Ribe VikingeCenter

About the museum

Ribe VikingeCenter was founded in 1992 on the grounds of the Lustrupholm manor, about two kilometers south of Ribe. The idea draws on the rich archaeological finds from Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark and Scandinavia, whose marketplace dates to around 700. The aim was and is to rebuild settings from Viking-age Ripa and bring them to life.

On roughly twelve hectares there are now about 25 reconstructed buildings and three boats. The sites depict three centuries: the early marketplace with workshop plots, the harbor and the town of Ripa around 750–850, a replica of the church built by Bishop Ansgar in the 9th century with 50 wall paintings in Carolingian style, the Hvidinggården farm from the time of Harald Bluetooth around 980, and a ring fortress that is being built up gradually.

The center sees itself as an experience site with living history: performers and volunteers – around a thousand a year – portray craftspeople, merchants, and farmers, demonstrate old techniques, and test research theories through experimental archaeology. For this the center works with archaeologists and craftspeople.

It is run by a non-profit foundation whose surpluses go into expansion. The highlight of each season is the international Viking market in late April and early May.

Highlights

• Reconstructed marketplace from Ribe's founding period around 700
• Replica of the Ansgar Church with 50 wall paintings
• Hvidinggården farm with animals from around 980
• Viking boats in the reconstructed harbor of Ripa
• International Viking market in spring
• Mythological playground and children's area Lille Midgård

Permanent exhibitions

• Vikingernes Ripa – Walk-through reconstruction of the Viking-age town with marketplace, harbor, town houses, and Ansgar Church, where performers show daily life between 700 and 900.
• Hvidinggården – Rebuilt farm from around 980 with residential and stable buildings, gardens, and old domestic animal breeds, conveying the agriculture of the Viking Age.
• Ringborgen – A warrior camp modeled on the ring fortresses of the 10th century, which is gradually taking shape before visitors' eyes with a gate, palisade, and garrison houses.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Ribe VikingeCenter (gemeinnützige Stiftung, erhvervsdrivende fond)

Director

Christin Vesterager Clausen und Mikkel Fisker Laursen (Leitung)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices. Tickets at the ticket desk or in advance in the web shop. If you buy a season pass at the exit, that day's admission (with receipt) is credited. Dogs have free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Certified with "God Adgang". Around 200 m of boardwalks and 400 m of paved gravel paths connect all the sites and are suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Four accessible restrooms; the café in the Lustrupholm manor is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible parking spaces right at the entrance. Because of open fires in the houses, not certified for people with asthma and allergies.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

Children can try archery, mint coins, carve, and take part in Viking games and warrior training. The mythological playground and the nature area Lille Midgård with a willow maze and water channel are aimed at the youngest visitors. During fall break there are tracking hunts and night walks.

Getting there & parking

About 2 km south of Ribe. GPS address: Roagervej 129, 6760 Ribe. By car, turn off Route 11 toward Lustrup and follow the signs. A safe bike and footpath leads from Vadehavsskolen on Haulundvej under Haderslevvej to Lustrup.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café VILD with lunch dishes, cake, ice cream, and drinks; outdoor seating as well. Food you bring yourself is allowed in the garden and in the pavilion by the café. Shop at the entrance with jewelry, textiles, ceramics, books, mead, and children's toys; payment in cash (DKK, EUR), MobilePay, or card. Dogs on a short leash are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit