From the Roskilde Cathedral, we moved to another site in Roskilde, the Viking Ship Museum. The ground, still wet from the previous rain, along with grey skies, and dense clouds, gave the site an ominous feel.
Once the group departed the tour bus, we weaved between buildings and areas that during the spring and summer would have been buzzing with tourists, guides, and local workers. Instead, we viewed partly constructed sailing Viking ships in the museum’s boatyard freely. I peeked into the windows of a rope making shop as well as other buildings as our group made its way to the museum.
As we approached the museum, there were a few people on the grounds, working on ship replicas. Inside the museum, to gain knowledge about the five original, excavated Viking vessels (Skuldelev ships) from 1962, a film, Five Viking Ships from Skuldelev played in a small theatre downstairs.
Upstairs, the haunting view of the 11th century ships are on display. Striking and poignant, to view these ships that were buried for years would make one wish that they could talk and reveal their history for all to hear.
Overall: There is a chance to board a traditional Nordic boat that allows passengers to take part in rowing and other jobs to have an idea what it was like to be a Viking. Check the website for availability starting in May to September.