Viking Sites & Museums in Germany
During the Viking Era much of what is now Schleswig-Holstein lay within the so-called Viking Homeland (modern day Denmark, Norway and Sweden). Danish kings protected their lands against the expanding Frankish kingdom by building a rampart cutting off the Jutland peninsular from the rest of continental Europe. Near Schleswig is the archaeological site of Haithabu (Hedeby), an important Viking trading town, that had extensive links with centres throughout Europe.
This page is part of our Guide to the Archaeology of the Norsemen and Vikings, as well as the Germany Travel Guide. We list those attractions in Germany with a Viking interest. Readers wishing to visit these places will find visitor information, links to official websites as well as other helpful resources. Those who have an account (free of charge) can create their own travel lists and itineraries. To benefit fully from this website’s travel planning features, see the User’s Guide. The page has been put together by Thomas Dowson, who lives in Schleswig-Holstein, based on both first-hand visits and research.
Annual Viking Festivals
During the summer historic themed festivals are very popular in Germany. Many town, particularly those that still have a strong medieval identity, host an annual Medieval Market. The Hanseatic League being a popular theme of many of these summer festivities. In Schleswig-Holstein where there is a closer geographic and historic connection with Scandinavia, it is the Vikings that provide inspiration for the summer festivals. Valsgaard, the open-air replica Viking Farm in the town of Wallsbüll, and Hedeby or Haithabu, the site of an important Viking trading settlement, are two places that have regular events throughout the summer. These range from battle re-enactments to craft fairs.
Viking Attractions: Sites, Museums & Living History
Danevirke - Danework
Danevirke is a historic wall built across part of the Jutland peninsular, from Schleswig in the east to near Hollingstedt in the west. The oldest parts of the wall were built between 450 and 500 AD. From then, the fortification was modified and extended by many, including Danish Viking Kings, and Danes during the First and Second Schleswig Wars (1848 and 1864). Barriers were earthworks, timber palisades, trenches, stone walls and even a sea-barrier on the Schlei, incorporating natural barriers such as bodies of water. Many parts and features of the wall, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are visible today.
Danevirke Museum
An all new Danevirke Museum is currently being built, with a planned opening in 2026. For now a temporary visitor centre is in use. In the centre is an exhibition about the 1,500 year history of the fortification. The centre also serves as an information point for the Hedeby-Danevirke UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a convenient spot to start a number of the trails exploring the fortifications, or take part in the events and guided tours on offer.
Grönsfurt Memorial Stone
In 2013 a memorial stone was placed at Grönsfurt – the historic site of a ford across the Eider River. The river formed the border between an Danish kingdom and the Frankish Empire. It was here around 811 and 813 that negotiators for the Frankish King Charlemagne and the Viking King Hemming met. There is no information at the location, which lies on a footpath between the Eider River and a sewage treatment plant for the town of Fockbeck. To reach the stone, follow Grönsfurther Weg from the south east of the town. Nearby are the barely visible remains of a small Viking ring fort.
Haithabu Viking Settlement
Within the semi-circular 10th century rampart, and not far from the Wikinger Museum Haithabu, is a reconstructed Viking village. The reconstructions, including its location, is based on the results of archaeological excavations of the Viking commercial port. Visitors are free to wonder around the various buildings. Regular Viking-themed events are held at the site, at which time period foods and crafts are on sale. An entry ticket to the museum includes entry to the reconstructed village.
Stralsund Museum: St. Catherine's Monastery
Stralsund Museum can be found in what is the largest Gothic monastery in the southern Baltic region. Besides being able to explore a number of features of the monastic complex, exhibitions in these rooms display 6,000 years of the region’s cultural history. Of particular note are two exquisite hoards of Viking gold artefacts (Peenemünde and Hiddensee) and a large collection of over 1072 Roman and Byzantine coins. The museum is currently closed for a substantial renovation, and will reopen in early 2026.
Valsgaard Viking Farm
A number of Viking era farm buildings have been reconstructed here, based on archaeological sites in the area. These include a typical longhouse, various workshops and a house based on one excavated at Haithabu. Each year the village is used as a setting for three major Viking-style events: at Pentecost, end of August and the start of October. As the attraction is run by volunteers there are no regular opening hours. During the summer months it is usually open on the weekend.
Wikinger Museum Haithabu – Hedeby Viking Museum
On the banks of a navigable inlet, the Schlei, and near the Medieval town of Hedeby (Haithabu or Haddeby) this museum focusses on the Viking history of the region. Following a major refurbishment in 2010, the museum now presents over one hundred years of archaeological research on the Vikings. From the museum reconstructions of thatched roof Viking Age houses can be seen, and visited. During the summer months, the museum hosts demonstrations of crafts and skills. Entry to the museum includes entry to the reconstructed Viking village nearby.
Wikingerdorf Flake
Vikings my not be what spring to mind when in the mountains of Bavaria. Yet, the small town of Walchensee was the filming location for Vicky the Viking, based on the 1963 novel Vicke Viking by the Swedish author Runer Jonsson. Flake, a fictional Viking village, was reconstructed on the shores of the Walchensee. For a long time, the village was still accessible to visitors. As plans to use the set for a theme park based on the character never materialised, parts of the set were moved to Bavaria Filmstadt. And in June 2024 all remaining buildings were dismantled and removed.
Map of Viking Sites in Germany
Add Viking Sites in Germany to Your Itinerary & Travel Lists
If you are planning a trip to Germany you can use our itinerary builder with the list and map of sites above to create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itineraries. These can also be shared with your friends, privately and on social media. To make use of this feature, however, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering to use our itinerary builder is free of charge (find more details on How to Use this Website) . This page only includes Viking archaeological sites and museums in Germany. You can find Viking Sites & Museums in other countries, and/or More Sites & Museums in Germany.
