Hardraade's Viking sail breathes life into old Viking traditions

With the spirit of the past, we sail into the future

Look how tightly woven the fabric is!

Sails in the Viking Age weren't just functional, they were also symbols of wealth and power. A robust sail was a status symbol that showed prosperity and the ability to master the sea. In a time when seafaring was the fastest and most effective way to travel, the sail was key to the Vikings' identity, development, and not least, all the stories they left behind from distant lands.

A sail is said to have been worth two ships!

When our Viking ship is launched in the summer of 2025, it will initially only be rowed. There will be 28 oars on board.

This Viking sail will be created based on traditions, and woven by hand, just as our ancestors did. But, we don't yet know when the rigging on the ship will be ready so that the sail can be hoisted.

Realistically, the sail will likely be hoisted and catching the wind in 2026. The sail will be the boat's wings and will take us safely on many adventures in the years to come. We are very much looking forward to it!

It will simply be a joyous day when we can look out over Tyrifjorden and see the Viking ship, with its magnificent sail, glide steadily through the waves. However, the work ahead of us to sew the sail together is extensive. We realized that long ago.

Skilled hans hard at work

In the meantime, we continue the work while tipping our hats in honor of the Vikings' impressive knowledge and the skill they showed in their craft.

We dare say that without the art of sailmaking and the understanding of weather and wind that the Vikings possessed, they would not have existed. And what would the world look like today then? Certainly something to think about.

The Textile Group in the Hardråde Viking Ship Association

The textile group, led by Hilde Helene Wergeland, deserves all the praise it can get. In addition to holding courses in hand sewing Viking clothing, nalbinding (a kind of knotless knitting), and tablet weaving, they sew Viking clothes for volunteers, show up at weekly sewing gatherings to help anyone who wishes, and are responsible for weaving the sail.

In short, the work of weaving what will become the sail for Hardråde began with spinning wool into threads. Then, the threads were woven together into long lengths, which are now waiting to be sewn together. You might think this seems straightforward?

Then you're wrong.

Wool from about 150 Old Norwegian short-tailed sheep was first carefully sorted and washed at Hoelfeldt Lund in Grimstad before it was specially spun

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to benefit from the valuable experiences from the Oseberg ship, which were essential when they produced the sail for the Saga Oseberg (a replica of the Oseberg ship)

Our outstanding master weaver, Bjørg Marie Neste, created 12 intricate braids before she and our team of skilled weavers began the task of weaving. The strict standards set by Viking traditions made the process itself very meticulous and demanding. It's important to know what you're doing and stay focused.

Bjørg Marie Neste and her long braids of wool

The lengths of sailcloth were woven with great force and precision, with specific requirements for details such as the exact number of threads per centimeter in the weave. The quality of the sail we are producing is inspired by the famous Oseberg find, and the craftsmanship and knowledge behind it are palpable.

It is difficult to describe all the work and all the hours that have gone into this unique sail so far, and we understand very well why sails were so costly in the Viking Age.

The woven pieces will be sewn together into a traditional Viking sail

We are currently starting the process of sewing the sail together, which will cover an area of approximately 100 square meters. When completed, the sail's dimensions will be about 9 x 10 meters. That's no small feat

But, before we start sewing, the entire sail must undergo a fulling/felting process, which is also in progress.

We can also share that sailmaker Frode Bjøru from Seglloftet AS on Jøa in Nord-Trøndelag has been hired as a mentor and guide. So once again, with good help, we are moving the project forward.

When everything is sewn together, the sail must be impregnated with melted sheep tallow mixed with our own home-produced tar.

This treatment is best carried out outdoors in sunny conditions. We plan to use the rocky outcrops in Hole for this task. So cross your fingers for a great summer in 2026!

Want to learn more about the Hardråde project? Click on the image below:

Thanks to our dear sponsors

We have also been very fortunate with the sponsorship funds we have received, including from the Sparebankstiftelsen DNB.

They donated a whole 1.3 mil. kroner to us! This money is earmarked for the sail, motor, and rigging, and makes it possible for us to carry out the tasks in true Viking style. In addition to this, the association has received five million kroner from individuals, businesses, the state, and the municipality.

Talk about being lucky!

If you want to support the Hardraade project, you can become a member here.

If you want to follow the construction of the Viking ship, you can follow us on Facebook or visit the construction site on Saturdays between 11 am and 3 pm.