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Explore Viking history on the very site where archaeologists discovered remains of Viking-Age York. Journey through a reconstruction of actual tenth century streets and get face to face with the Vikings.

 

See over 800 of the items discovered on site, and learn what life was really like in Special Exhibitions. "Fearsome Craftsmen" reveals the skills and artistry of the Vikings and includes live craft demonstrations, and "Unearthed" tells how the people of York lived and died as revealed by real bone material.

 

Built on the very site where archaeologists found the remains of the original Viking city of Jorvik, the JORVIK Viking Centre in York offers visitors a unique opportunity to ride in a time-capsule and take a journey through the streets of AD975 Jorvik, a city as important in its day as London or Tokyo.

Everything here is based on fact, from the working craftsmen, the chattering noise of the gossiping neighbours to the smells of the cooking, the cesspit and the preserved 1000 year old Viking timber.

Passengers are transported through the Viking City of Jorvik, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells, for the most authentic taste of everyday Viking life.

Experience a blast of smoke as the capsule travels past the riverside and over the rooftops and filthy sewage-strewn streets, giving you an idea of the impressive size and scale of Jorvik as it was in the 10th century.

Travel through the busy Coppergate market place where virtually anything from Viking times can be bought or sold. Witness market traders go about their business noisily buying, selling and arguing over the range of goods on offer.

 

Spy on Viking residents as they go about their daily lives; one unwell Viking is making use of his outdoor toilet - don't forget to hold your nose…the drains weren't particularly advanced in Viking times!

At the end of an unforgettable journey, visitors disembark at the JORVIK museum where they can see some of the fascinating Viking artefacts that were once buried under the centre, including a full Viking skeleton.

And don't forget to visit DIG, the archaeological adventure attraction based at St Saviour's Church, York, which offers visitors the opportunity to take part in an excavation, discover genuine artefacts from ancient civilisations and also understand how archaeologists recreate the past. It is this type of investigation that enabled the archaeologists to reconstruct what life was like in Viking times at JORVIK - so now it's your time to try!