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| The Vikings of
GotlandSince many of the participating islands share a Viking connection in their past,
a better place than Gotland, could not have been chosen, as an arena for the Island Games.
The Gotlandic Vikings were very active and travelled far and wide. The island’s
position in the centre of the Baltic Sea was very suitable for trading, in a time when all
major transports were carried out by boat. They traded mostly eastwards to bring home
enormous wealth to their island. In proportion to its area, Gotland has the greatest
abundance of treasure hoards in the world.
Around the coast, the Vikings founded harbours
and trading-places where they met, exchanged goods and performed different kinds of
handicraft. The Gotlandic picture stones are an exceptional introduction to their everyday
life, their religious beliefs and the myths and sagas of the Vikings. Welcome to follow the trail of the Vikings Take a chance to follow the trail of the Vikings. Several arrangements will be available during the NatWest Island Games-week, where you will be able to learn about the gotlandic Viking heritage. The following events will take place
in Visby: Join our excursions to the countryside of
Gotland! The arrangements are organized by Gotland Tourist
Association, Fröjel Discovery Programme and the County Museum of Gotland and can be
booked through our local agents Gotlandsresor AB, Cecilia Sätterström , phone From April 1th you can get further information at our homepage www.gotlandweb.com/islandgames.
Welcome to follow the trail of the Vikings during the NatWest Island Games Bookings of all the activites
are made at: Gotlandsresor, phone Visit the County Museum of Gotland and be guided through the exhibitions and collections of Viking finds from Gotland. You can also join the evening tour. A Viking snack will be served. Arr: Gotlands Fornsal and Fornsalen Konferens A guided tour in the old city Join a guided tour through the medieval town and see the Viking Age heritage under the guidance of archeologist Eric Swahnström. Arr: Fornsalens Konferens. Listen to the myths and sagas of the Vikings in the beautiful surroundings of Visby Archaeologist Eric Swahnström tells the sagas and the myths of the Vikings in the ruins of the church of S:t Hans or in the old Viking Age harbour of Almedalen. Arr: Fornsalen Konferens. Visby - the world trading center during the Middle Ages Archaeologist Eric Swahnström will give a lecture illustrated with slides on the role of Visby as the center of world trade during the Medieval Period. The lecture will be given in the medieval house which used to belong to the Swedish bishop of Linköping. Bread baked according to a medieval recipe will be served along with a jug of wine or beer. Arr: Fornsalen Konferens. This is the chance for you who take an interest in archaeology: for you who’ve always wanted to take part in an archaeological excavation, but never got the chance, nor the time. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge or archaeological experience of any kind; our only requirement is that you are at least 15 years old. Youngsters between 12 - 15 may join if they are accompanied by parents. Included in the arrangement is an introduction to the history of the harbour at Fröjel, a fact sheet on the Viking Age harbour, and all the excavation equipment needed to carry out the task, except for personal clothing. Arr: Fröjel Discovery Programme. Visit the exhibition and the excavation site at Fröjel "A thick smell of tar is over the area, you hear the echo of an axe cutting and the blow of a heavy hammer. From the trading place rises the sound of people talking, mixed with screams and laughter". This is the beginning of the story told at the exhibition of the trading place at Fröjel. The exhibition describes Fröjel as the harbour and trading place it was at the beginning of the 11th century. Installations, reconstructed surroundings and artefacts will help the visitor to travel back in time, experience the events and activities that made Fröjel a flourishing and vigorous site. >From the exhibition, it is 300 metres to the actual site of the archaeological excavations, and guided tours will take the visitors to the excavation site, as well as to the exhibition. Arr: Fröjel Discovery Programme. Visit the Viking village In the Viking village you get a different and fun experience for a couple of hours. You are welcome to try out som Viking handicrafts such as smithing, weaving etc. You can also join the Vikings i battles and sports. Price:110 SEK not includng transport. Be a guest at a Viking feast Later, at the roughly-hewn tables, we realize how hungry we have become. We eat the succulent meat with our fingers, washing it down with something to drink. One thing can you be sure of - it’ll be an evening to remember. Arr: Vikingabyn, Tofta. Sailing with the Viking ships Welcome to experience the ships that arrived home after a long trading voyage. Take part as a member of the crew and try your skill in sailing the ships. At the beach you will also get the chance to try out different Viking games and handicraft. Arr: Langsvaige Association . Very welcome to Gotland! |
This page was updated 19/06/03
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