After being postponed due to Hurricane Florence, the world’s largest Viking Ship, Draken Harald Hårfagre (Draken), will now be stopping in Norfolk, Virginia for a three-day stopover from September 28 through September 30 during its Expedition America: East Coast Tour 2018 presented by Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Beginning with an arrival ceremony on September 27 and continuing with 3 days of ship tours and activations in the Draken Village, the Draken visit promises visitors an engaging look at the modern-day Viking spirit.
“Although we had to wait a little longer than expected, we can’t wait to welcome the Draken ship, and offer our visitors and locals alike the chance to experience this incredibly unique vessel,” said Stephen Kirkland, executive director of Nauticus.
Hosted in partnership with Nauticus, the Draken will dock at 1 Waterside Drive and will offer an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to relive history in a way never experienced before. Draken will allow guests to not only marvel at this stunning Viking ship – but also to interact with the crew as they share their personal experiences of thrill, fear, and exhilaration while enduring the ship’s 2016 transatlantic crossing – reliving the Viking discovery of the New World more than 1,000 years ago.
The Draken Experience in Norfolk
4 p.m., Thursday, September 27
Draken Arrival Ceremony
Guests are invited to greet the Draken ship as it sails into port with a display of Viking valor and excitement. Captain Björn Ahlander and his crew will step ashore to welcome the crowd and introduce the Draken. This event is free and open to the public. A small, private welcome reception will follow.
Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30
Draken Village & Deck Tours
Beginning daily at 10 a.m., Draken will be open for timed and ticketed deck tours. Tour tickets, which run $6 for kids (ages 5 to 15, free admission for ages 4 and under); $12 for adults (ages 16 and over); and $30 for a family pack (includes two adults, and up to three children) can be purchased online at www.drakenhh.com, or on-site at the Draken Village. During each 30-minute tour, guests are guided through the ship and offered a look at a day-in-the-life of the crew and the historic craftsmanship used to build the ship with oak, tar, hemp, iron, and silk.
Within the Draken Village, which is free and open to the public, guests can experience a photo and video exhibition illustrating Viking history, modern explorers, and the adventures of the Draken; land-side views of the ship; the Highland Park Whisky hospitality tent; local food and beverage vendors; official Draken merchandise, and more.
Additional ticketed Draken events include screenings of the newly released Draken documentary: Expedition America – a Modern Viking Adventure (Saturday, September 29, 3 – 5 pm, The Nauticus Theater – $20) and a lecture with Captain Björn Ahlander (Friday, September 28th, 3 – 5 pm, The Nauticus Theater – $25) outlining the adventurous expeditions of the Draken.
“The Vikings were accomplished navigators, artisans, traders and storytellers, but their greatest triumph was the ships they built,” said Captain Björn Ahlander. “Each Draken stopover offers guests a tangible tie to history. We hope our visitors are inspired by the vigor of the Viking spirit and our modern-day adventures.”
The crew on board Draken is a team of 35 men and women from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of age, gender, nationality, and background. The Draken is now accepting applications for public volunteer crew positions. To take part in this rare opportunity visit: www.drakenhh.com/join-the-crew.
To learn more about the Draken ship, team, and 2018 tour, visit www.DrakenHH.com or @DrakenHH on social media.
