Wikingerfest Kap Arkona — The Battle for Svantevit

Vikings and Slavs at Cape Arkona

The Viking Festival 'The Battle for Svantevit' takes place annually in July at Jaromarsburg — the historic Slavic ramparts at the extreme northern tip of the island of Rügen. The location is no coincidence: until 1168, the temple fortress of the Ranen stood here, where the four-faced war god Svantevit was worshipped before Danish King Valdemar I conquered and destroyed the fortress. At this very historic site, the early Middle Ages come alive for three days.

Historical Combat and Field Battles

The focus is on the reenactment battles: single combats, field battles, and a spectacular bridge battle are presented by reenactment groups with historical equipment. The opening on Friday begins with a solemn equestrian ritual, followed by single combats in the afternoon and a first major field battle. Saturday and Sunday are also dedicated to the battles, vividly illustrating the harsh life and martial arts of the Viking Age.

Market, Camp Life, and Live Music

A historical market with craftsmen, traders, and food stalls emerges around the ramparts. Visitors experience how Vikings and Slavs lived, worked, and resided — blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and weavers demonstrate old craft techniques. Camp life in the tents is kept alive with songs and stories; bands like Steineiche, Harugaz, Varkocs, and Baschalba provide medieval sounds. In the evening, fire shows transform the fortress grounds into an atmospheric scene.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Wittow, Cape Arkona

Putgarten belongs to the Wittow peninsula in the Vorpommern-Rügen district. The Viking Festival complements the tourist offerings at Cape Arkona, which, with its two lighthouses, the naval command bunker, and the steep coast, is one of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's most visited excursion destinations. A day at the Cape can be ideally combined: a morning walk along the cliff coast, an afternoon of reenactment battles and market at Jaromarsburg.