Vikingelandsbyen

About the museum

The Vikingelandsbyen is a historical workshop of the cultural administration of Albertslund Kommune in the valley of the Store Vejleå on the edge of the Vestskoven. It originated in 1992, when the joint history project "Danmarkshistorien i Vestskoven" of the municipalities of Albertslund, Høje-Taastrup, and Egedal began for the 25th anniversary of the Vestskoven. The aim is to make the Viking Age tangible through experiments based on archaeological and historical research – under the guiding principle of using the past for the future.

The first to be built, in 1992, were pit houses serving as a dwelling, weaving house, and smithy. In 1997 construction began on the large Salshus, modeled on house foundations from the late Viking Age; it was inaugurated in 2002 and has room for entire school classes, including for overnight stays. Further additions included a craftsman's house based on a find from Vindinge near Roskilde, a stable and barn, a storehouse, gardens, ovens, a coppiced woodland (Stævningsskov), and two large tents based on the finds from the Oseberg ship. Goats, sheep, a stable cat, and seasonally pigs live on the farm.

Together with Kroppedal Museum, schoolchildren, citizens, and volunteers built a 765-meter path with a 140-meter bridge across the valley from 2017 to 2019, modeled on the Ravning Bridge near Jelling: the Haraldsbro. It shows four Viking Age road-building methods. Teaching for school classes and kindergartens is at the core of the work; adults come for guided tours, team building, and festivals such as the anniversary celebration in September.

Highlights

• Large Salshus modeled on house finds from the late Viking Age
• Haraldsbro: 765 m reconstructed Viking road with a 140 m bridge
• Pit houses, smithy, weaving house, and craftsman's house
• Tents modeled on the finds from the Oseberg ship
• Goats, sheep, and seasonally pigs on the farm
• Grounds freely accessible year-round

Permanent exhibitions

• Vikingelandsbyen – Reconstructed farmstead from around the year 1000 with a Salshus, pit houses, workshops, gardens, and farm animals, furnished with replica household items.
• Haralds bro – The 765-meter path with a bridge across the Store Vejleå valley shows four Viking Age road-building methods and was built on the model of the Ravning Bridge.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Albertslund Kommune (Kulturforvaltningen)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Grounds and open house days free. School programs for classes from outside Albertslund DKK 3,000 including a Viking meal (up to 5 hours); schools from Albertslund free. Payment also by MobilePay.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children can see goats, sheep, and seasonally pigs on the farm; feeding is not allowed. For 8- to 12-year-olds there is the leisure group "Gå til Viking"; on open days, work and cooking take place in the village.

Getting there & parking

The village is in the valley of the Store Vejleå in the Vestskoven; the Haraldsbro leads across toward Høje-Taastrup and Kroppedal Museum. Connections via Rejseplanen.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

On open days during the autumn school holidays there is a taste of Viking food at the fire pit at midday.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

Company and group days "Viking for en dag" for up to 30 people with cooking, blacksmithing, rope making, and felling trees with Viking axes. Buildings, objects, and Viking clothing are also made available for film shoots; clothing rental on request.

Plan your visit