Vikings: The Immersive Experience Launches in London This Spring
A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition dedicated to the Viking Age is set to open in London this March, promising visitors a cinematic and multi-sensory journey through Norse mythology, legendary conquests, and historical insights. Vikings: The Immersive Experience will be hosted at Dock X in Canada Water, offering a far more engaging and interactive encounter than traditional television dramas or battlefield myths.
Step Into the World of Viking Royalty
At the core of this innovative exhibition lies the formidable family of King Ragnar Lodbrok and the wise, mystical Queen Kraka, also known as Aslaug, alongside their legendary sons: Ivar the Boneless, Bjorn Ironside, Hvitserk, and Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye. Unlike many historical retellings, this experience places Queen Kraka firmly at the centre of the saga, tracing her remarkable transformation from a disguised peasant woman to a powerful völva, or seeress, strategist, and queen whose wisdom profoundly influenced one of history's most feared dynasties.
Creative director Mitch Sebastian emphasised her pivotal role, stating: "Kraka was the bedrock of this dynasty. She wasn't just a queen — she was a prophet, a warrior and a mother who shaped the future rulers of the North. This exhibition restores her to her rightful place in the Ragnar sagas."
A Multi-Sensory Adventure Through Time
Blending state-of-the-art technology with rich historical narrative, the exhibition invites guests to step directly into the Viking era. Elaborate physical sets include:
- A full-scale Forest of Time, where visitors can explore Norse rituals, daily life, and beliefs through interactive touchscreens, audio guides, replica artefacts, and even a Viking knot-tying station.
- A towering mythological World Tree, known as Yggdrasil, symbolising the interconnectedness of the Norse cosmos.
- A real-life Viking longship positioned at the heart of the action, which transforms throughout the performance.
Using high-resolution video mapping, immersive sound design, and virtual reality, the experience transports attendees to 9th-century Scandinavia and the lands once conquered by Viking warriors. The journey begins in 793 AD, marking the year of the Viking raid on Lindisfarne, before progressing through a mist-filled portal called the Mist of Time.
Cinematic Storytelling and Interactive Elements
From the Mist of Time, guests enter a 30-minute immersive cinematic show featuring sweeping projections, original music, and dramatic storytelling. This cinematic centrepiece vividly brings to life the love story of Queen Kraka and Ragnar, as well as an epic tale of love, prophecy, vengeance, and conquest.
The narrative culminates with the rise of the Sons of Kraka, allowing visitors to virtually stand alongside the brothers as they assemble the Great Heathen Army and sail towards England, thereby fulfilling their mother's prophecies and reshaping European history.
Accessible and Engaging for All Ages
Inspired by the popularity of the Vikings television series but grounded in historical research, the exhibition offers a deeper exploration of the fiercely proud and complex Viking society. Designed to be inclusive for all ages, it features a dedicated Junior VR adventure tailored for younger visitors, making it an ideal destination for families, school groups, history enthusiasts, and fans of Norse mythology alike.
Tickets are competitively priced, starting from £19 for children and £23 for adults, with VIP and concession options also available. Interested visitors can currently sign up to the waitlist via the official Vikings: The Immersive Experience website to secure their spot for this unforgettable historical adventure.
