Every June, the Avaldsnes Viking Festival takes place on the tiny island of Bukkøy in western Norway. Every October, the Leif Erikson Fall Festival in the USA celebrates the Viking history that Norwegian ancestors in the US traces some of it roots to. Learn more about theannual Viking festival in Norway – and in the US.
The Avalssnes Viking Festival is one of the oldest celebrations dedicated to the Viking Age in Scandinavia. Avaldsnes was an important settlement during the Viking Age and Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway, had probably once his residence here. The church in the village is believed to have been originally founded by King Olaf I.
Visitors from all around Europe and beyond visit the tiny island of Bukkøy every year to experience the historic era in authentic and immersive surroundings.
The festival is held on the site of a recreated Viking farm and village, which features an underground visitor center (to preserve the natural surroundings). Visitors can, however, visit Bukkøy throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
In October each year, the US Dickinson County comes alive with its annual Leif Erikson Festival. In 1964, United States Concress authorized the President of the United States to proclaim October 9th in each year as Leif Erikson Day. During the Festival days there are rather diverse happenings, ranging from competitive racing, the crowning of Miss Norway and the Leif Erikson Parade, to antique and art displays, musical performances, and the “Funeral Pyre” boat-burning on the Night of the Viking.
The weekend includes fall produce, activities just for children, a mini zoo, horse rides, wagon rides, and more.
Annual Viking Festival in Norway – and in the US, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top): Leif Erikson statue at Ahilshole Bay Marina, Seattle. Photo: Wikimedia-Commons