Caen. Army of children, Viking writing, Pocke game: Ornavik Park rolls out the red carpet for the youngest

The Ornavik Historical Park: A Journey into the Viking World

“It has become an essential event. Every year, just after the official opening of the park and the arrival of spring, the park dedicates three days to children and the whole family to immerse them in the world of the Vikings,” explains Samuel Barth, tourism manager at the Ornavik Historical Park. “Our park is animated by a team of volunteers from the Vikings An 911 association. They are merchants, residents, artisans, farmers,” adds Samuel. Located on the Beauregard estate in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, the park was created as a true dive into the era of the Carolingians and the Vikings around a village from the 10th and 11th centuries completely reconstructed, welcoming over 1,200 visitors over the three days of the festival.

A Rich Program of Activities

Among the activities offered over these three days, there is one very popular with the young audience. It involves children dressed as they were in the 11th century, prepared to fight against a lord who had betrayed Duke William of Normandy. Military techniques and a scenario animated by the Company Dex Aître, specialized in medieval historical reenactment. “We won’t reveal who wins the battle. We’ll let you discover,” says Samuel Barth. Children from age 4 will learn how to set up mini-tents, while older ones will be introduced to Viking writing or play games like Werewolf in Ornavik mode or the pouque game.

A True Human Adventure

“Speaking of novelties, what immediately comes to mind are our civic services that are renewed every year, and as each of them has good ideas, there are always resulting novelties,” emphasizes Samuel. Ornavik is a collective project in constant evolution led by the association. It offers up to 16 civic service missions in the fields of cultural mediation, communication, or tools for young people aged 16 to 25.

A Major Project Coming to the Park

In 2027, the Ornavik Park will be equipped with a 2,000m² Viking interpretation center. A unique project in France that will offer a permanent exhibition of the Viking epic, from its birth to its end. “But we will have the opportunity to discuss this again and we will keep you informed of the opening of this beautiful project,” concludes the park’s tourism manager.

Practical Information: The Ornavik Park is open from 10:30 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. Open from April to November. Prices range from 10 to 43 euros. Reservations can be made online at Ornavik.fr or by phone at 02 31 27 14 14. On-site catering is available.