One of Europe’s largest Viking markets will be taking place from 26 to 28 July 2012. The Fibula Association is responsible for its success. Their programme includes various things: they organise summer camps for children, banquets and parties, run courses and are also building a Viking ship.
Between 9,000 and 10,000 visitors are expected at this year’s Viking market, which is spread over three days. It is Fibula’s annual festival, teeming with bearded Vikings and women in period costume. You can see everything from dancing to warriors demonstrating historic fighting techniques. In the marketplace you’ll find craftsmen who produce both articles for everyday use and objets d’art using methods from the past and salespeople who’ll try to entice you with textiles, homemade bread and pieces of wrought-iron and leather work.
There’ll also be excellent Viking-style food and drink here. Several musical groups have been invited, including the medieval group Patrask. Children will be attracted by the jesters and all the children’s activities, including Leer’s story theatre.
It’s easy to get to the Viking village
The Viking village is located in Saltvik in northeast Åland. It takes 25 minutes by car from Mariehamn, 40 minutes from Eckerö. On market days there will be six buses a day from Mariehamn. If it gets hot wearing a Viking tunic, it’s good to know that it’s just a 10–15 minute walk from the Viking village to the beach.
Café Knarren in Saltvik
Right next to the Viking village and the Viking market is Saltvik B&B on a fine old traditional farm. This houses a local bakery and cafe, where those who spend the night here can enjoy homemade bread and pastries for breakfast. At the Café Knarren you can have a snack or a light meal – they serve coffee, beer and wine. Something new this year is that Knarren is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. all summer long. From 29 June as late as 11 p.m. Ring tel. +358(0)40 4868800 for more information.
Fibula is building a Viking ship
The Association started one of its biggest projects about a year ago – to build a Viking ship. The budget is around €70,000. Building a Viking ship is a long process. The building timber has been located, felled and dried in the proper way over a couple of winters. It’s going to take several years before we see the vessel sailing in Kvarnboviken.
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Ticket prices, opening times and more information available at www.fibula.ax.
There are more events to be found on our event calendar.
Here you’ll find recommendations as to accommodation in Åland.
You can travel to Åland with Viking Line, Eckerö Linjen or Tallink, or fly with AirÅland or Flybe. The timetables to Åland can be accessed here.
12.06.2012