but don’t be surprised if you are asked to join in! Laughter can also be heard when stories of the old gods are told to the delighted listener, regardless of their age. Other crafts, from wood carving to making silver jewellery, can sometimes be seen, and you may even be able to go for a sail on the lake in a large Viking boat. Viking games are also on show, ranging from trials of strength to hilarious feats of agility. Again, don’t be surprised if you find yourself hopping on one leg while trying to knock other competitors over!
Surroundings and location
Storholmen Viking Village lies by the side of beautiful Lake Erken and is surrounded by woods where 166 Viking Age burial mounds lie among the oak trees.
At a short walking distance lies a charming inn from the 18:th century, and a beach. The Viking village lies 80 kilometres from Stockholm and Uppsala and 10 kilometres northward from Norrtälje on road 76, there is a sign on the road marking the village’s location.
About the Open-Air museum
Storholmen is run by a foundation and has a non-profit support association. The purpose with the Viking Village Storholmen is to reanimate history, and in a tangible way give people of different age and background an exciting insight into the Viking Age by giving them the opportunity to try ancient handicraft and other activities first-hand.
Booking and information
Tel: 0176-553 11
E-mail: info@storholmen.org