A meticulously crafted replica of a 10th-century Viking trading ship, the Saga Farmann, continues to traverse European waters, offering a unique glimpse into ancient seafaring. The vessel, a 20-metre recreation of the Klåstad ship excavated in 1970, was constructed by volunteers using authentic Viking methods, including hand-chopped wood and thousands of individually forged rivets.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation in Tønsberg, Norway, began construction in 2014. One volunteer, who became chair of the foundation in 2023, has been involved with Viking ship replicas since his teenage years in Denmark in the 1980s. The foundation aims to preserve and promote Viking heritage, including traditional shipbuilding and handicrafts.
The Saga Farmann embarked on its maiden voyage in April 2023, tracing a historic Viking trade route from Tønsberg to Istanbul, then known as Miklagard. This challenging 2,175-mile journey across rivers like the Rhine and Danube, and seas including the Black Sea, took approximately 16 weeks. Crew members, often strangers at the outset, learned to sail the keel-less vessel, enduring cold temperatures and the rigours of life on board, with sleeping arrangements often limited to the deck.
Following its arrival in Turkey, the crew opted to extend their odyssey rather than return to the Nordic climate. Since then, the Saga Farmann has undertaken two further annual voyages, exploring the coasts of Croatia and Italy, sailing through France, and even making a notable appearance in the United Kingdom. During its visit to London, Tower Bridge was raised to allow the longboat passage, drawing crowds of spectators eager to witness the historical replica.
These expeditions, which see the volunteer chair spend six to eight weeks annually on board, highlight not only the engineering prowess of the Vikings but also foster camaraderie and demonstrate the generosity of communities encountered along the way. The ship is stored between trips, with logistics meticulously planned by the dedicated team of volunteers.