Who we are
Founded in 1973 in Minneapolis, the Viking Age Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring and sharing the history of the Viking Age across Scandinavia, the British Isles, and anywhere else their boats could go. This period is often marked from the raid on Lindisfarne in 793 to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but is more than just battles and blood shed. The Viking Age is an extremely impactful time period where the stage for medieval Europe as we know it is being set, and the Vikings are at the heart of it. We bring this history to life through carefully researched clothing, tools, and skills from over a thousand years ago.
Each member builds a personal impression rooted in history by learning a craft or role to demonstrate at our events. Within our group you’ll find artisans working with textiles, metals, and pottery, and warriors that showcase the brutality of the time. With many specialties all working together we aim to create a living, breathing camp that reflects the diversity of the Viking world.
Our club welcomes people of all backgrounds who are curious about living history and reenactment. While our focus is on Scandinavian culture, the Viking Age was shaped by global connections, and the Norse interacted with people from many regions. You don’t need a specific heritage to take part, just an interest in learning and sharing the past.
We are available for festivals, cultural events, and community celebrations. Our demonstrations are designed to engage, educate, and leave a lasting impression for audiences of all ages. If you’d like more info or think we would be a great addition to an event you are planning feel free to reach out using the contact form on the website!
Features of our camp
Artisinal Folk Crafts
Many of our members have studied various artisan crafts and life skills used by iron age people. In our camp they educate and interact with the puplic, demonstrating daily life and culture.
Open Flame Cooking Demos
One of our premium offerings. Open Flame Cooking brings the culinariy arts and traditions of Viking Age Scandinavia back to life. Our partnership with Modern Urban Viking Cooking stimulates the senses of today. (Note: due to the health codes of the USDA, the public does not get to taste our yummy delicious food.)
Iron-Age Forge Blacksmithing
Built and Operated by our neophyte lock and tool smith: The Traveling Iron Age Work-Shop brings in the heat with it’s charcoal burning forge! Another Premimum offering where ringing of the anvil hammers throughout the camp while Normann* manufactures locks and tools.
*Subject to blacksmith’s availability
Our Warriors
Trained in our sport of Live Steel Combat, Our Warriors are the backbone of our camp cause they’re the ones who set up all the tents! All that hard labor trains our warriors to be big and strong! Useful traits for anyone wishing to prove their mettle in delighting spectators with the glorious melee clashing of steel and shields!
Weaving, Spinning, Dying, Nålebinding, embroidery, and Card/tablet/inkle Looming galore! These fiber art fanatics do it all!* Textile arts and crafts demos done daily.
*Not all guild members do it all… but they are getting close.
Textile Arts
The Evening Wolf is our 19 foot Viking Faering which we modified into Seksring meaning Six-Oars. Pay no mind to our helmsman Erik. He’s busy aura farming.
The Evening Wolf
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!