At the tenth edition of the Tønsberg Viking Festival, which took place on August 8–11, the packed crowds experienced everything from storms, mud, and fighting to spectacular shows and voyages on replicas of famous 1,000-year-old ships.
The final count for this year's festival was 18,093 visitors. "That's about 50 more than last year and is a new attendance record for the festival," says festival director Ole Harald Flåten. "It's great that we achieved this in our anniversary year."
Sailing through history
Tønsberg is believed to have been established by Harald Fairhair in the 9th century and is said to be the oldest town in Norway.
It is also just down the road from Oseberg Farm, where what is probably the most famous Viking ship ever found was discovered in 1904.
Though the original Oseberg ship is now housed at the Museum of the Viking Age in Oslo – currently under construction – a replica of the original vessel was completed in Tønsberg in 2012.
The Tønsberg Viking Festival was founded in 2015 to help celebrate both the ship and the city's Viking past.
The team began counting visitor numbers during the COVID years, with 3,800 people attending in 2020 and 4,600 people in 2021.
The event has become increasingly popular in recent years, jumping from 7,000 people in 2022 to 18,043 at last year's festival.
The team is delighted to set the new record of 18,093, which confirms the persistent popularity of the festival.
The festival places a strong emphasis on education and exploration, featuring lectures, guided tours, and discussions. Source: Tønsberg Viking Festival
A truly unique occasion
As the head of photography and festival organizer, Henrik Ulrichsen, tells The Viking Herald, the array of replica Viking ships and boats – headed by the Saga Oseberg – remains one of the main attractions.
"Many visitors are fascinated by the Oseberg replica lying at the pier at Vikingodden," Henrik says. "Here, anyone can come and hear about the ship and life on board."
"Standing in one of the world's best-known Viking ships – seeing, smelling, hearing, and feeling – is simply magical."
"Some visitors were also able to go on a trip with the Saga Oseberg or try rowing in smaller Viking boats, which is a great experience for both children and adults," Henrik continues.
"Another highlight is seeing a new replica of the Gokstad ship, which was excavated in the neighboring town of Sandefjord in 1880."
A new replica of the Oseberg is currently being built in Tønsberg. Ship planks and other parts that were made by hand using Viking methods in Sandefjord have been transported to the town.
"Many visitors told us that seeing a full-sized Viking ship under construction was a truly memorable experience," Henrik adds.
The success of the festival depended greatly on the active participation of local residents and businesses in the community. Source: Tønsberg Viking Festival
A feast of knowledge
As Henrik explains, there is a strong emphasis on learning and exploration throughout the four-day event.
"Knowledge and dissemination are cornerstones of the Tønsberg Viking Festival. Every year, the festival hosts speakers who give lectures and show pictures."
"There are also guided tours in Tønsberg and Vestfold County, where people can see discoveries and settlements and place the new research into its proper context."
The lectures and symposia, which are free of charge and open to all, have helped turn the event into a festival of knowledge and debate about the Viking Age.
"One important side effect of this is that professionals are able to come together and discuss different aspects of the era," Henrik tells us. "Knowledge is shared, and new understandings can emerge."
The festival provided valuable historical insights through its various exhibits and activities. Source: Tønsberg Viking Festival
All hands to the pump
Henrik adds that the weather was almost as varied as the event program.
"There was everything from a beautiful sunset during the opening performance to the sun and pouring rain," Henrik says.
"One day, it rained so much that we had to resort to bilge pumps and buckets to drain the ground of water! Fortunately, after a tremendous effort, the stalls could open, and the audience could walk around the festival area without getting soaked and covered in mud!"
Indeed, Henrik is quick to praise the efforts of a small army of volunteers. "Without their effort and hard work, the festival would not be possible. Volunteers contribute everything from organization and logistics to being hosts for visitors and participants."
After the record numbers of 2023 and 2024, Henrik admits that the team has already started work on organizing next year's festival, which will be held on August 7–10, 2025.
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