Viking Experience
Step back in time to the Viking Age on the fabulous sandy beach of Scapa just 2 miles south of Kirkwall. Enjoy tasters of Viking food cooked over an open wood fire. Play Viking games. Learn Viking crafts and skills. Listen to stories of Viking Orkney. Fun for all the family.
Our most popular event is Viking Experience: a two-hour fun-packed session for all ages around the campfire, with tasters of Viking food, storytelling, crafts and games.
Travel back in time to Orkney's Viking Age. Around the campfire, learn fire striking, baking on a griddle and butter making. Listen to the stories that have been passed down from the old Earldom of Orkney. See if you can beat your family and friends at mini axe throwing. A great evening for all the family!
The Viking Experience takes place on the stunning, sandy Scapa Beach just outside Kirkwall. A living history event led by certified tourist guides.
When arriving at Scapa you will be met by two guides in Viking costume, who together give insight into everyday life in Viking Orkney. You will learn how to light a fire, bake your own Viking bread and make your own butter to go with it. There will be tasters of local, traditional food, and drink from a horn in the Viking way. Around the campfire you will enjoy storytelling, play a Viking game, and learn Viking skills such as cooking, rune writing and rope braiding or weaving techniques.
No, guests do not need to wear a costume. The Orkney Time Travel team will be dressed in Viking costume, however, and we will bring some items of costuming for you to put on if you wish.
Please wear warm and waterproof outdoor clothing suitable for the Scottish climate and sturdy footwear.
- A small snack of local fare is included.
Meet at the car park by the beach toilets at Scapa.
Booking is essential.
How to get there:
You can walk from Kirkwall. It will take you around 40 minutes to one hour. You can also cycle along the beautiful Crantit Trail cycle path.
Alternatively, take bus service 9, from Kirkwall Travel Centre, take a taxi (c. 5 minute drive from town centre) or drive your own car and park in the car park by the Royal Oak Memorial and beach toilets.
Health and safety information
Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for them at all times, as there will be open fire and water nearby. No dogs please.
The Viking Experience goes ahead in all weather except if the Met Office has issued a weather warning. We are, after all, Vikings. It is important for your own comfort to come dressed for the weather on the day, including warm and waterproof clothing if necessary.
If you bought a ticket, but didn’t turn up on the day, we can’t afterwards refund it, sorry.
If you discover, in advance, that you have accidentally booked for the wrong date, and you contact us in good time, we can change you to another date.
If illness or travel obstructions permit you from participating, you can give your ticket to someone else, or ask us to change to another date.
If we cancel the event, we will of course refund all tickets. We will only cancel the event in extreme and unavoidable circumstances. We do not cancel for a bit of bad weather.
This event has a maximum capacity of 16 guests. We reserve the right to cancel with 24-hours notice if fewer than ten guests are booked.