The Saga Farmann, a 20-metre replica of a Viking trading ship, recently completed a journey from Tønsberg, Norway, to Istanbul, Turkey, retracing historic trade routes. Managed by the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation, the project demonstrates the viability of traditional maritime construction methods—using hand-chopped timber and iron rivets—to navigate modern European waterways and the Black Sea.
Engineering a Viking Trading Vessel
The Saga Farmann serves as a functional replica of the Klåstad ship, an original trading vessel discovered in a Norwegian farmer’s field in 1970 and dated to approximately AD 998. According to Lars Bill, chair of the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation, the construction process began in 2014 with a focus on historical accuracy.
Builders utilized traditional Viking techniques, including shaping wood with axes and employing replica tools. A blacksmith produced thousands of iron rivets by hand, one at a time, to hold the hull together. This labor-intensive method was chosen specifically to preserve and showcase the craftsmanship of the Viking Age rather than to prioritize modern convenience.
Viking ships lack a keel, which makes them susceptible to drifting. Navigating them requires significant physical strength to manage heavy, thick ropes.
Challenges of Retracing Ancient Trade Routes
The vessel’s voyage to Istanbul—known as “Miklagard” or “the great city” in Old Norse—covered roughly 2,175 miles (3,500km). The crew, consisting of about 12 rotating volunteers, faced harsh living conditions. Sleeping on deck under tents and dealing with rot in the cabin caused by seawater bilge were standard realities of the journey.
According to Bill, the voyage required intense logistical coordination. The crew sailed up the Rhine and down the Danube rivers, passing through major landmarks like London’s Tower Bridge. Crossing the Black Sea presented a challenge; the crew departed from southern Bulgaria at 2 a.m., sailing for 24 hours straight into the Bosphorus Strait to reach their destination.
The Future of Experimental Archaeology
What began as a single mission to Istanbul evolved into an ongoing maritime project. After reaching Turkey, the foundation opted to keep the ship in service rather than returning it to the Nordics. The crew now completes one voyage per year, exploring waters around Croatia, Italy, and France.
By spending six to eight weeks annually on the ship, volunteers gain firsthand experience in sailing techniques from 1,000 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the ship maintained between voyages? The foundation keeps the Saga Farmann in storage between trips.
- How do crew members prepare for these journeys? Most volunteers join for two-week stints and learn to sail the replica vessel from scratch.
- Are these ships safe in modern weather? The crew must manually pump out water that enters the ship. While the design was remarkably steady, a big wave breaking into the ship would have sunk them.
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