Ten Viking-themed destinations for the 2026 summer holidays

Summer - at least in Europe and North America – is in full bloom and vacations are well underway. Which begs the eternal question: What on earth should we do with the kids all summer?

The Viking Herald lends a helping hand by taking a look at some of the best Viking-themed summer destinations from around the world. And yes, all recommendations are perfectly suited to adult Viking enthusiasts too!

Sailing on Roskilde Fjord. Source: Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde

Scandinavia

SWEDEN:

Birka: Situated on the island of Bjorko less than 20 miles from Stockholm, the Birka Viking Museum is home to a Viking village and a museum where you can learn all about the history of Birka, a remarkable Viking Age trade emporium. There are also plenty of interesting events throughout the summer, including a Viking tattoo festival, a strongman competition and even a festival celebrating the Kyivan Rus.

Also worth a visit: Gamla Uppsala, The Viking Museum (Stockholm)

DENMARK

Roskilde: The Roskilde Viking Ship Museum is home to the Skuldelev ships, five Viking vessels found in incredible condition in 1962. Today, they are preserved in a scenic location right next to Roskilde Fjord. In the summer, visitors can also look forward to demonstrations of ancient Viking crafts at the adjacent shipyard and boat trips on the fjord.

Also worth a visit: Jelling Monuments, Trelleborg Viking Fortress, Ribe Viking Center

NORWAY

Viking Planet: Naturally, kids should try and enjoy their summers far away from screens and the digital world. We will make one exception, however: Viking Planet in Oslo, a unique exhibition space that presents stories of the Viking Age through virtual reality films and interactive exhibits. Located in the heart of the Norwegian capital, it’s a perfect opportunity for a bit of historical escapism on a rainy Norwegian summer's day.

Also worth a visit: Kaupang, Lofotr Viking Museum, Historical Museum (Oslo)

Icelandic beach. Source: Martin Balle

ICELAND

Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant: The Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant offers historical reenactment and fine-dining in the very same place. Outside, you can admire the beautifully rendered turf house, take in the scenic backdrop of Mount Ingólfur and even try your hand at archery and axe-throwing. Inside, you can savor a range of Viking-themed dishes and quaff ale and mead from horns and tankards.

Also worth a visit: Eiriksstadir Viking Home Museum, National Museum (Reykjavik), Thingvellir National Park

GREENLAND:

Brattahlid: Southern Greenland is home to approximately 500 groups of ruins from the Norse colony. Probably the best and most well-preserved is found at Brattahlid, near the town of Qassiarsuk. Here you can see a reconstruction of the Tjodhildes Church, while the ruins of the famous Hvalsey Church – which contained the last written records of the Norse presence in Greenland – are also nearby. With its cool climate and remote, scenic landscapes, Greenland is almost the polar opposite to the scorching, crowded summer beaches of southern Europe.

Also worth a visit: Ruins near Nuuk, Greenland National Museum

Getting in the Viking spirit at Jorvik. Source: Jorvik Viking Centre

Rest of Europe

UNITED KINGDOM

Jorvik Viking Centre: A classic staple of Viking culture in England. Built on the site of the famous Coppergate excavations and opened in 1984, the ever-innovative Jorvik Viking Centre offers visitors a ride through the streets of York during its Norse occupation. Here you can enjoy the sights, sounds and even the smells of Viking England, as well as a bewildering array of Viking Age artefacts.

Also worth a visit: Lindisfarne, Yorkshire Museum, Jarlshof
 
IRELAND

Boyne Valley Viking Experience: While there are plenty of Viking Age sites and museum exhibitions in Ireland, in many ways the Boyne Valley Viking Experience offers the finest experience of the lot. Situated in the historic grounds of Slane Castle, the festival plays host to an authentic Viking camp, spectacular battle reenactments and a parade of Viking vessels along the river.

Also worth a visit: Viking Triangle in Waterford, Dublinia

FRANCE

Parc Ornavik: Step back into history at the Parc Ornavik, which provides an immersive world of living history that includes a fully reconstructed Viking camp. Here, visitors can enjoy an overview of Viking and Norman life from the year 911 to William the Conqueror’s victory in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. There are also plenty of interactive elements, including archery practice, cooking courses and arts and crafts activities.

Also worth a visit: Rouen Cathedral, Cité Immersive Viking

Aerial view of L'Anse aux Meadows. Source: Shutterstock

North America

CANADA

L’Anse aux Meadows: As the only confirmed Viking site in North America, L’Anse aux Meadows has to be top of the Canadian list. Here you will find replica turf houses, incredible views and the feeling of walking through an astounding part of history. The only problem is its location: On the north-east tip of Newfoundland, one hours’ drive from the region’s capital, St. John’s. Nevertheless, it’s well worth the trip.

Also worth a visit: Danish Canadian National Museum, Norstead Viking Village

UNITED STATES

Hjemkomst Center: There are not too many authentic Viking Age sites in the United States, for obvious reasons. The Hjemkomst Center, however, is well worth a visit. Situated in the city of Moorhead in Minnesota – the state has a sizeable Scandinavian population – the center is home to the Hjemkomst, a full-scale replica of the Gokstad Viking ship in Norway. The impressive complex is also home to a stunning recreation of the Hopperstad Stave Church.

Also worth a visit: Kensington Runestone & Museum, National Nordic Museum

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