I haven't had a chance to write about the Viking Centre we visited when we were in Ribe recently, but as it was probably one of the most entertaining days out we have had in the past couple of months, I couldn't miss it out, so here you go - sorry it's a bit late! I have to confess this place was much more my cup of tea over nearby Legoland (who wouldn't prefer a place swarming with pretend Vikings being all tough and warrior like over a bunch of plastic bricks?)...
As is typical of these kinds of places in Denmark, it is very very hands on, so the kids had a whale of a time! They loved the playground (in the middle of a pond), and being able to have a go at traditional Viking crafts such as wood carving (with real knives and planes!!), archery, and cooking bread (on long handled pans over an open fire!!)... All these normally off limit activities make it a dream place for kids, and Small boy especially was in heaven!
The Vikings here are a very friendly bunch, most of them come from Germany and are here on a working holiday for the summer to live the Viking dream, which they take very very seriously! They not only tend to the traditionally grown crops, and look after the old breeds of livestock, they also cook and eat here and sleep here, which gives it all the more of an authentic feel.
The highlight of our visit was when the Warrior training took place. All boys (edited to add and girls who weren't interested in taking part!), were called upon to prove their strength and learn how to combat ferocious Viking opponents. Small boy desperate not to be left out (and by far the smallest Viking of the lot by a number of years) gave as good as he got with a wooden sword against his (rather dashing) Viking opponent. I love this last photograph, it makes me laugh so much each time I look at it - my very own tiny Viking warrior!
Definitely worth a visit should you happen to be in the area...
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