Draken Harald Hårfagre seeks crew for new Viking expedition

The organization Viking Kings has put out a recruitment call for a new expedition of the Draken Harald Hårfagre, the largest Viking ship replica in the world. 

The group is looking to form a team of professional crew members and volunteer deckhands for a months-long voyage to a mystery destination. 

A hardy vessel 

The Norwegian entrepreneur Sigurd Aase began construction of the Draken Harald Hårfagre in 2008. His goal was to build a ship that was authentically Viking yet also capable of sustaining long and perilous journeys at sea. 

The result was the largest replica Viking ship on the planet, with a length of some 35 meters. 

Since its completion, the ship has undergone a number of daring expeditions and has even been featured in the documentary series Viking Quest: America, which aired on the Smithsonian Channel in Canada and the History Channel in the UK. 

One notable highlight of Draken's career to date was a voyage across the North Atlantic from Haugesund in Norway to a series of ports in Greenland, Canada, and the United States in 2016. 

During the trip, the Draken Harald Hårfagre called at several destinations with a strong Viking connection, including Lerwick in Scotland, Reykjavik in Iceland, and L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada – following in the footsteps of Leif Eriksson, of course. 

Constructed in 2012, the Draken Harald Hårfagre is a 35-meter-long Viking ship replica designed for long ocean voyages. Photo: Odd Roar Aalborg (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A new challenge 

Now, the Draken Harald Hårfagre will set sail for a brand-new adventure. 

Viking Kings, the organization behind the ship, is looking to put together a crew of 34 people for a new escapade – though they have yet to disclose the final destination. 

According to Sigurd Aase, "The Draken Harald Hårfagre project aims to explore the world and embrace the Viking spirit – to look beyond the horizon, seek adventure, and inspire people to take on challenges." 

Viking Kings is planning to construct an international team with a mix of ages and genders, including a professional crew of around seven to eight people. 

The professional crew members are required to be qualified able seamen (at a minimum) with experience working on tall ships. 

They are also expected to possess an STCW Basic Safety certificate and provide documentation of their previous work. This is a paid position. 

• READ MORE: All you need to know about Viking ships

Viking Kings is recruiting up to 20 volunteer deckhands, with prior sailing experience preferred but not required. Photo: Ronnie Robertson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Daring volunteers in demand 

Don't worry if you do not have extensive sailing experience, however! 

Viking Kings is also looking to recruit up to 20 volunteer deckhands. While experience with tall ships is preferred, it is by no means compulsory. 

All crew members must be at least 18 years of age and in sound mental and physical health. 

Naturally, the hazards of seafaring remain just as numerous as they were in the Viking Age, as attested by the fatal accident suffered by a member of the crew of Naddoddur (a traditional Faroese seksærin) on a Viking voyage in 2024. 

Nevertheless, access to modern communications and assistance from other boats means the risk of serious disaster is much reduced. 

The Draken Harald Hårfagre is one of a number of Viking replica ships that have been built and sailed in modern times. 

Other examples include Viking (1893), the first-ever replica of the Gokstad ship, and the famous reproductions of the Skuldelev ships in Roskilde, Denmark, which can be enjoyed by visitors to Roskilde Fjord throughout the summer months. 

You can apply for a position on the Draken Harald Hårfagre on the relevant page of their website.

We get to provide readers with original coverage thanks to our loyal supporters. Do you enjoy our work? You can become a PATRON here or via our Patreon page. You'll get access to exclusive content and early access.