NO25.29 Sundvollen – From Spectator to Viking

We had promised ourselves we would, and we kept our word: we returned to Sundvollen. But this time not just to watch – this time we got to take part.

The group we’d met on our first visit invited us to help with the construction of the Viking ship. Working wood, fitting planks, learning traditional techniques – all under the guidance of people who know exactly what they’re doing. It’s a humbling experience when you realise just how much skill, strength and patience a single plank requires. The Vikings were definitely not amateurs.

But the best part wasn’t the work itself; it was everything that surrounded it. The conversations with the Norwegians, the stories they shared, the sense of togetherness. When the work was done, we sat together by the campfire and shared a relaxed lunch. Smoke in the air, warm food, good spirits. It felt as though, just for a moment, we truly belonged.

Sundvollen showed us that travelling is so much more than visiting places and taking photos. It’s about people, connections, and shared experiences. This is a day we won’t forget in a hurry.