Here’s a list of Viking festivals in Europe (excluding the UK) that celebrate Norse culture, history, and heritage through reenactments, markets, crafts, and traditional music:
Ribe Viking Market – Denmark
Where: Ribe, Denmark’s oldest town
When: Early May
About: One of Europe’s best-known Viking events, this market recreates a bustling 8th–10th century Viking town. Expect warriors, craftspeople, storytellers, and a living history village. Ribe is also home to an excellent Viking museum.
Moesgaard Viking Moot – Denmark
Where: Near Aarhus, Denmark
When: Late July
About: Held on the grounds of the Moesgaard Museum, this is one of the largest Viking markets in Northern Europe. Over 1,000 reenactors take part in combat displays, craft demonstrations, and living history encampments.
Tønsberg Viking Festival – Norway
Where: Tønsberg, Norway
When: August
About: Celebrated near the replica Viking ship Saga Oseberg, this family-friendly event includes authentic Viking cuisine, games, crafts, and battle reenactments. It honours Norway’s maritime Viking history.
Gudvangen Viking Market – Norway
Where: Gudvangen, by the Nærøyfjord
When: July
About: Set in stunning fjord scenery, this immersive market is part of the Njardarheimr Viking Valley. Visitors experience daily Viking life, rituals, and combat in a recreated village.
Wolin Viking Festival – Poland
Where: Wolin Island, north-west Poland
When: Early August
About: One of the biggest Viking and Slavic festivals in Europe. Thousands of reenactors from all over the continent gather for large-scale battles, traditional music, crafts, and feasting. It’s held on the historic site of the legendary Jomsborg.
Catoira Viking Festival – Spain
Where: Catoira, Galicia
When: First Sunday of August
About: A uniquely Spanish take on Viking lore, this festival reenacts Viking landings in Galicia with boat landings, mock battles, and a party atmosphere. It’s more theatrical than strictly historical, but hugely popular and entertaining.
Foteviken Viking Week – Sweden
Where: Foteviken, near Malmö
When: Late June to early July
About: Held at the Foteviken Open-Air Viking Museum, this week-long event features Viking encampments, demonstrations, law assemblies, and workshops, all in a reconstructed Viking town.
Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival – Iceland
Where: Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavík
When: June
About: This Icelandic festival features authentic Viking food, handmade crafts, storytelling, and combat reenactments. It’s held in a town known for its strong ties to Iceland’s Viking heritage.