Rosala by boat – a Viking day in the Hitis archipelago

The Rosala Viking Centre is a museum and visitor centre that presents the Iron Age history of the archipelago and Finland. The first reconstructed Viking house was built in 1992, inspired by the archaeological excavations at Kyrksundet. Today the Viking village has almost 30 sights, such as the chieftain's hall Rodeborg, the house of an eastern trader, a smithy, the Helga chapel and a stone labyrinth.

The Vikings' Eastern Route (Austrvegr) ran as a sheltered passage right through the Hitis archipelago, and Kyrksundet between Hitis and Rosala was a harbour and trading place possibly as early as the 9th century. Arriving by boat, you follow the same route as the Vikings once did.

The Viking village has two reconstructed Viking ships: the 17-metre warship Alvilda, which resembles the Oseberg ship, and the smaller Hogland, a copy of the only Viking Age wreck found in Finland. The Viking Centre is a second-generation family business.

The trip especially suits families with children and groups who are interested in history. In the Viking village you can try archery, fencing with safe practice weapons, Viking warrior gear and games such as varpa and Mölkky.

The entrance fee to the Viking village and museum includes a short introduction and a guide map. Tickets are sold in advance and on site at the café.

Café Tuuliruusu and the museum shop are free to enter, so you can come for lunch even if you do not visit the museum. During the summer season the café serves lunch every day, and at other times it offers small savoury dishes. The café is licensed and serves, among other things, mead and the Viking Centre's own Rosala Viking Beer, a honey beer.

In summer the chieftain's hall Rodeborg serves a soup lunch, and on certain days a Viking-themed dinner, both booked in advance. For groups the Viking Centre also arranges Chieftain's Feasts and guided tours.

The museum shop sells Viking-themed jewellery, replicas, books and toys, and bikes can be rented at the Viking Centre.

Plan your refuelling in advance: the guest harbour in Kasnäs sells 98 petrol. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.

The Viking Centre's opening hours vary by season, so check them on the centre's website before you go.

At the Viking Centre you can stay overnight the Viking way in the chieftain's hall Rodeborg. The hall has two family rooms and the chieftain's room, and you can also sleep in an alcove of the great hall. There are also Viking tents. The price includes made-up beds, towels, an evening sauna and breakfast, and it is worth combining your stay with dinner in the chieftain's hall.

For individual guests, accommodation is available in the summer season and during certain holidays, and the Hitis archipelago also has other accommodation. Moor the boat for the night at Nötholm guest harbour.

When you rent the Buster Magnum from us for several days or even a week, you can stay the night and continue your trip the next day. Book accommodation directly with the provider.