The Ribe House
/ Silversmith's House

Wayland Smith has been taken prisoner and brought to the island of Sævarstad, where he must forge rings and jewellery for King Nidud. The king's two sons, however, are greedy… The boys got up early the next morning, while it was still dark, and rowed across to Sævarstad, looking forward to choosing the best rings for themselves. But as they bent over the chest, rummaging amongst the rings, Wayland cut off their heads; their bodies he threw into the forge, but their skulls he polished, inlaid with silver and made into drinking goblets.

(Translated from “Vølund Smed” as told by Niels Saxtorp)

This house could perhaps have been the workshop and domicile of the town’s silversmith and his family. The silverworks of the Viking Age range from simple and fairly primitive objects to highly sophisticated pieces of craftsmanship, fully comparable to the finest works achievable with modern techniques and technologies. The Vikings too were familiar with hammering, drawing, braiding and casting precious metals into jewelry, buckles, drinking vessels and more.

The silversmith often travels abroad and when he is away, other travelling artisans are allowed to make use of his house. In 825, Ribe is a hub of commerce for both local and international traders, so the town welcomes a number of visitors every year.
If the door is not locked you are always welcome to come inside! And do not be alarmed by the sound of foreign tongues – it could just be an opportunity to peruse new wares and a chance to meet and make new friends.