Permanent exhibition
The exhibition shows one of the most modern archaeological collections in Europe
The Viking Museum Haithabu is one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany. It presents its visitors a modern exhibition house at the outskirts of the Vikings’ former trade metropolis and invites them to the historic grounds where seven houses and a landing bridge have been reconstructed in accordance with original findings.
The Viking Museum Haithabu presents one of the most exciting archaeological exhibitions in Europe: unique original findings and innovative communication media accompany the visitors on a journey to early urban life 1000 years ago. A large number of items witness local arts and crafts and trade. Jewellery and weapons from richly equipped tombs and the impressive rune stones bear witness to the local existence of upper-class members. The royal ship from Haithabu port was the fastest ship on the Baltic Sea in former times. It is located in the centre of the ship hall which provides the visitor an insight into port life 1000 years ago.
In the museum’s own cinema, two very new films about the world of the Vikings are shown several times per day: Haithabu – long-distance trade centre between the worlds (a film for the entire family) and Visiting the Vikings in Haithabu (for children).
The reconstructed Viking settlement on the historic grounds
The houses within the semi-circular ramparts very close to the museum which are reconstructed in accordance with the original construction findings from Viking houses provide Haithabu an insight into the inhabitants’ living conditions some 1000 years ago. You can encounter the Vikings’ world with all your senses on narrow trackways between plastered wattle-walled houses and on the landing bridge at the port. A varied event programme with presentations of old handcrafts and markets regularly revives the Vikings’ world in front of the visitors’ eyes for a moment.