The woodworker

Woodwork, big and small

The woodworkers are always busy building and repairing houses, furniture and fittings. Their workshop is in Ripa Town, AD 825, but you may come across them anywhere at Ribe VikingeCenter. Watch how skilfully they handle their tools, and take a closer look at the impressive quality of the hand-forged tools they work with.

In the Viking Age, craftspeople spent a great deal of time on repairs and maintenance. And even then, they probably had plenty of creative excuses when a job was not finished on time. So hang around the workshop for a while. The floor is soft underfoot with wood shavings, and half-finished projects lie here and there. Curious about the tools? Just ask the woodworker when you see him.

Have a go with a drawknife

Visit the woodworker in Ripa Town and try your hand at one of the shaving horses, working the wood with a drawknife.

It is worth buying an activity card at the entrance. As well as trying your hand at woodworking, the card lets you strike your own Ripa silver coin and have a go at shooting a longbow.