Viking Museum Haithabu: 40 years of living history on the Schlei!

Viking Museum Haithabu: 40 years of living history on the Schlei!

November 1, 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Haithabu Viking Museum. The museum, located on the picturesque Schlei just outside Schleswig, has not only made a name for itself as one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany, but has also won the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The celebrations promise an exciting time, as visitors can experience the everyday life of the Vikings up close and delve deep into history.

Since opening in 1985, the museum has been a fascinating contemporary witness that brings visitors closer to the Viking way of life. Archaeological excavations began in Haithabu in 1900 and were very popular between 1930 and 1939 under Herbert Jankuhn. Jankuhn, who continued his research after the Second World War, laid the foundation for today's presentation in the museum with his excavations. Over the years interest has increased and visitor numbers have grown from 120,000 to an impressive 185,000 a year.

Cultural heritage and trading center

The museum not only shows original finds, but also the various facets of Viking craft, trade and beliefs. In an open-air area with reconstructed houses and a Viking boat, guests can relive the lively hustle and bustle in Haithabu. This place was once the most important trading center in the western Baltic region in the 10th century and had up to 2,000 inhabitants. But the glorious history ended with the destruction by King Harald Hardrada in 1066, which marked the end of the Viking Age.

Contracts and historical documentation prove the central role of Haithabu between Northern and Western Europe. In particular, the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 30, 2018 underlines the historical importance of this trading center, which was one of the largest cities during the Viking Age. The application for admission was initiated by Prof. Dr. Claus von Carnap-Bornheim and received a strong foundation through numerous collaborations and international support.

A look into the future

But the museum's focus isn't just on the past: under the direction of Matthias Toplak, who has been in charge since October 2021, work is also being done to examine Jankuhn's problematic role during the Nazi era. The museum is also actively dedicated to raising awareness about the political abuse of Viking romanticism and contributes to the formation of opinions through lectures and discussions.

The site and the finds still offer plenty of scope for future research projects - only 1.5% of the harbor and 5% of the settlement have been successfully investigated to date. So the hope for exciting discoveries remains in the coming years - Haithabu still has many stories to tell!

Readers are warmly invited to celebrate the anniversary in the museum and immerse themselves in the world of the Vikings. It will be an unforgettable experience that brings to life the rich history and cultural heritage of this unique region. Those interested can find more information about the museum and the celebrations on the NDR and Haithabu websites.