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Six of the best: Viking ship museums

By Brian Johnston

August 18, 2017 — 12.15am

Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. Credit: Cees van Roeden

VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, ROSKILDE

You'll find five skeletal remains of different types of Viking ship at this museum near Copenhagen, strikingly displayed against huge windows overlooking the fiord from which they were rescued. More exciting are the five reconstructions outside. In summer, you can board a Viking ship for a sail on the harbour. Visitors can also try their hand at Viking crafts and watch boat builders at their reconstructive work; guided English tours explain tools, materials and building techniques. The museum also provides exhibits on the Vikings and a good documentary film on a re-enacted Viking voyage from Roskilde to Dublin. See vikingeskibsmuseet.dk

This Norwegian archaeological site is based around the remains of the world's largest Viking longhouse as yet discovered, and displays unearthed objects including pitchers, combs, swords and gold figurines. A reconstruction lays out and furnishes the 83-metre longhouse with Viking-style goods, down to beer tankards and leather harnesses, all enlivened by a team of volunteers in Viking costume. Even the museum's cafe seeks to bring back Viking-era ingredients and meals. Summer programs include workshops and lectures, craft demonstrations and Viking games such as axe-throwing and archery. You can also row a Viking ship on the harbour. See

JORVIK VIKING CENTRE, YORK

When a shopping-mall developer started excavating in the centre of York in the 1970s, the remains of an entire Viking town came to light. Today the foundations of its houses, workshops and streets are still in situ beneath the pavements. Visitors descend into an exhibition area, where Viking culture and life are highlighted in state-of-the-art galleries complete with everything from goblets and necklaces to leather shoes and a coffin. Skeletons and coprolites (fossilised faeces) highlight details of Viking health and diet. A mechanical ride brings you through a reconstructed village of animatronic Vikings at work. See jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

RIBE VIKING CENTRE, RIBE

One of the most important Viking centres in Denmark is constantly revealing archaeological finds that further our understanding of Viking agriculture, trade and craftsmanship. Its visitor centre recreates a Viking market, ship and 10th-century longhouse with five interconnected buildings, and also demonstrates old crafts. A recreated 10th-century church with beautiful wood carvings marks the arrival of Christianity. Activities include falconry, wood whittling, warrior training for children and Viking games, and you can meet the "inhabitants" of Ribe, such as a baker, blacksmith and market stallholders. Young kids will be amused in the themed playground. See ribevikingecenter.dk

VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, OSLO

Three bog-preserved Viking ships are displayed at this small but fascinating museum, of which the 24-metre fast, flexible ocean-going ship Gokstad is the best-preserved Viking ship anywhere. The ninth-century ships were used in the funeral rites of Viking chieftains and filled with a superb trove of treasures which are now on display, including wooden dragon sculptures, elaborate jewellery, clothes woven with gold thread, and everyday tools. An intact, intricately carved ceremonial sledge is astonishing; designed to be pulled by horses, it's the only one of its kind ever found from the Viking era. See khm.uio.no