Viking World

Viking World

Suðurnes

75/10090 min

Viking World is a museum located in Suðurnes, Iceland, dedicated to the rich heritage of the Vikings and their exploration of the North Atlantic. Its centerpiece is the Íslendingur, a meticulously crafted replica of the Gokstad Viking ship dating back to around 870 AD, which was sailed to New York in 2000 to commemorate Leifur Eiríksson's voyage to the New World a millennium earlier. The museum's architecture harmoniously blends with the Icelandic landscape, offering visitors scenic views of the nearby harbor. Viking World is divided into three main exhibitions: the Íslendingur ship, the Vikings of the North Atlantic, and the Settlement of Iceland, each providing detailed insights into Viking navigation, culture, and Icelandic history. The Íslendingur ship itself is constructed from carefully selected Norwegian and Swedish pine and oak, featuring 32 oars for a crew of approximately 70, and a bow designed both for visibility and to shield against high waves. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free Wi-Fi, enhancing visitor comfort. Moreover, it hosts private and business events, including conferences and receptions, making it a versatile cultural venue. Viking World not only celebrates the adventurous spirit of the Vikings but also educates about their profound impact on medieval Europe and the North Atlantic region.

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Astuce: For the best experience, visit Viking World during Iceland's milder months to enjoy the scenic views and comfortable weather. It is advisable to check the official website for opening hours and to book tickets in advance if planning to attend special events or group tours. The museum offers wheelchair accessibility and free Wi-Fi. Consider combining your visit with a tour of the surrounding Suðurnes area to explore Icelandic nature and history further.

Faits intéressants

  • •The ĂŤslendingur is an exact replica of the Gokstad Viking ship, one of the best-preserved Viking ships ever found.
  • •The ĂŤslendingur was sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to New York in 2000 to mark the 1000th anniversary of Leifur EirĂ­ksson’s voyage to the New World.
  • •The Gokstad ship was excavated from a burial mound in Norway in 1882 and dates back to around 870 AD.
  • •A Viking ship like the ĂŤslendingur typically had a crew of about 70, rowing in shifts using 32 oars.
  • •The museum building’s design allows visitors to enjoy views of the Icelandic landscape and nearby harbor while exploring Viking history.

Histoire

1882

The ĂŤslendingur ship, the museum's centerpiece, is a faithful replica of the Gokstad ship excavated in Norway in 1882 and dated to around 870 AD, coinciding with Iceland's settlement period.

1994

Construction of the ĂŤslendingur began in October 1994 and was completed by March 1996.

2000

In 2000, the ship was sailed to New York to commemorate Leifur Eiríksson’s historic voyage to North America approximately 1000 years earlier.

Viking World museum was established to preserve and present the maritime heritage of the Vikings, focusing on their navigation and settlement of the North Atlantic, particularly Iceland.

Guide du lieu

1
ĂŤslendingur Viking Ship1994-1996
Unknown master shipbuilders following traditional Viking shipbuilding techniques

A full-scale, seaworthy replica of the Gokstad ship, the ĂŤslendingur represents the type of vessel used by Vikings during the settlement of Iceland around 870 AD. It features 32 oars, a central sandpit for an open fire, and a bow designed for visibility and wave protection. This ship was sailed to New York in 2000 to commemorate Viking exploration of North America.

2
The Vikings of the North Atlantic Exhibition

This exhibition explores the voyages, culture, and impact of Viking explorers who settled and traded across the North Atlantic, including Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (Newfoundland). It highlights their advanced navigation skills, societal structures, and the legacy they left in these regions.

3
The Settlement of Iceland Exhibition

An exhibition detailing the history of Iceland’s settlement during the Viking Age, focusing on the migration, colonization, and cultural development of the Norse settlers who established Iceland as a significant Viking hub in the North Atlantic.

Contact

Téléphone: 422 2000

Map