Viking Festival Eckernförde

The Viking Village on the Baltic Sea Beach

The Viking Festival Eckernförde uses one of the most spectacular settings that Schleswig-Holstein has to offer for festival venues: a wide sandy beach directly on Eckernförde Bay, with views over the Baltic Sea and just a few hundred metres from the historic town centre. For three days, a complete Viking village is set up at the Baltic Sea Info Centre — with tents, wooden huts, open fires, and workshops.

Warrior Camp and Show Fights

In the Warrior Camp, performers prepare for the show fights that take place several times a day. With sword, spear, and axe, they demonstrate combat techniques from the early Middle Ages — historically recreated, dramatically heightened. On the Viking Stage, there are also programmes with narrative performances like "Loki & Thor" revolving around Norse mythology.

Merchant Mile and Crafts

The Merchant Mile brings together artisans from all over Northern Germany and Scandinavia. Amber jewellery, leather goods, carved drinking horns, wool textiles, wooden weapons, glass beads — much of it is made and demonstrated on-site. The hands-on workshops are particularly popular: children and adults can grind amber, carve soapstone and wood, or sew their own leather bag.

History on Site

Eckernförde is located in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district in a historically significant region — a few kilometres away is Haithabu, one of Northern Europe's most important Viking trading posts and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Viking Festival connects to this heritage and makes it tangible and vibrant.

Atmosphere and Family Programme

Unlike many medieval events, the focus in Eckernförde is less on market hustle and bustle and more on authentic camp atmosphere. In the evenings, fires crackle on the sand; during the day, show fights and workshops beckon. Admission is free, the festival is family-friendly — a children's programme on all three days, and a catering area with hearty food and Viking drinks complete the offering.