5 Reasons We Love the Viking Museum in Ribe, Denmark

If you are a family looking to learn more about Danish Vikings, the Viking Museum in Ribe, Denmark will give you a very family-friendly glimpse at Viking life from long ago. My family really loves experiencing Vikings’ history, and when we travel through Scandinavia, Vikings are a big part of our travel bucket list. My two young boys ask tons of questions like, “Who were the Vikings?” and “Where are the Vikings from?” For once, it is nice to be able to give them some real Viking facts. Thanks, Ribe Viking Museum!

We chose to visit the Museet Ribes Vikinger, or the Ribe Viking Museum, one year in the beginning of June, because this was the weekend of their medieval market called the Ribes Middelalder Marked. The thought of live reenactments with people dressed in traditional viking clothing was enough to set the excitement level up a couple of notches. We also heard that the museum had lots of fun things for kids, so we were excited not only to be see real Viking “stuff”, but also to act like real Vikings for the day.

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Though this post is to tell you just why my family loves the Viking Museum in Ribe, Denmark, I will also give you a couple more tips that will add some extra excitement to your day with the Vikings, Vikinger, or wikinger.

5 Reasons Why We Love the Viking Museum in Ribe, Denmark

1) Children are Free / Extra Gift

When we arrived at the Viking museum in Ribe, we noticed that there was free parking outside in the parking lot. This was nice, and when we discovered that the entrance for children was also free, we were in 7th Heaven. Spending time as a family can be expensive, so we were glad to start the day off with some guilt-free deals.

We also had a “Be Happy Pass“, which is something that Legoland Resorts has for children who want to explore Denmark. The pass offers lots of free incentives to visit different attractions throughout Denmark, and my boys were beyond ecstatic to find out that they would be a free viking coin at the Ribe Viking Museum just by showing this pass at the entrance.

My boys love to collect flat pennies when we travel in different countries, especially the USA, and since Denmark doesn’t “destroy” their money on purpose, we don’t get them here. This was an added surprise or them that really made their day and of course, made it much easier for us to avoid the always-present question of “can we get something to take home?” Thanks again, Ribe Viking Museum. 

Get your very own Be Happy Pass here ! One pass is good for the entire family. All you need to do is print it off or save to your smart phone! It is that easy!!

2) Asgard, Viking Gods and Child’s Play

As we were exploring the museum, my boys were quite intrigued by the sign that said “Asgard”. I know that they learn about Nordic mythology in their Danish school, so I was certain that they knew that Asgard was the home of the Nordic gods.

Whenever you visit a Viking museum, you are sure to learn about Nordic mythology at some point. I think museums tend to incorporate it more in the children areas, and “Asgard” within the museum was also a children’s area.  Asgard was located at the top of the museum and had a few different activities for kids.

We were happy to find this place, since our boys are always overflowing with energy. If museums don’t have amble opportunities for our kids to move around and play, it isn’t worth it, in my opinion. Luckily for us, Denmark feels the same way.

There was a Viking alphabet on the board with wooden blocks that each had a different symbol (letter) on them. My youngest son loved trying to spell his own name with the Viking letter symbols. Being a language teacher myself, I also really thought this was a cool spot! 🙂

My older son liked playing with the large puzzle pieces that had different Norse gods on them. He knew most of them from his Viking lessons at school, so he took the extra time to educate me on them as well. I never learned about any of them, and I have to say that I only know them from the Marvel Avengers. Sad, but true!

3) Displays of Viking Life

The Ribe Viking Museum also had two really neat areas that showed what Viking life was like during 800 and 1500. I particularly love stuff like this, because it helps you get a feel for this specific Viking time periods as a spectator. Though the people weren’t real, we still felt that we were actually walking through a real Viking village.

Ribe 800

The first of the two “Viking life” areas is the one showing how life was in the 800. My boys immediately saw this as a playground, since it had a fun life-size boat. I wouldn’t call it a viking ship by any means, but it was perfect for two little boys to play pretend. The mannequins that were the “vikings” were made out of wood. It was kind of cool to see mannequins that were a bit more environmental-friendly. This is also one thing that Denmark does well!

Ribe 1500

The other area of the two viking time periods was part of the town of Ribe in the year 1500. I loved the facades of the buildings and how people seemed to be living life uninterrupted by the visitors of the museum. It gave us the feeling of being time travelers without having to leave the comfort of the the 21st century. In order to leave this area and continue on to the rest of the museum, we had to walk through the door of the the main building of the 1500s. It almost felt intrusive! 🙂 I’m glad no one seemed to mind!

Interested in other Viking places in Denmark? Check out this post on the Viking Market in Jelling, Denmark!

4) Interactive Displays

Now, I don’t know if it is because I can be a paranoid and uptight mom, but when it comes to letting my kids loose in a museum, I get a bit panicked. I tend to envision entire displays toppling in a destructive pile of rubble. That has never happened, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t still dream about it.

One way that the Viking Museum in Ribe puts my mind at ease is with their interactive displays. There are tons of drawers that the kids enjoy opening and finding something hidden/secret. They feel like little explorers and love saying, “hey, mom! Check this out!” I think it also helps them to focus on just what the museum has to offer without rushing through it too fast.

They also have interactive computer screens where the kids can take quizzes, and they even have a small theater where they can watch a video about Viking life. My youngest son was very interested in this video and spent more time learning about Vikings in this theater than any other member of our family. Viking history is truly for all ages!

5) Dagmar and Valdemar

Probably, the best place of all at the Viking Museum in Ribe had to be the area called “Dagmar and Valdemar”, which we saved for the end of our time there. This was a good decision, since it was a place for the kids to play. My boys love learning about Vikings, but if they get the opportunity to play, they all of a sudden get tunnel vision.

Dagmar and Valdemar was completely awesome! I can say that with confidence since even I had a great time playing there. On the outside of the room, there is a picture of a castle, which is what you will be entering.

Inside the room, there is a bedroom, kitchen and an area where you can strap on a play horse and joist a worthy opponent with the royal family’s chairs ready for them to watch. They have tons of costumes and toys.

We could have come to the museum just for this playroom. It was awesome. I particularly loved walking with the stilts. It took me back to my childhood! 🙂

Other Viking Attractions and Events in Ribe, Denmark

Medieval Market

If you visit Ribe during the beginning of June, you can attend the Medieval Market, which has lots of booths set up for you to purchase and/or try foods, ales, snacks and treats, and souvenirs. This is also a great place to see some Viking fighting techniques or other aspects of Viking life performed by local Vikings (volunteers).  It is located in the park across from the museum.

Viking Playground in Ribe

The town of Ribe, Denmark also has a really cool Viking playground not far from the museum. Made entirely of wood, you are sure to find something fun to do on this playground. We sure did. There is also parking here and a picnic table, so bring your lunch and have a nice afternoon here.

Ribe Viking Center

Ribe, Denmark is also the home to the Viking Center, which is a recreated Viking village with a market and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. This is one area we didn’t have time to see, but we hope to add it to our Viking bucket list!

Overall Impressions of the Ribe Viking Museum

We had such a great time at the Viking Museum in Ribe. We would definitely recommend it to anybody who is interested in Vikings or to families looking for a unique experience. If only have time for one Viking exploration when visiting Denmark, you should put the Ribe Viking Museum at the top of your MUST-DO list.

We hope to visit Ribe again very soon. Though it may be a very small town, Ribe, Denmark is packed with charm and enough adventure for this family to make another return!

Getting In Touch With Ribe Viking Museum

If you would like to get in touch with the Ribe Viking Museum, here is their information.

Website: https://www.ribesvikinger.dk/en/

Address: Odins Plads 1, DK- 6760 Ribe, Denmark 

Telephone: +45 76 16 39 60

Email: info@ribesvikinger.dk

Guided Tours / Directions to Ribe Viking Museum

Click here for information on guided tours with the Ribe Viking Museum

Click here to get directions to Ribe Viking Museum

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Here’s another fun Viking village that I know you’ll love. It is in Denmark! (Vikingegård Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark)

Do you love Viking history and culture? Tell me about your experiences or Viking places you’d like to visit in the comments!

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