The Mission
“The aim of the Draken Harald Hårfagre project is to explore the world and embrace the Viking spirit – to look beyond the horizon and seek adventure and to inspire people to take on challenges.”
Sigurd Aase, owner and the man behind the project.
The Story
In 2008 the building of Draken Harald Hårfagre was initiated by the Norwegian entrepreneur Sigurd Aase. Incredibly determined, he persuaded the most reputable ship builders and historians in Scandinavia to undertake the project of creating a seaworthy Viking ship, much larger than the ones found in excavations.
What started as a passionate interest in history led to the construction of the largest Viking ship ever built in modern times.
Sailing
Launched in 2012, Draken Harald Hårfagre spent her first two years being tested and refined along the Norwegian coast. In 2014, she completed her first ocean voyage from Haugesund to Liverpool and back.
In 2016, Draken set sail across the North Atlantic, reaching North America. Over the following years, she visited 28 cities across the U.S. and Canada, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard.