Viking ship

On the shores of the picturesque Salakka-Lahti Bay, two majestic vessels are moored, instantly transporting spectators to the era of the harsh northern seas. The Viking Ship (or Vyborg drakkars) are detailed replicas of ancient Norse longships, reaching 24 meters in length. These wooden beauties with their characteristic high-curved prows, adorned with fierce dragon heads, have become one of the most recognizable symbols of which Vyborg is proud.

Viking Ship. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

These ships were created according to the canons of the famous 9th-century Gokstad ship found in Norway. Although the modern longships are reconstructions, they are crafted with striking precision to the details of medieval shipbuilding. Massive masts, rows of shields along the sides, and skillful wood carvings make them an important cultural object representing Russia in the context of the shared history of the Baltic region.

Located near the "Druzhba" Hotel, the drakkars serve not only as an ornament for the embankment but also as a reminder of the times when brave seafarers and traders sailed these waters. The photogenic nature of these vessels against the backdrop of Vyborg Castle attracts hundreds of travelers here, all wishing to feel the spirit of medieval adventure.

For those planning a visit to the famous longships, it is useful to know their exact location on the city map. The installation is in a public area on the embankment, so it does not have an official phone number or website.

The main pleasure of visiting this place is the opportunity to examine ancient engineering in detail. While walking along the embankment, be sure to notice the carved dragon heads on the bow and stern—these gave this type of vessel its name. An interesting detail is the shields fixed along the sides: in ancient times, white shields signified the peaceful intentions of the seafarers, serving as a kind of precursor to the modern white flag.

This spot is considered one of the best photo zones in the city. Especially striking photos are captured in overcast weather or at twilight, when the silhouettes of the ships against the backdrop of the bay and castle towers look most atmospheric and mysterious. You can approach the longships closely to study the rigging design, the powerful yards, and the massive oars that once propelled such vessels.

A visit to the drakkars is often combined with a walk along the waterfront. It is a pleasant place to relax, enjoying the view of the water, or to have a small picnic overlooking the historical part of the city. For families with children, it is a great opportunity to talk about Viking life and their legendary voyages, and its proximity to other attractions makes it easy to include the ships in any walking tour.

Finding the legendary ships is very easy: they are moored on the Salakka-Lahti bay embankment, directly opposite the "Druzhba" Hotel. If you are already in the historical center, a walk from Vyborg Castle will take no more than 10–15 minutes along a picturesque route along the water.

For travelers from St. Petersburg, the most convenient way is the "Lastochka" express train, which will take you to the railway station in just over an hour. From the station, you can walk to the drakkars in only 15 minutes. You can also use a taxi or local buses, although walking through the city is much more enjoyable.

If you arrive by car, parking spaces are provided near the embankment and the hotel. The exact address for your navigator: Ulitsa Zheleznodorozhnaya, 5.

The appearance of Scandinavian ships in the city is inextricably linked to the world of cinema. In the mid-1980s, director Stanislav Rostotsky chose this location for filming the Soviet-Norwegian movie “And on the Rocks Trees Grow”. Two exact copies of the 9th-century Gokstad ship were built at the "Avangard" shipyard in Petrozavodsk specifically for the set. After filming ended in 1985, the director gifted them to the city as a sign of appreciation for its hospitality.

Over time, the wood deteriorated due to exposure to moisture and wind. To preserve the symbol beloved by locals, the old longships were replaced with new replicas in 2009. The modern drakkars were designed to be transportable and have a collapsible structure, while completely replicating the appearance of their predecessors, including the complex rigging and carved elements.

From a historical perspective, the choice of location for the ships is no coincidence. It was through these waters that the trade routes of northern seafarers passed during the early Middle Ages. Drakkars (from the Old Norse for "dragon ship") were fast and maneuverable warships capable of entering even shallow rivers, making them a formidable weapon and the ideal means of transport for the Vikings.

To simply examine the carving details and take a few memorable photos, 15–20 minutes is enough for most tourists. The attraction is outdoors and access is free, so there is no need to set aside a lot of time for a specific visit.

However, if you plan a leisurely stroll along the embankment with a stop at nearby cafes or to enjoy the panorama of the castle, it is better to allocate about one hour. This time is quite sufficient to enjoy the atmosphere and the sea breeze of Salakka-Lahti Bay.

Since the longships are installed on an open embankment, they are available for viewing around the clock. You can come here at any time of day or night to admire their silhouettes in different lighting.

According to the official schedule, the site is open 24 hours a day: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours. This makes the drakkars an ideal point for late evening walks when the city lights give them a special charm.

Vyborg is a city with a rich past, and visiting the drakkars can easily be turned into a grand journey through history. Just steps away from the embankment, narrow streets lead to major medieval monuments and cozy squares.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see the city from different perspectives: from powerful fortifications to elegant architectural monuments of different eras.