New exhibition: Vikings Before Vikings

The exhibition, which broke visitor records in Estonia, is coming to Stockholm so that everyone has the opportunity to get acquainted with this extraordinary find of the century, which has already changed and will certainly change our understanding of the Viking Age says Priit Kivi, Member of the board at Saaremaa Museum.

Examine the viking grave.

The magnificient Ring Sword.

Are you an apprentice or a real viking? Test your skills!

Audioguides available and daily tours with professional guides.

Dress up as a viking, in clothes for both children and adults.

Background: the Salme ship burials and the exhibition

Sometime around 1 300 years ago, a bloody battle took place in Estonia. On the island of Saaremaa near the present village of Salme, over 40 fallen Scandinavian warriors were buried along with their weapons and other equipment in two ships on the seashore. Salme is the oldest known burial site of a Viking Age war band in the world.

Thanks to the Salme find, we have gained a whole new insight into the earliest Vikings – who the men were, what ships they used on their expeditions, what equipment they took with them, how they fought and how they buried their dead.

The Salme ships are also an important source for the history of shipbuilding. The smaller ship has been uprooted, but the larger Salme ship has also been able to sail. It is thus the oldest known Nordic sailing ship.

Ship models and real findings.

Included in the entry ticket

Vikings Before Vikings is included in the admission. Tickets can be bought online or at the museum. The Vrak Museum and the Vasa Museum also offer a combo ticket, valid for 72 hours, that also includes the viking exhibition at Vrak. Much welcome!

The exhibition ”Vikings before Vikings” is produced by Saaremaa Museum, Estonia. Photo: Birgit Walsh.